Endurance racing is not easy. There are days when riders could turn around and go home. One such day was Stage 6 at the 2009 TransRockies. A long day was made more difficult by another day of rain, and trails that were softened and rutted from the previous 48 hours. Despite the challenge, the teams persevered, many with smiles and good spirits despite the obstacles.
Just wondering if you had fun out there. TransRockies photo
It was a tremendous effort by all, but Team Amarante in particular fought hard to secure their first category win. Joao Marinho held onto Jose Silva, his partner, as Silva was too exhausted to lift his head. It was rare that slower teams finished better than winners. They were likely more prepared for the cold conditions at top of climbs and had more clothing and jackets than winners, who went out with only the minimum.
With hopes of better weather, the day began in Elkford. Low-lying fog was visible, but patches of blue suggested that the rain that had soaked the riders in previous stages might have stopped. Elkford residents had shown the warmth and hospitality that makes it a favorite stop at TransRockies. They graciously accommodated riders in their spare rooms and took loads of dirty laundry home for them to return to them when they arose from another delicious breakfast.
The day was not brighter than expected. Thunder and chilling rain hit the field just before checkpoint 1. This is at the base of the climb over Deadmans Pass, and the Continental Divide. There were 70km left to ride so conservation of energy was more important than straight competition. The locals looked at the riders riding down Main Street in Crowsnest Pass as though they were aliens, their feet soaked in mud and covered head to toe.
Despite all the drama of the day, there was very little GC movement in field and the Rocky Mountain Factory Team maintained their overall lead. The stage host Nipika Mountains Resort was the Scallion sisters. They won their fourth stage, and they still hold the Open Womens category lead. Mical Dyck, a national team rider, and Craig Neilson, her partner, continued their sweep of the Open Mixed Division with a top-5 overall and another dominant performance.
Tomorrow marks the final stretch in Fernie, and the town is throwing a party for all the riders. Fernie has been part of TransRockies since 2002. The town knows the hardships involved in completing the toughest mountain bike stage race in the world. The TransRockies 2009 edition has been incredibly challenging due to the unseasonable weather. This will make it even more exciting for those who reach Fernie, and get the toughest tee-shirt in mountain bike. Stage 6 Results: Click here to see the complete Stage and overall results. Click HERE
You can also visit the photo galleries that we have been posting every day on our site HERE.
Stage 7 Preview
Stage 7: Crowsnest Pass Fernie, BC
74.8km/ 1293m climbing/ 1633m descending
The last stage of an epic race.
With a full range of Rocky Mountain singletrack adventure ahead, the final stage of 2009 will leave Crowsnest Pass, a historic coal mining community. A high altitude start has the advantage that the climb up to Tent Mountain Pass’s Continental Divide is quite easy. The course winds through ex-coal-mining terrain before reaching Fernie via a famous speedway of singletrack. To the cheers and applause of thousands, you will finish at Fernies historical Victoria Avenue.
