The Grand Forks Cycling Club (GFCC) hosted its fifth annual Master’s racing events between July 22 and 24.
The Hill Climb of Hardy Mountain, the Individual Time Trial (ITT) of 40 km to Brown Creek and back, and the Road Race of 75 km up to the 38-km mark on the Granby Road and ending at the landfill site, were well attended by racers from the Kootenays and the Okanagan.
Master’s race directors from Vancouver and Victoria were also well represented. Brian Marsh (GFCC) won the Hill Climb with a time of 10:52 and Frank Phipps was just behind at 11:03.
Very respectable times were recorded by Andrew McKinlay (11:33), Robb Sebastian (11:52) and Murray Behl (13:04).
The fastest ITT was posted by Don Gilmore (aged 44), with a time of 54:27.
Our very own Brian Marsh (age 54), who hails from Castlegar, was just seconds behind with a time of 54:42 – that is a 44 km/hour pace. Wow!
GFCC’s Nipper Kettle, who resides in Greenwood, had a great time of 1:07 with an average heart rate of 177 during the 40 km route. Olav Stana from Salmon Arm (in the 55 to 59 age group) won the 75 km Road Race in a time of 1:51:40.
Brian Marsh was just seconds behind and placed second in his age group.
Robb Sebastian and Andrew McKinlay placed first in their age groups racing at a pace of 38 km/hour.
Frank Phipps pulled hard for two km to launch them into their positions. Noel Fisher, Murray Behl, Nipper Kettle and Pierre Peron raced hard at 37km/hour on the hilly course. Some riders are over 75 years old – a fitness miracle.
Many comments were heard about the organization, attentive volunteers and friendly people of Grand Forks. Race director Gary Babin greatly appreciated the dedicated efforts of Laura Carlson, Shelley and Murray Behl and all the volunteers who helped make this a great event.
This Master’s event, which was labeled as one of the most scenic courses in the province by Master’s directors, was sponsored by Pharmasave, Buy Low, Overwaitea and Extra Foods with road flagging from Crews Control. The club thanks all those drivers who slowed down and drove around.
Our next event is a Four-Person Team Time Trial on Aug. 14, so please check our webpage www.grandforkscyclingclub.com for all the details.