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Cycling B.C. and the Test of Metal group of events are teaming up to create the ultimate tag team for youth cross country mountain bike riders in B.C.听
The partners aim to introduce a B.C. Youth XC Mountain Bike Series, based on the Test of Metal Group鈥檚 four renowned races in Squamish.
鈥淲e are very lucky to have this opportunity to work again with the Test of Metal Group,鈥� Richard Wooles, Cycling B.C. executive director, said in a statement. 鈥淭he new mountain bike series will feature shorter races within the Test of Metal events鈥� popular long-distance format to allow younger riders to get involved in the sport. It just makes sense.鈥�
Cycling B.C. will be on site at each of the Test of Metal Group races, starting with Orecrusher on听May 10, to manage logistics for the Cycling B.C. youth series. Shortened courses within the famous Test of Metal on听June 14, Gearjammer on听July 19, and Just Another Bike Race (JABR) on听Aug. 16听make up the rest of the 2014 B.C. Youth XC Mountain Bike Series.
鈥淭he series is a great start to increasing development opportunities to young mountain bikers in the province, part of Cycling B.C.鈥檚 mandate,鈥� said Barry Lyster, Cycling B.C. race and event co-ordinator. 鈥淭he shorter format makes mountain bike racing much more accessible to up-and-coming athletes who might be new to the sport or coming from a High School program.鈥�
Cliff Miller, Test of Metal Group of Events president, added that the Test of Metal fully supports the pursuits of young cyclists and this positive relationship with Cycling B.C. 鈥淲e have always supported youth cycling development and believe that providing these opportunities for youth strengthens and enhances our communities,鈥� he said.
Team 麻豆社国产coaching assistant Jan Toom said it should be a big boost for youth riders in B.C.
鈥淭his is a big step for both organizations and it directly benefits our Team 麻豆社国产athletes and all youth athletes in the province,鈥� he said. 鈥淜udos to Stewart Kerr, Cliff Miller, Richard Wooles and Barry Lyster and the others in both organizations that worked diligently behind the scenes to make this happen.鈥�
Riders who would like to take part in the 2014 B.C. Youth XC Mountain Bike Series events are asked to contact Lyster ([email protected]) to express their interest. Cycling B.C. representatives will be available at each event to answer any questions about the series.
Racers wishing to participate in the B.C. Youth XC Mountain Bike Series are required to sign up for the main event(s) in the Recreational ages 14-19 category. Registration can be accessed at www.testofmetal.com听or at听http://www.webscorer.com/testofmetalinc_reg. The Test of Metal is sold out; however, 4-Pack registration is still available for riders who wish to race in all four events. Individual entries are available for the Orecrusher, Gearjammer and Just Another Bike Race, as well as a 3-Pack registration for all three races.
Riders competing in the B.C. Youth XC Mountain Bike Series start the races with the main field. After passing through Cycling B.C.鈥檚 mandatory youth series finish line and making themselves known to Cycling B.C. representatives, riders who wish to continue and complete the full race course are welcome to do so. Cycling B.C. will track series points and award series leaders鈥� jerseys for the eligible U15, U17, and U19 women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 categories.
For more information, visit www.cyclingbc.net.
