More than 800 riders from across North America are getting set to descend on 麻豆社国产to compete in the 16th annual North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal on Saturday (June 18).
The 67-kilometre course attracts some of the top riders on the continent and this year is no exception. Here are a few of the racers to watch for on race day:
Elite Male
Neal Kindree - The 麻豆社国产resident is a two-time Test of Metal winner (2006, 2007) and has made a strong return to the competitive mountain biking scene in 2011 after a serious knee injury in 2009. Kindree already has two 2011 Hell of a Series wins under his belt, winning the Orecrusher on May 14 and the NIMBY 50 on May 28. He's had an impressive career, winning the U23 National Mountain Bike Championships in 2006 and 2007, along with the Canada Cup in 2006. This year will mark the first time since 2007 that Kindree is participating in the race.
Marty Lazarski - After several years with close calls, this could be the year that the North Vancouver resident puts it all together. Lazarski placed third in last year's race, 30th in 2009 and second in 2008. He's also had a strong 2011 thus far, having finished second at the Orecrusher and dominating the North Shore Bike Fest. Lazarski has had a storied career, including a national championship in U23 cross-country and wins at the TransRockies and B.C. Bike Races.
Ricky Federau - The 2005 champion will look to again crack the podium after finishing 24th in the 2010 edition of the race. Federau also took part in the 2004 Test of Metal, placing third. The Abbotsford native won the Canadian National Championships in 2004, was third in 2005 and second in 2006. Federau won the inaugural Just Another Bike Race (JABR) in 2010 and this year finished second at the Sunshine Coaster and third at the Orecrusher.
Elite Female
Brandi Heisterman - It will be the second Test of Metal race for the Brackendale resident, having posted the fifth-best time at the 2010 edition of the race. Heisterman continued a strong year last season winning the Gearjammer and has carried that momentum into 2011. She picked up a first-place showing in both the Sunshine Coaster and the Orecrusher and is set to make an impact at this year's Test of Metal.
Catharine Pendrel - The most dominant female racer of the last four years will also be making her return to defend her championship. The New Brunswick native has put together quite a dynasty at the Test of Metal, winning three of the past four years (2007, 2009 and 2010). Pendrel brings forth quite a resum茅, with a 2010 World Cup championship and a fourth-place finish at the 2008 Summer Olympics to her credit.
Megan Rose - After two straight years of cracking the top 10, it could be a breakthrough year for this 麻豆社国产resident. Rose placed eighth in 2009 and followed that up with a seventh-place finish in 2010. She could be poised to step up her game after a strong start to the 2011 season. Rose placed third in the Elite Female division at the NIMBY 50 and then dominated the North Shore Bike Fest. This year she may finally get over the hump.
