It wasn't quite a record but the Test of Metal managed to once again completely sell out in approximately 25 minutes on Jan. 1.
The annual New Year's Day registration saw 1,000 bikers plunk down $75 for a spot in the biggest local bike race of the year. It was the first time in the 17-year history of the event that 1,000 people registered. Last year saw all 800 spots gobbled up in approximately 23 minutes.
The reason for the 200-person increase in registration is the elimination of the waiting list. Test of Metal organizers pointed out that roughly 20 per cent of those who register do not end up riding, which led them to eliminate the waiting list and register more riders. Organizers also said that this will allow everyone registered on Jan. 1 the chance to start training early.
Registration for the race began Sunday (Jan. 1) at 6 p.m. and the popularity of the Test of Metal was proven after the early-bird, locals-only registration sold out in just over three hours on Dec. 1. This year's race is scheduled to take place on June 16.
The race, which has been running on its current course since 1996, attracts mountain bikers from around the world and has become one of the most anticipated events on the B.C. mountain biking calendar. The 67-kilometre course features more than 1,200 metres of climbing and 35 kilometres of singletrack racing.
Last year's race attracted riders from as far away as Hawaii and Japan. A total of 93 racers came from outside Canada, with participants representing six different provinces.
Past racers include Canadian Olympians Alison Sydor, Geoff Kabush, and Seamus McGrath, as well as celebrities such as Vancouver Canucks' icon Trevor Linden. The 2011 Test of Metal was won by Sechelt native Kris Sneddon, with Olympic hopeful Catharine Pendrel posting the top time for the women.
For more information on the race, visit www.testofmetal.com.
