Monthly Archives: September 2014
2014 GPCQM Sprint Challenge
With the pair of Grand Prix races starting tomorrow, today saw the 4th annual Sprint Challenge. It’s a fun concept: each team fields one rider for the 1k course in a knockout tournament. Understandably, some riders take it more seriously than others but it’s still a fun warm up race to the upcoming main events. … Continue reading
2014 Tour of Alberta stage 5
I don't think the clouds checked the weather forecast today. There was supposed to be a 20% chance of showers, but instead it was a steady rain through much of the morning. Rather than make the riders stay in the rain any longer than necessary, Andrea and I were happy to forego autographs and wander … Continue reading
2014 Tour of Alberta stage 4
Let's take a moment to appreciate the official race vehicles. A couple of days ago, the photographers and race crew started to recognize Andrea and I. Since we were at the sign on with plenty of time (and there was hardly a soul there who wasn't working for the race), the announcer Dave Towle … Continue reading
2014 Tour of Alberta stage 3
While waiting for the first of the riders to sign on, race announcer Dave Towle called up Canadian former cyclist Gord Fraser for a chat. Andrea and I flipped and flopped about which one of two spots we wanted to be in for the sign on but we decided to stay put when we … Continue reading
2014 Tour of Alberta stage 2
After yesterday's monsoon, which left my shoes soaking well through the following afternoon, today's mild temperatures and even bursts of sunshine were particularly appreciated. There was a good turnout at the arrival town of Red Deer's festival. Andrea and I grabbed some space on a sweeping corner and got ready to watch the peloton … Continue reading
2014 Tour of Alberta stage 1
Stage 1 of the second annual Tour of Alberta headed south of Calgary for six laps around Lethbridge. Here's the most important thing you need to know about today in Lethbridge: it rained. Now, I've stood in some good downpours at the races before, but the merciful weather gods have typically allowed a scalding … Continue reading
2014 Tour of Alberta prologue
This is my first time being between Vancouver and, oh say, Hamilton, Ontario in Canada. So why am I in beautiful Alberta? For the Tour of Alberta of course! The 4 kilometer prologue through Canada Olympic Park, home of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics (remember the Jamaican bobsled team?), featured a massive climb … Continue reading