by admin | Jul 28, 2013 | Fernie TransRockies
The 12th, and final edition, of the TransRockies Challenge kicked off this morning in fantastic Fernie! 300 mountain bikers lined up for the start of the TR3 and TR7 events on what would be an exceptionally fast stage covering 33km and 1600m of elevation gain.
The format of Stage One has traditionally been a time trial. This year organizers decided to ‘mix things up’ by redesigning this stage and moving to a mass start format. The ride would begin with a road climb before leading the riders onto their first stretch of singletrack, and first of two climbs, up the legendary Hyperventilation trail.
In years past, Stage One often served as an opportunity for the elite in the field to stretch out their legs and size up the competition. The dry and dusty trails set up nicely for a very fast stage and it became apparent early on that there would be no warm-up stage this year. From the starting gun, a strong Euro contingent demonstrated they came to Canada to compete. In the TR7 Solo Men’s category, Oliver Zurbruegg of Switzerland set the pace with a time of 1:52:17 followed by Swede Calle Friberg and Paul Remy of France. 2012 TR3 champion Mical Dyck came through as the ladies TR7 Solo leader with a time of 2:16:03. Leighton Poidevin was first across the line in the 40+ Men with Pedro Vieira of Portugal taking the 50+ Men’s Stage One win.
As the morning wore on the temperature began to rise and the field was sweating hard as they ground their way up Hyperventilation for a second time. This time, however, they would be bound for a rewarding descent down Southern Comfort and a quick spin back to town. In what may be a first in TransRockies history, a 100+ duo posted the fastest time of the day in the TR7 team event. It should come as no surprise that a team composed of a former world Mountain Bike Champion and a former Xterra World Champion would be quick. Mike Kloser and Michael Tobin posted a time of 2:04:24, one minute in front of the TR7 Open Men’s duo of Sebestien Cadieux Duval and Marc-Andre Daigle. The TR7 80+ men were lead by Geoff Clarke and Juancito Garcia Casatti with a dominating 17 minute win in 2:32:11.
The duo of Jodie Willet and Cathryn Zeglinksi, who met at the Cape Epic and reside in Australia and Canada respectively, put in a solid Stage One effort by clocking 2:37:56 for the win in the Open Women’s division of the TR7. Open mixed team of Daniela Storch and Lutz Baumgaertel from Germany recorded a time of 2:21:41 to open up a 9 minute lead over Trish Grajczyk and Steve Walsh of Canmore, Alberta’s Deadgoat Racing.
The TR3 solo side of the event is broken down into 4 categories this year: Open Men, Open Women, 40+ Men and 40+ Women. Matt Hadley of Canmore, Alberta took top spot on the Open Men’s podium in a time of 1:56:28. Xterra World Champion Melanie McQuaid opened up a one minute and 18 second lead over 2012 TR7 Champion Sandra Walter in the Women’s Open category clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes and 13 seconds. The 50+ Men were lead by Tony Routley of Team Whistler in 2:19:14.
In 2012 Jeff Neilson of Calgary placed 2nd behind Ian Auld in the 40+ Men’s division. Auld had a challenging day on the trail with a whopping 5 flats. Neilson took the stage by 4 minutes and 49 seconds ahead of Dan Peters with a time of 2:11:43. Time will tell if Auld can make up a 20 minute deficit over the final two stages.
Stage Two will again see the riders start and finish on historic Victoria Ave in Fernie. They’ll stick to the east side of Fernie with a 44.5km route featuring 1700m of elevation gain on the Porky Blue Loop.
Detailed race results can be found here.
by admin | Dec 23, 2012 | Fernie TransRockies
Just when you thought your 2013 trail running calendar was filled to the max with dirty fun…
Introducing a new ultra and relay trail run in fantastic Fernie, BC. This event is tentatively scheduled for June, 2013 and will feature the exceptional trail system in and around Fernie. The projected 6 legs, ranging in length from 10-20km and totaling 80-100km over 4000+ metres of elevation gain, will provide runners with the option of running solo or building a team of 2-6 athletes and covering the course in a relay.
Given the extensive trail system built, in large part, with the support of the Fernie Trails Alliance, this event will offer up some of the best and most challenging trail running around. For those unaccustomed to Fernie, the views in this part of Rockies are unparalleled. Legs of the run will feature stretches through beautiful old growth forests, climbs to high alpine vistas and speedy descents with stops at Fernie Alpine Resort and Island Lake Lodge. All this and the comforts of a worldclass resort town and exceptional course support courtesy of the crew at TransRockies Events.
Registration is set to open early 2013 so stayed tuned for more information!
by admin | Jun 28, 2012 | Fernie TransRockies
Fernie will again play host to the start and first three days of the TransRockies from July 28th to 30th! The TransRockies Challenge is one of the most recognized and revered mountain bike stage races in the world. Part of what makes this event so special is Fernie being the cornerstone. Being home to the best mountain bike trail network in the Rockies is only part of why Fernie has hosted all 11 TransRockies, support from local riders, spectators, businesses and the City has grown the event to three stages.
Stage One features the traditional time trial stage of past years with a start and finish on Victoria Ave in Historic Downtown Fernie. In the time trial, riders start in one-minute intervals and finish throughout the day creating endless entertainment. Bleachers and patios will be available to watch the action.
Stage Two offers a great addition with a new and exciting route from the Downtown to Fernie Alpine Resort with a Griz party and finish in the village plaza. This stage is also the introduction of the TransFondo Fernie.
The TransFondo Fernie is a single stage tour that will offer a ‘taste’ of the TransRockies experience. Limited to 100 spots, this non-competitive ride is designed to introduce new racers to the TransRockies experience.
In Stage Three riders will complete their legendary Fernie experience with a challenging climb of FAR’s Lungbuster before heading to Island Lake Lodge’s Mount Baldy and a rewarding descent into the lap of luxury. The Lodge will play host to an outdoor TR3 awards ceremony, post race party and rider accommodation.
Spectators and fans are welcome to join the festivities at all venues. Space is still available across all events including the TransFondo Fernie.
The Blackstone Kids’ Bike Rally has become a big part of the TransRockies experience and this is the 6th year of hosting the event in Fernie’s downtown! Following the Stage Two start on Sunday July 29th at 9:30am, kids’ aged 3 to 9 will be facing a fun and educational bike rally around Fernie’s downtown. The event is free and is limited to the first 100 kids to register. Registration is at Straightline Bikes in Downtown Fernie.
Without our supporters this event would not be possible, we offer them a huge thanks for their ongoing commitment.
The official sponsors of the Blackstone Fernie TransRockies include Blackstone, Fernie Real Estate, Parastone Development, Straightline Skis & Bikes, Overwaitea Foods, Island Lake Lodge, Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Fix, Fernie Free Press, Fernie Getaways, Lizard Creek Lodge, Stanford Hotels & Resorts, Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge, Red Tree Lodge, The Fernie Lodging Company and The Raging Elk.
Blackstone is an environmentally sensitive master plan mountain community that is currently completing its planning and approvals stage. It will feature an 18-hole championship golf course designed by David McLay Kidd.
For more information or to volunteer please contact Dan Savage at 250-531-0230 or transrockies@fernie.com
by admin | Apr 27, 2012 | Fernie TransRockies
Big news from the team at TransRockies! In the style and spirit of the Gran Fondo road cycling tours, the team at TransRockies Events is excited to present a unique mountain bike experience: TransRockies Challenge TransFondo Fernie.
For 2012 the TransRockies Challenge will feature a single stage tour in Fernie that will offer you the opportunity to experience the TransRockies Challenge in a non-competitive format. If you’ve ever wondered if the TRC is for you, or if you just want to come back for a day, the TransFondo Fernie stage tour will give you a ‘taste’ of what the TRC is all about: exceptional single track riding in the heart of Fernie.
Limited to only 100 riders, this is the first time it will be possible to ride an awesome TRC stages in a single day format. The TRC TransFondo seeks to emulate the experience of the grand tours of Italy and the Gran Fondo Highwood Pass. Instead of taking to the open road, we invite you to explore the trails of Fernie. You will be treated to a glimpse of the TransRockies Challenge experience in a relaxed and non-competitive format. Starting 5 minutes after the main field you can ride as hard and fast or easy and relaxed as you like and enjoy the exceptional surroundings and interesting company. In addition to spectacular riding, unparalleled organization and a well marked course, your entry includes two stocked checkpoints, medical support, a delicious post stage dinner with slideshow and a TRC Louis Garneau bike jersey (Retail $90).
TransFondo Fernie – On July 29th, TransFondo Fernie will feature the course offered on stage 2 of the TransRockies Challenge. The tour will highlight some of the best riding on the north side of Fernie, including trails such as Mad Cow, Swine Flu, and Dem Bones. With a projected distance of 30km of primarily singletrack, this stage will challenge and thrill riders of all ability levels. The stage will finish at Fernie Alpine Resort.
Registration for Fernie is set to open May 1st with Early Bird pricing of $149.00 in effect until June 1st. Pricing after June 1st will be $169.00. Register here now!
by admin | Aug 13, 2011 | Fernie TransRockies
Fernie celebrates 10 years of hosting the TranRockies with TR7 ( seven day team) victories in both men’s and women’s open classes.
Martin Vale and Carter Hovey battled trough mechanical issues to win three stages and finish on top. They started stage seven two minutes behind and rode hard to win the final stage.
Krista Turcasso and Angie Brynes blew the women’s field away with 6 stage wins and a margin well over an hour. They finished second on stage 7 due to minor injuries and mechanical issues however were the fastest women’s team by far.
Fernie has had many teams participate over the ten years however none have stood on top of the podium. The only Fernie team to take a title was in 2008 when Angie Bryans and teammate won silver in the women’s open.
Fernie is the only community to have hosted all ten TransRockies and it is very rewarding to have such strong finishes this year!
Here are the generous sponsors who are responsible for Fernie’s success with the transrockies:
Blackstone is an environmentally sensitive master plan mountain community that is currently completing its planning and approvals stage. It will feature an 18-hole championship golf course designed by David McLay Kidd.
Other official sponsors of the Blackstone Fernie TransRockies include Fernie Real Estate, Tinhorn Creek Winery, 901 Fernie, Straightline Skis & Bikes, Fernie Brewing Co., Overwaitea Foods, Fernie Free Press, Fernie Fix, Fernie Getaways, Lizard Creek Lodge, Stanford Hotels & Resorts, Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge, Red Tree Lodge, Fernie Alpine Resort, The Fernie Lodging Company and The Raging Elk.
