Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
Blue skies and sunshine welcomed racers to the Stage 2 race this morning. With ideal riding weather, spirits seemed rejuvenated and the energy was high leaving the start line. The race began with a slow, controlled start behind the old Fernie fire truck then proceeded with a climb up Roots and Hyperventilation.
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
Jack Viney provides a recap of the ride:
“The beginning climb would be the last of the drier riding for the day as racers picked lines through the tricky steeps back down the other side. The wet weather riders stood out from the pack, putting time on others who we more cautious or bruised from a fall on stage one.
Although muddy, the first decent was still fast and fun, with plenty of sections to open up and really dig into the decent. An open road climb followed and the front pack settled into a fast rhythm which carried them to the top of another technical decent and through to the Ridgemont singletrack.
Another long climb faced the racers, however, this one allowed for some time to spin the legs with multiple switchbacks. Great trail design meant elevation was gained more easily than first climb. As the front end of the group pushed further away from the main field, racers enjoyed more of Ridgemont’s finest. Wet and rooted in sections meant everyone had to be on their game.
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
To close out the middle section of Stage Two, riders were tasked with the rolling and tight trail called Kush, one of many local’s favorites. Once out of the forest and onto some more open double track it was time to spin the legs out and hammer down to the start of Coal Discovery Trail. The trail head was the spin around point, flowy and fast at first, then more technical and wooded. Some riders used this long last section of the stage to gain time on rivals or at least blew up trying!”
Standings remained relatively consistent from the first day with Colin Kerr of Bowen Island once again taking the lead at 2:10:23 and Sandra Walter finishing first in the women’s category again at 2:20:56. Doug Krumpelman from Hayden, ID (4th yesterday) came in second overall at 2:12:27 while Shane Keyser from Calgary (2nd yesterday) came third at 2:12:47. Fernie local Carter Niewesteeg came second in his category at 2:25:26. Times took a wider spread today with a more challenging track, wrapping up around 2:30pm. For a complete list of standings, click Stage Two Results
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
The 8th Annual Kids Bike Rally, a town favourite, also commenced this morning shortly after the Stage 2 race. The sport’s littlest riders could be seen pedalling their hearts out downtown, in tow with fluorescent swag back packs and balloons attached to their bikes. Each participant received a race plate and report card to get stamped at several checkpoints. This year reached an incredible turn-out rate of over 100 kids. Bouncy castles and a clown were also present to cater to kid’s entertainment.
Riders will be resting up for tomorrow’s race at the ski hill which is said to be the “gnarly-ist” yet most thrilling ride of the set. Stage 3 commences at 9am from the plaza at Fernie Alpine Resort.
Photo Credit: Raven Eye Photography
Stay tuned tomorrow for further recap and more pictures of Day 3.
The Intense Fernie 3 would like to thank our sponsors including Intense Cycles USA who is the title sponsor of the Fernie 3. Both Fernie and Intense are legendary mountain brands with deep roots in pedal powered mountain endurance sports. Other sponsors include Montane Fernie, Smith Optics, Hammer Nutrition, Camelbak, Fernie Brewing Company, TinHorn Creek Winery, Parastone Developments, The Bridge Bistro, The Griz Inn, Park Place Lodge, Fernie Central Reservations, The Cedars, Stanford Inn, Red Tree Lodge, The Free Press, the Fernie Heritage Library, Extra Foods, The Fernie Hotel, and Fernie.com. Our event partners include the Fernie Trails Alliance, Fernie Alpine Resort, Island Lake Lodge, Tourism Fernie Association, Fernie Flyers Cycling and the City of Fernie.
