One thing you can count on at the TransRockies Challenge is that, at some point, it will rain. The riders woke this morning to ominous skies and, with the 9 AM start looming, a light rain began to fall. After two hot days on the trail the consensus seemed to be that a little rain would help to improve trail conditions and keep the dust clouds down. Rain had not fallen in Fernie since late June so it was well received by everyone.
Ten minutes from start time organizers were informed that a moose and her two calf’s were on the Project 9 trail and had been pepper sprayed in self defense by our photographer. To maintain rider safety, a route change was enacted quickly by the Fernie Trails Alliance course crew. Riders would skip the Project 9 descent and, instead, climb Stove Trail and descend Dem Bones before continuing on the previously planned route.
Fernie’s Jesse Moog had a very strong performance with a 3nd place finish in men’s TR7 40+ solo. Just last week Jesse rode to a 2nd place finish in the 24hr solo category in Canmore—this is some of the best riding we have seen from him!
TR3 Recap:
Today would be the final ride for the TR3 competitors and they set out to enjoy one last day on the trail or, for the elite riders, solidify their place on the podium. Melanie McQuaid, in the Women’s Open, and Tony Routley, in the Men’s 50+, each scored a hat trick with their third straight victories. McQuaid would do so in 2:07:46, wrapping up her Open Women’s crown by a margin of 2 minutes and 17 seconds. Routley dominated his category today with a 6 minute victory in a time of 2:13:47 and claimed the overall title by over 24 minutes.
At the conclusion of stage two, the top two men in the Open division were separated by only 1 minute and 34 seconds. After a third place finish yesterday, Matt Hadley regained the top spot on the stage podium clocking a time of 1:49:41 and capturing the overall title ahead of Michiel Van Aelbroeck and Mike Vine. The 40+ Men saw Cameron York pick up his first stage win. However, Jeff Neilson would retain his overall lead and add the TR3 title to his resume after winning the TR4 in 2012.
TR7 Solo Recap:
Over the first two days, the TR7 Solo category has provided some interesting racing. Today would be no exception. On the second to last climb, Calle Friberg made a move and dropped the field. Unfortunately, a missed turn would send him down the incorrect trail and back to the finish line. In an amazing effort, Friberg retraced his tracks and rejoined the race, going on to finish the stage in an amazing 8th place but dropping back almost 17 minutes in the general classification. Cory Wallace would notch his first stage win, and the fastest time of the day, in 1:44:58 with Oliver Zurbruegg who maintains his overall lead.
Three days of racing have taken place and three separate ladies have stood atop the Women’s Open podium. Jean Ann Berkenpas would take her turn today with a 2 second win over Mical Dyck in a time of 2:08:32. Leighton Poidevin continued his winning ways with a third victory in the 40+ Men’s division while building his overall classification lead to 5 minutes and 49 seconds over Pat Doyle. Beat Zumstein claimed his 2nd victory of the event with a 50+ Men’s leading time of 2:19:03.
TR7 Team Recap:
If anything, the racing across the divisions has been consistent. Over the first two stages the duo of Sebestian Cadieux Duval and Marc-Andre Daigle of team Louis Garneau – Quebec have posted victories and each day they have been followed by the same two teams in the same order. Today would be no different with a win in a time of 1:56:13 over Martin Moeberg Hansen and Morten Abel Jensen of team Racing 29 and Sam Barger and Adam Engell of team Republic Wireless. The story was the same on the Open Mixed side and in the 80+ Men’s division. Lutz Baumgaertel and Daniela Storch (team Scott Generation) took their third win along with Geoff Clark and Juancito Garcia Casatti. Cathryn Zeglinski and Jodie Willet kept the pattern going with their 3rd trip to the top of the podium in the Open Women.
The Sram XX1 team of Michael Tobin and Mike Kloser continue to impress. Never in TransRockies history has there been a team in the Men’s 100+ compete so closely with the Open Men’s leaders. Tobin and Kloser posted their third straight 100+ win in a time of 1:58:23 and are a total of one minute and 43 seconds behind team Louis Garneau-Quebec after three stages. Truly amazing considering the combined 48 year age difference between the two teams.
The TransRockies Challenge said goodbye to Fernie one final time after a very long history, one that has placed Fernie at the top of Western Canadian riding destinations. Fernie was the only community to host all 12 TransRockies Challenges and was saddened to see the international field of riders depart for the final time. A part of the event however will live on with the launch of the Fernie TR3 in 2014. On June 28th, 29th and 30th riders will be welcomed back to ride some of the epic Fernie trails in a premiere all mountain cross country mountain bike event. More information and registration to follow at www.transrockies.com in the coming weeks.
Fernie has been home to the TransRockies Challenge for 12 years so its no surprise that the Calgary based events organization is hosting new events in Fernie. This June 29 and 30th they will be hosting the 1st Annual Fernie Ultra and Enduro!
The Fernie Ultra is a solo and relay trail run. It is being held on June 29th and is bringing the Ultra format of trail running to Fernie. It will treat runners to a challenging and beautiful route, covering approximately 80km with 3000m of climbing to spectacular alpine vistas. Look for the inclusion of Sherwoody, Tamarack, Verboten, Mushroom Head, Hyperventilation trails with Transition Areas at Island Lake Lodge, Fernie’s Annex Park, Coal Creek and Ridgemont.
Local runners that will be participating include: Bob Maudie, Heather Mong, Min Merrett, Kim Shopland, Francesca Ter Poorten
The Fernie Enduro, Sunday, June 30th, will feature a pure format enduro, 39 km route with four timed technical descents. Riders will be ranked in the enduro results – with only the descents timed, and in the cross country results – with a time for the entire 38.7km course. With four descents totaling 1,822m, the Fernie Enduro will offer a World Class Enduro experience. The route will feature four epic Fernie descents:
Enduro is the hottest new format in mountain biking, combining the fitness of getting yourself to the top of the mountain in a fun and friendly non-competitive atmosphere, with a timed competitive descent ranking based on the rider’s combined time over the designated downhill portions. The format is appealing because it exemplifies the mountain biking experience, fostering camaraderie on the climbs and adrenaline and friendly competition on the descents. Several top cross-country mountain bike pros are switching to racing enduro for the 2013 season. Local riders can be expected to place well. Luke Nelson, Marty Hafke, Henry Bartlett, Angela Ethridge and others will be rippin’ down their backyard trails!
The finish is being celebrated at the Fernie Hotel and Pub in the heart of Downtown Fernie. A bbq and beer gardens will be happening and open to the public. Come out and enjoy the fun!!
Saturday June 29 – Fernie Ultra Trail Run
8am – Start at FAR Plaza
12pm to 10pm – Finish at CP Station Square/ Fernie Hotel
1pm to 10pm – Food and beverage gardens at Fernie Hotel
Sunday June 30 Fernie Enduro Mountain Bike
9am – Start at FAR Plaza
12pm to 5pm – Finish at CP Station Square/ Fernie Hotel
1pm to 10pm – Food and beverage gardens at Fernie Hotel
Thanks to organizations like the Fernie Trails Alliance, the Fernie trail system rivals the best in the world. This is why Fernie is the only community to have hosted all twelve of the TransRockies Challenge’s!
A big thanks to our partners who make these events possibe: City of Fernie, Fernie Alpine Resort, Island Lake Lodge, Fernie Getaways, Red Tree Lodge, Stanford Resorts, Raging Elk Hostel, Fernie Central Reservations, The Fernie Hotel and Pub, Fernie Slopeside Hotel, Fernie Brewing
The TransRockies owes a debt of gratitude to the many local riders and trail builders who spend countless hours maintaining the great singletrack which is used each year for the event.
This year, the TransRockies was proud to be able to make a donation of $1500 to the Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club who has been so important over the years in building and maintaining the world-class network of trails which is traditionally such a vital part of the race. Pat Gilmar matched the $1500 dollar for dollar and raised the total to $3000. Pat Gilmar has rode the TransRockes twice and has been the Southern Rockies Route Director for eight years. This year he won the Mountain Culture Award in FErnie for his many years of contribution to the community.
It’s only appropriate that the only location to have been part of each of the first nine TransRockies was the recipient of this donation and TransRockies Event Director Aaron McConnell handed over the cheque to Pat and Doug Koran during the awards ceremony for Stage 1.
After 9 great years in Fernie, you can be sure that the TransRockies will be back in Fernie for the 10th anniversary edition in 2011.
Fernie will watch single riders compete in the TransRockies for the first time in nine years. Last year was the first for the TR3 and it started in Panorama and ended in Nipika. Only the team riders crossed the finish line in Fernie. As this years official start Fernie will get to host the TR3 and watch local riders compete. Jesse Mong competed last year and will be at the starting line in Fernie.
Stage 3 in Nipika was a mud fest
In just its second year, the TR3 is well en route to its first sell out. With just under 5 months until the start date, the race is over 75% full. At this rate, the field will be full in a matter of just a few weeks.
Offering a shorter solo entry point to the TransRockies experience for recreational riders and a bounty of UCI ranking points and prize money to the elites, the TR3 is turning out to be a hugely popular addition to the TransRockies family. That success has even led to us adding a 3-day solo running event to our GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run that takes place each August in Colorado and it has been received with similar enthusiasm.
Starting in Fernie and finishing in the wilderness campground at Etherington Creek, this year’s TR3 will cover roughly 175km in three days including an opening time trial in Fernie through some of the best singletrack in the Rockies and two backcountry days in the rugged wilderness, the TR3 will pack huge adventure in a more achievable distance.
The TransRockies Singletrack 6 Returns to Fernie on July 12 to 14th for a Spectacular 20th Anniversary Mountain Biking Adventure.
In 2002 the TransRockies began in Fernie with the TransRockies Challenge, the 7 day point to point stage race, and now the Singletrack 6. Fernie has been the perfect place to start, finish and host some of the TransRockies biggest and most important races for 20 years.
The TransRockies Singletrack 6 has become a highlight on the mountain biking calendar, attracting riders from around the globe to challenge themselves and immerse themselves in the thrill of world-class singletrack. In 2023, participants can expect an exceptional race that combines technical descents, lung-busting climbs, and awe-inspiring scenery, all while fostering a sense of camaraderie and adventure. “We are thrilled to bring back the TransRockies Singletrack 6 for the 20th anniversary of this incredible mountain bike race,” said Aaron McConnell, TransRockies President. “This event offers riders the opportunity to explore some of the most iconic trails in Western Canada and create lifelong memories along the way.”
In 2022 Fernie rider Carter Nieuwesteeg won the Singletrack 6 and he’s back this year. Carter will be riding the BC Bike Race coming into the Singletrack 6, 13 days of staging racing in 17 days. Carter commented, “It’s a quick turn around to defend my ST6 title that once again starts on home trails right here in Fernie. Taking on two of the most iconic week long stage races where anything can happen and I can’t wait to see where this thing goes!” Carter is the organizer of the Fernie Gravel Grind, a weekend long festival for 500 riders that’s raised over $20,000 for the local community.
Gearhub Sports is the Stage 1 title sponsor and support shop for this year’s ST6 and has two team riders participating. Steve Kelly and Dylan Bailey will be representing Gearhub and both will be riding Rocky Mountain Element’s.
The TransRockies crew is a dedicated group and the friendships continue to this day. Dan Savage, Fernie organizer, commented, “I’m stoked that Fernie continues to host this World Class event. The Transrockies was the seed that helped define Fernie as a mountain bike destination. It’s great in 2023 to have permission to include the Elk Valley Trail and finish in Sparwood!”
The 2023 TransRockies Singletrack 6 will span six stages, each with its own unique challenges and stunning surroundings. The schedule and stage locations for the Fernie are as follows:
Stage 1: Fernie, BC – July 13th (36km distance / 1150m elevation)
• Fernie will again provide a thrilling start to the week of racing, with riders embarking on a demanding course that showcases the area’s natural beauty.
• Spectators are encouraged to gather at the Fernie Aquatic Centre to witness the excitement as riders cross both the start and finish line here, celebrating their first stage accomplishment.
• Race start time is 8AM, with the first riders projected to cross the finish line at approximately 9:30AM.
• The Beer Garden, Food Trucks, Awards Ceremony and Course Briefing will take place at 2PM from the Fernie Aquatic Centre.
Stage 2: Fernie, BC to Sparwood, BC – July 14th (45km distance / 1100m elevation)
• The Fernie Aquatic Centre will once again set the stage for an exhilarating day of riding, as participants tackle technical terrain and embrace the rugged wilderness.
• Spectators are encouraged to gather at the Sparwood’s Titan truck to witness the fast-paced finishes and cheer on the riders as they complete another challenging stage.
• Race start time is 8AM, with the first riders projected to cross the finish line at approximately 9:30AM.
• The Beer Garden, BBQ, Awards Ceremony and Course Briefing will take place at 2PM from the Sparwood Visitor Centre.
Following Fernie the ST6 will move to the Crowsnest Pass for two exciting stages before heading to Canmore for the final two stages.
TransRockies would like to thank all of our local Fernie and Sparwood supporters including the City of Fernie, Fernie.com, Tourism Fernie, Fernie Trails Alliance, Park Place Lodge, GearHub Sports, Red Tree Lodge, Raging Elk Adventure Lodge, Fernie Lodging Company, Fernie RV Resort, Stanford Resort, Snow Valley Lodging, Coal Creek Heritage Society, the District of Sparwood, Sparwood Chamber of Commerce, the Sparwood Trails Alliance and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Best wishes to all the riders and organizers on the 20th Anniversary Mountain Biking Adventure!
