VoS was our first race event where our riders would have the opportunity to rider together as teammates and represent Western Canada in a field of the best 16-17 yr old riders in North America.
The journey began with the Time Trial, a fast-paced 10-mile out and back that set the stage for the weekend’s events. With 108 riders competing, our team showcased their strength and determination, with two out of 6 riders securing placements in the top 31;) It was a promising start, and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as we looked ahead to the next two stages.
Following the Time Trial, our team gathered for a much-needed dinner with our dedicated coach, Steph. Amidst laughter and jokes about who didn’t use sunscreen, we reflected on the day’s accomplishments and eagerly planned our strategy for the Road Race, 78-miles in the blazing sun.
The 4.8 lap Road Race proved to be a challenge with teams vying for position on the 16-mile course with 470ft of climbing on each lap. Despite the challenges posed by crashes and a chaotic feed zone, our team remained resolute and focused. Safe and sound, they team headed back to our van and celebrated a remarkable success – six riders crossing the finish line safely, three achieving a top 15 finish with Monty racing to an impressive 7th. Our brand new team was doing very well!
The Valley of the Sun Cycling Race also provided moments of community and celebration, exemplified by the JR Pasta dinner in Phoenix. With over 200 attendees, including riders, coaches, parents, and friends, the evening was a testament to the growing prominence of junior cycling.
A few words from the Race director and renowned cycling figure Frankie Andreu underscored the rising momentum of junior cycling, with the largest junior field in the history of the Valley of the Sun and the need for a bigger venue next year for pasta & pizza.
Sunday morning brought a few nerves (mostly from parents watching from a far) the conclusion to the race weekend, the third and final stage was the Criterium, a 50 minute fast-paced race on a closed 1-mile street circuit, with 90 riders fighting for position, the race was a thrilling display of skill and keeping your head up! While our team navigated the madness to finish strong, a PNW rider claimed a podium spot, Third for Graham Francis, who rode clear of all the trouble spots.
And when the dust settled and the final standings were tallied– two of our riders, Adam & Ben were standing tall among the top 20 in the overall General Classification, a testament to their grit, determination, and unwavering resolve. Way to go PNW! To all of us who put this team together, this was an amazing result to have such great success among a large group of North Americas best, clearly our riders have been working very hard all winter.
As we look towards the horizon of palm trees and cacti, we are filled with hope and excitement for the road ahead. For PNW, the journey has only just begun, the fundraising is top priory but with every pedal stroke, we inch closer to our goal of providing this performance pathway for Jr Cyclists in Western Canada. 2024 is off to a great start.
Keep pedaling, keep dreaming, and never lose sight of the finish line. -Sarah, PNW Cycling
