July 4th saw the Comox Valley Cycle club host its annual stage race. The morning road race on the Dove Creek course had a great diverse set of riders in the three categories, from 12 year olds Erik Ashton and Carson Damery to several 60 year old Masters riders. We should mention that Erik and Carson just finished 1st and 3rd last weekend in the U13 BC Provincial Mountain Bike championships in Whistler. The two youngsters raced in the C category 52 km event and were doing well until the heat began to take its toll. William Corbett from Victoria went on to take the win, with local CVCC riders Tim Everets 2nd and Chris Bowman 3rd. In the afternoon Time Trial William again led the way with Tim 2nd and Pat Gerrie 3rd. Total time for the two events presented William with overall win, Tim 2nd and Chris 3rd.
The B group raced 69 kms with a local trio leading the way. Scott Fleming 1st, Nicolas Parlee 2nd and Ray Wagner 3rd. These three finished in the same order in the TT as well and the overall combined time. It was an exciting race with the younger legs of Scott and Nicolas able to pull away from Ray on the final climb up Pearcey road. The race for 4th saw a group of 5 riders wheel to wheel coming to the finish line where Aaron Milan took that sprint.
The A group raced 85 kms with a trio of Steve Bachop and Andrew McCartney from Victoria trying to stay with surprise guest Nigel Ellsay in a breakaway. It worked for 60km and then Nigel, just home from his great showing at the National championships in Quebec, turned up the heat and rode away to win by almost 3 minutes. Steve took 2nd but in the TT Andrew gained enough time back to jump over Steve into 2nd overall bumping Steve to 3rd for combined time in the two events.
The heat took had a significant effect on the riders as several opted out of the afternoon Time Trial and hence the opportunity to win the days awards. It was still a great day of bicycle racing appreciated by all. A big thanks to everyone in the community for sharing the road with us, Quality Foods for providing the post race refreshment and all the volunteers for making it possible. One never knows, another future National Champion could have had been out there today.

Full results are available on our Results page.