Write-up: Jo Fox; Photos: Cody Gannon; Full TS Photos album (70+ shots) here: https://tripleshotcyclingphotos.smugmug ... May-24-26/
Great racing at all levels! For the first time, the Hayman Classic – a four-race weekend that doubles as the BC Championships – held ‘ability’ racing categories in addition to a U19 Provincial Championship. The weekend featured hotly-contested races where riders identified as A, B, C, with male and female racing together, but with separate podiums. It was an opportunity to race against a well matched field, which meant skills and tactics mattered more. Racers, officials and spectators alike said the event was a success for youth cycling. The Tripleshot Youth Team had nine riders, and one youth team grad Riley Pickrell, in the mix. Altogether they appeared on 14 podiums: 7 stage podiums, 3 GC podiums, and 4 BC U19 Championships podiums. All results can be found @ https://zone4.ca/event/hayman2019/ More notable than the results however were the teamwork, positive energy and spirit that these riders presented. They put their strategies learned in training to use, helped out their teammates and celebrated the team’s successes. Special shout outs to Sam Finke, a first-year rider who raced in the super-stacked U19 category (TS grad Riley Pickrell took 3 of the 4 stages), and to U17 Isla Walker who raced U19 solo against a six-rider strong Cannondale team. And a super-special shout out to Nicky Begley in the C category. In the final road race, he stopped to help a rider who was injured. After other help arrived and she couldn’t continue, now more than a minute behind, he chased, caught the group, then immediately attacked. At the approach to the final looooooong hill to the line, he told his teammate Kim to follow him to the front, and launched her for the final effort. Although two riders got past Kim, she took 3rd place in the race and Nicky finished behind her in fifth. Thanks to the parents, TS cycling club and the sponsors who continue to sponsor this amazing team! Russ Hay's, Maria Montessori Academy, Tripleshot Cycling Club, Properties in Victoria, Horne Coupar, Cassels Law, Hoyne, Thrifty Foods, BB Physio, Accent Inns, Dave Spiers Plumbing & Heating
