I was a little slow on the uptake on this one. I missed posting about the even before it happened by one day. So we’re playing a bit of catchup here.

This was the first running of the Canal Days mountain bike race in Port Colborne. It was organized by the ShortHills Cycling Club a new IMBA affiliate. I’ve heard that the day turned out to be fantastic. Hopefully that means we’ll see the event run again next year.

Race winner Thomas Freure was quoted as saying:

I’ve competed in many races over the years and this one ranks up there with the best. Exceptional planning, organization and execution. Prizes for podium finishers and draw prizes were far better that most events that draw 5x the amount of riders. Congratulations on creating such a great event on your first try. As word spreads about this event, I am sure there will be far more registered to race. This is destined to be a classic.

Here’s an interesting item though: while the race had a permit to use the trails, the rest of the time mountain biking isn’t permitted on the trails used in this event. So join the SCC and lend your voice to getting these trails opened full time.

Full write up of the event after the jump.

The trails were rockin’ in Port Colborne on Sunday.

Over 200 riders participated in the first Canal Days Mountain Bike Race. The race was hosted by ShortHills Cycling Club and the race proved to be an outstanding success.

Some rain in the morning created slick conditions on a few of the trails making the already difficult trails even more challenging. Despite the less than ideal weather conditions, the race was a great success with riders crossing the foot bridge over the Weir Canal to the finish line on beautiful Derek’s Point.

The top riders of the day were Thomas Freure of St. Catharines. Tom tore up the race course finishing in 1 hour 31 minutes in the men’s expert category.

Sara Byers-Ogilive, also of St. Catharines, won the women’s expert category with a time of 1 hour 55 minutes.

In the Smith Industrial Supply Children’s Race was hotly contested by over 18 riders. A children’s mountain bike was raffled off by the race sponsors, Smith Industrial Supply and Thornton’s Cycle & Sports.

As racers came to the finish line a variety of random prizes were given away as they crossed.

Following the Race awards a $1,200.00 Norco Cyclocross bike donated by Thornton’s Cycle & Sports and the ShortHills Cycling Club was won by Ryan Kimber. The rider that drove the furthest to come to the race was from London, Ontario and was presented with a gas coupon for $25.00 to offset their travel costs.

In addition, the last racer to cross the finish line was presented with the ‘lantern rouge’ award for persevering to the finish line (lantern rouge or red lantern is an unofficial designation in the Tour de France for the rider at the “back of the train” or last place).

A downpour on the course after most of the riders had finished created especially slippery conditions for the final riders.

Mark Hughes of Fonthill enjoyed the race. “Despite the weather not cooperating entirely, this was a great race and a fantastic venue. I never imagined such great trails could be in such a small area.”

Ryan Jacob of Niagara Falls, Ontario battled with A.J. Kendrick of Port Colborne to hold onto 3rd    place as they crossed the finish line seconds apart. Jakob said “This was the best race of the year. I hope this race continues to be a part of the Canal Days festivities in years to come and the trails continue to grow the sport of mountain biking in Southern Niagara”.

Jason McArthur, who finished the race in 7th place overall, was riding a single speed bike. This type of bike adds to the challenge because you cannot change gears. (Other riders are able to use up to 30 different gears). “The trail conditions got better as the day went on. The course was cool because there were many times you could see fellow racers going in the opposite direction and you could cheer them on.”

Race winner Thomas Freure was quoted as saying, “I’ve competed in many races over the years and this one ranks up there with the best. Exceptional planning, organization and execution. Prizes for podium finishers and draw prizes were far better that most events that draw 5x the amount of riders. Congratulations on creating such a great event on your first try.
As word spreads about this event, I am sure there will be far more registered to race. This is destined to be a classic.”

Sara Byers-Ogilvie, the winner of the women’s race commented on the benefits to the community. “This race and this trail network has created a new energy that radiates from Port Colborne, through the Niagara Region and Southern Ontario, further stimulating an already booming cycling culture. The benefits are further reaching than just within the cycling world- this is community building”

ShortHills Cycling Club President and Race Organizer Tim Lee of Port Colborne was very pleased with the turn out for the Clubs inaugural race.  “We didn’t have the 1000 plus numbers that some of the other races like the Lake to Lake Classic or the Liberty! Squeezer bike races pull in but we were extremely happy with the turnout for the very first Canal Days Mountain Bike Race. From the feedback we have received we think next year’s race will bring in many more racers. This race had a great local vibe to it with trails that rival any venue currently on the Ontario cup circuit.”

Wade Smith also a Race Organizer felt that the race was also a great success. “The support from our Sponsors, Club Members, Local Bicycle Shops, other Race Promoters and the Cycling Community in Niagara has been overwhelming.”  The ShortHills Cycling Club hopes to host the race next year and will possibly be hosting a winter bicycle race during Port Colborne’s Sports-Fest.

Full race results can be found on the race website at: canaldaysmountainbikerace.com