Rundle Mountain cycle club riders rule the road at provincials

Who said Banff and Canmore are only Mountain Bike communities?

The Bow Valley has established itself as a road biking force this year, following a spate of top results around the province.

Competing in the provincial championships, the Rundle Mountain Cycle club posted several strong results

Gord Jewett topped all Canmore finishers at the Road Race provincial championship around Calgary, with a second place finish in the 40 kilometre time trial. Jewett posted the podium finish despite totaling his bike the day before.

The olympic cross-country skier has posted several strong results this season, including a top finish at the Tour of Bowness in July.

Jeff Perron finished sixth in the 90 kilometre race at the provincial race.

“It was beautiful in the foothills. The race stuck together,” Perron said. “I’m pretty happy with my result.”

Perron, who is also the club’s president, said Rundle Mountain Cycling Club has improved their results tremendously this year.

“We’re most improved in our road cycling results,” Perron said. “People are getting out and racing. There’s lots of good terrain here, and a lot of riders have decided to enter races.”

Aaron Sands missed a first place finish by three feet, ending up fourth in the Category 3 107 kilometre race.

“He came around me and I paused for .2 of a second. I tried to counter, but needed another 10 feet,” Sands said. “In hindsight, I’m happy with my result.”

His teammates Matt Jeffries finished third, and Robbie Reid finished 17th.

“The boys did really well,” Sands said. “Everyone is so strong biking in the rockies, but they’re not all in the races.”

In other provincial results, Darren Freeman finished third in his first-ever road race – the 70 kilometre distance.

Keith Batsone took on the 120 kilometre race at the provincial championships.

“It was a demanding course. The event ran parallel to Highway 22 to the 1A. It had rolling hills, a good group and fast pace,” Batstone said.

He found himself in contention for much of the race, but missed the main move, ending up in 20th position. His result would have been higher, however disorganization between some of the riders pushed him behind a few riders from Calgary.

He also said the team is stronger this year.

“This year, we’re sending ten or 12 good racers to events, and posting consistently good results,” Batstone said. “We’re the most improved team in 2010.”

Many racers are focusing on the Bow 80 on September 19, which is a goal for many of the racers.