It’s the only scheduled bike race on Cape Breton Island this summer and it’s expected to draw dozens of the toughest, fastest cyclists from across Nova Scotia.
The two stage Cape Breton Classic is gearing up for its second year in a row Sunday, July 11, starting 9:30 a.m., in Bras d’Or, about 10 minutes southwest of North Sydney just off Highway 105 near the Old General Store.
Unique to Bicycle Nova Scotia’s 2010 season, this two part race begins with a quick 11 km Time Trial where cyclists will race their wheels against the clock, leaving the ramp every 30 seconds, for a chance to win top honors and cash prizes as the fastest in a short sprint.
After a short rest, all cyclists will then move further up Hillside Boularderie Highway for the main race to begin in front of the Southside Boularderie Volunteer Fire Department, to take on each other over longer distances of 60 to 120 kilometers, depending on their age, sex or ability.
The times recorded from the two stage race will be combined to crown the winners in each division by mid-day.
Host club FrameWork Racing president Bill Goldston is looking forward to seeing some of the top seeded cyclists take on Cape Bretoners at the start line for what’s arguably one of the most challenging road races in the province.
“The main race route along the Bras d’Or Lakes is not only known for its beauty along the shore but also for the occasional blasts of heavy wind, more than a few rolling hills, and for what some racers last year dubbed ‘the wall,’ a short, but steep climb near the finish line that teaches you a lot about gravity,” Mr. Goldston said.
“With the Tour de France about to begin in Europe, it’s hard not to be reminded of the kinds of challenges all cyclists face on the roads, and how they must use strategy to win, by working together to minimize wind resistance and gain speeds on routes that can be filled with obstacles, turns, hills or flat stretches.”
Like other races in Bicycle Nova Scotia’s season this summer, participants will be classified by their ability, age or sex.
The top A category racers will travel the greatest distance of 120 kilometers, each completing four, 30 km-long loops while the B and C men and women’s divisions must conquer 90 kilometers. Youth and novice riders will race the same challenging route, but for only one and two loops respectively, for shorter distances of 30 and 60 kilometers.
Onlookers who get out along the route to cheer on racers will get the chance to witness these fast men, women and youth clocking speeds over 70 km/hour along with exciting finishes as participants not only try to win their divisions, but also prizes for the first to complete each 30 km loop.
Changes to Bicycle Nova Scotia rules allow female racers to choose to compete in divisions with men based on their ability, regardless of age or gender. All participants must be licensed by Bicycle Nova Scotia in order to compete. One-day licenses can be purchased before the two-stage race begins during registration Sunday, July 11, from 7:30 am to 9:00 am near the Old General Store. Online registration is available at frameworkfitness.com/capebretonclassic.
Two more road races will follow the Cape Breton Classic later this summer, including:
*August 15 – Breakaway Cycling Race Day, Windsor
*August 22 – Provincial Time Trial Championships, Brooklyn
For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact Bill Goldston at (902) 561-0451 or 567-1909.
