BC Bike Race attracts top talent

In just its second year, the BC Bike Race, scheduled for June 28 through July 4, is drawing top competitors to its sold-out event. Racers have signed up from as far as Japan, Australia, Colombia, Morocco, Guadeloupe and Norway and as near as the race's own backyard of North Vancouver.

The favorites for the race include the Trek / VW team of six-time 24hr Solo World Champion Chris Eatough and partner Jeff Schalk. Recently taking the top two places at the Mohican 100, the pair is returning to defend their title. The effort won't be easy though as they will face the Cannondale / Mona Vie team of 24 hour solo world champion Tinker Juarez and partner Mitchel Peterson; Canadian Olympic team member Seamus McGrath and partner Chris Shepherd; Kris Sneddon and Barry Wicks of Team Kona; three-time TransRockies winner Andreas Hestler and his partner Pan American Champion Max Plaxton of Rocky Mountain Bicycles; and Costa Ricans Marvin Campos Suazo and Luis de Ezpeleta of Team La Ruta.

In a few short week, several hundred mountain bikers will start in British Columbia. BC Bike is unique in the category of stage races based on its large portion of singletrack trails. Given the popularity of the event, registration will open for the 2009 event on July 5, one day after the 2008 edition finishes in Whistler, British Columbia.

For more information on the race, visit www.bcbikerace.com.