TransRockies Challenge announces 2005 Route

Organisers of Canada's TransRockies Challenge mountain bike stage race (August 7-13) have announced the route of the 2005 event, with substantial changes to the route from previous years, especially in the first several days.

"As the TransRockies Challenge enters its fourth year, we wanted to provide a fresh perspective on the race," said event director Aaron McConnell. "The new routing will provide new challenges to past participants and more great singletrack for everyone. It also offers the advantage of being in a town setting for an additional day which means outstanding race services."

Changes include a new stretch of singletrack in the first stage from Fernie to Sparwood. The stage will finish with a ride along the entire length of the Coal Discovery Trail, a newly-opened 30km singletrack trail.

Stage 2 crosses the continental divide twice and includes high mountain singletrack, finishing in the mountain hamlet of Elkford. The new stages also keep the race closer to civilisation for the first couple of days, allowing, as the organisers put it, "easier access to phones, Internet and junk food"

Stage three covers part of the 2003 TransRockies route including the Highwood Pass which tops out at over 2200m.

Stages

Stage 1 - August 7: Fernie, BC - Sparwood, BC
Stage 2 - August 8: Sparwood, BC - Elkford, BC
Stage 3 - August 9: Elkford, BC - Etherington Creek, AB
Stage 4 - August 10: Etherington Creek, AB - Sandy McNabb, AB
Stage 5 - August 11: Sandy McNabb, AB - Bragg Creek, AB
Stage 6 - August 12: Bragg Creek, AB - Rafter Six Ranch, AB
Stage 7 - August 13: Rafter Six Ranch, AB - Canmore, AB

For more information see: www.transrockies.com