BC marathon finals held at 23rd Cheakamus Challenge Fall Classic

The final race in the B.C. Marathon Series is being held around and in Whitler, B.C. September 24th. The 23rd edition of the Cheakamus Challenge Fall Classic, a point to point cross country race, starts in Paradise Valley near Squamish Airport, rolls up the historic Cheakamus Canyon Trail then hits the torturous climbing and technical riding for the final 38 km to Whistler Village; the race's first visit to the resort that recently hosted the 24 Hours of Adrenalin World Solo Championships race.

Last year's winners, Andreas Hestler (Rocky Mountain Bicycles) and Jenn Ann McKirdy (Rocky Mountain), will both be back to defend their titles against a field that will include two-time world champion, Roland Green (Kona), three-time world champion and Olympic medalist, Alison Sydor and a full complement of Canadian national team riders and top racers from the U.S.

The real story of the race however is the amateurs who ride for personal fitness and voluntary torture over this difficult track. Riders from 10 to 70 suffer the challenges both physically and mentally hoping to conquer the longest running mountain bike race in Canada.

The 2005 edition of the race will also feature a beginner/junior course to allow new riders to experience the true teeth of the course with all the tough climbs and descents along with the Whistler Village finish without the total 70 kilometer with 2000 meters of climbing elite race.

The Cheakamus Challenge starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 24th at the Squamish Airport. The men's a women's winners receive special pots fired and designed by Vincent Massey, one of the founders of Whistler Off Road Cycling Association.

For more information or to register for the race, visit awww.cheakamuschallenge.com.