Italians maintain lead mid-way through TransRockies

Racers at the TransRockies in Canada are just over halfway finished with their week of racing. After stage four, Italians Marzio Deho and Johnny Cattaneo of Team Olympia have proven themselves the men to beat. They are in the overall lead with a time of 10:06:36. Their next closest competitors are Kris Sneddon and Max Plaxton of Team Kris & Max at 19:37 behind. Stefan Widmer and Marty Lazarski of Team Rocky Mountain - Milliken Developments at 22:47.

On the women's side, Cary Lowery and Lisa Randall (Outdoor Store / Outspokin' Bikes) are leading with a time of 15:18:19. Team Guidi-Up's Amy Guidinger and Meghan Osborne are over an hour and a quarter behind while Angie Bryans and Inga Ivany (Evolution) are in third, just over three hours back from the leaders.

The mixed category is seeing some World Cup women's competitors participating. Wendy Simms and partner Normon Thibault (Kona) are leading with a time of 12:27:46 while Katerina Nash and Steven Wallace of Team Clif Bar are in second, 32 minutes back.

The final stage seven will wrap up the race on Saturday, August 16 in Fernie, British Columbia.

See Cyclingnews' full coverage of the TransRockies.