Sager snatches a stage win at the BC Bike Race

Image 1 of 10

The rich, blue Pacific ocean painted a spectacular backdrop for the stage 3 start/finish, marking the most picturesque Base Camp area of the 2010 BC Bike Race. Powell River is a new addition to the race, and it could quickly become a favourite.

The people of Powell River rolled out the red carpet, from generous support by local businesses to cheering school kids lining the race route on their lunch break, the community epitomized warm, small town BC hospitality.

The midday, beachside rolling start was uniquely exciting: every 90 seconds, groups of 50 riders flowed down a gravel path, through the start line arch and into the woods. Each group spun through the gauntlet of spectators furiously clanging cowbells as a show of support. It was reminiscent of the race route excitement of alpine events at Vancouver's 2010 Winter Olympics and set an overall festive tone that perpetuated throughout the day.

Top finishers continued to set a blistering pace and had nothing but rave reviews about the spectacular singletrack course organized by local father-son team of Wayne and Russell Brewer and backed by the local cycling association and 50+ on course volunteers. Wayne and the BOMB squad have built and maintained countless kilometres of world-class singletrack in the area that's been off the mountain biking radar until today.

The leading duo teams all continued their victorious ways with Kona's Kris Sneddon and Barry Wicks winning the men's duo category in 2:31:39; Team Northlands Medical Clinic's Brandi Heistermen & Cathy Zeglinski first in the women's duo category in 3:38:58; and Rocky Mountain-Maxxis/Luna's Geoff Kabush & Catharine Pendrel the first mixed team category in 2:51:54. All three teams lead their respective general classifications.

Jason Sager (Team Jamis) topped the solo men's category for the day in 2:29:31, and Melanie McQuaid (Team Specialized) won another women's stage in 3:02:37

Chris Sheppard (Rocky Mountain Bikes), just over a minute behind Sager, hangs on to the solo overall men's lead in 8:37:07, and McQuaid is still atop the women's leaderboard at 10:35:55.

The tightest battle for the coveted leader's jersey is currently brewing in the solo masters men's category. Simon Pulfrey took today's stage win in 2:52:24 and wears the yellow jersey going into stage 4 with an overall cumulative time of 10:00:08. Meanwhile, Ted Russo is a mere five seconds behind overall.

Race day wrapped up at the evening dinner with a host of dignitaries welcoming BC Bike Race participants and staff to Powell River. Most touching was a blessing bestowed upon the group by Tla'Amin (Sliammon) First Nations Elder Honourable Dr Elsie Paul,

"This is a prayer that is said whenever someone went on a journey by land or by sea. And I understand that you've undertaken quite a journey to be here." In the Tla'Amin language, Dr Paul connected the room full of BC Bike Race participants and crew together through a warm and sincere prayer for a safe continued journey.

Coming up: Stage 4

More Sunshine Coast is on tap. With the ocean waves lulling racers to sleep, visions of Sechelt singletrack will dance in their heads. More purpose-built trails await BC Bike Racers after they blast through the start line nestled into the scenic BC Ferries terminal in Earls Cove.

Stage 3 Results

General classification after stage 3