Mountain Biking

Bonham & Co. Ontario Provincial Mountain Bike Championships
Sept 7-8, 2002
Kelso Conservation Area
by Adam Ruppel (Chico Racing)

Almost 800 competitors raced at this past weekend's Bonham & Co. Ontario Provincial Mountain Bike Championships at Kelso Conservation Area.

The non-stop racing action began on Saturday with the Downhill, Pro Short Track and "Try an Ocup" Citizen events. With $1,000 in prize money on the line, courtesy of Bonham & Co., 18 pro racers came out to give it their all on the 1 km loop. The Pro Short Track looked to be a Gears Racing sweep with National Team Member Ricky Federau and Julian Hine setting a tremendous pace! Team Hardwood's sensation Mike Garrigan turned on the afterburners towards the end proving that he was the powerhouse on that day.

In the Pro Men's Downhill Doug Beattie, Kona / Ford Focus, continued his reign as Ontario's best downhill racer with a 5 second lead on Drew Paultier. National team / Bay Cycle X-C rider Ryan Thorpe has the skills to cross over into downhill with a win in the junior expert downhill race while Sheila Morris took the woman's title.

Sunday's racing was a boiler fest with the strongest riders leaving the rest of the field in their dust. 20 year old Team Hardwood's Mike Garrigan slaughtered the pro men's field with a 5 minute lead on Gears Racing's Julian Hine. Mountain biker turned roadie Josh Hall placed a respectable 3rd. Gears Racing's Sue Trimble had an almost 8 minute lead over the up and coming Angela Mawdsley of Bay Cycle Racing with Team Hardwood's Lisa Hoskins rounding out the top 3. Junior Expert Men's division was championed by Gears Racing's Martin Lazarski with Catherine Vipond taking the Junior Woman's title.

We'd also like to thank our sponsors, especially Mark Bonham of Bonham & Co., for making this a season to remember! Other big thanks to Bay Cycle Racing for setting up the circus tent to get shade, Shimano for showcasing the awesome 2003 XTR, OCA, Kelso Conservation Area, Norco, Pedal Magazine, KHS, Joe Couture, Sugoi, Powerbar, Ryders, Koobi, Rocky Mountain Bikes and all the generous sponsors who came out to support the Ontario Championships. Also thanks to the officials, ski patrol, staff, volunteers and everyone who have supported this series!

-- Adam Ruppel (Chico Racing)

Comments?

More info can be obtained from their website including race results: Chico Racing. -- TheLoneRider