Cycling season jumps into gear

Once again, it was time to slip into spandex shorts and check tire pressures as VeloNorth Cycling Club's first race of the season took place Wednesday.

Once again, it was time to slip into spandex shorts and check tire pressures as VeloNorth Cycling Club’s first race of the season took place Wednesday.

Starting and finishing at the Carcross cutoff on the Alaska Highway, 33 racers took off south down the highway, turning around at the 8.75-kilometre marker.

“It’s pretty flat with two rolling hills,” said Scott Kerby, chief of the race. “You don’t get any tough up-hills or screaming descents.

“It’s a good night for riding. There’s somewhat of a headwind. Typically, in these time-trials, there seems to be a headwind both ways,” he added, half-joking.

Heather Enders, 22, topped the women’s field, cruising in with a time of 28:55. For her, the headwinds were no joke.

“The wind gusts were killer,” said Enders. “I cried a little bit.

“It was the first race of the season, so it’s nice to set a mark as to where I’m at so I can figure out my training and go from there. I don’t feel like I have a lot of leg strength right now. I was spinning at a higher cadence than I should have.”

Leading the men’s field was Troy Henry, 19, crossing the finish line in 23:36.

“The race went really well,” said Henry. “I started preparing two days ago, started getting more rest, lots of water, lots of good food.

“There were a lot of fast guys out here tonight, and hats off to them, as well. A lot of guys came out tonight—for the first race of the season it’s really good.”

Both Henry and Enders will be representing the Yukon in August at the Canada Summer Games in PEI.

VeloNorth’s

next event, the North Klondike Road Race, will be held on Sunday. Registration will start at 11 a.m. in the parking lot at the juncture of the North Klondike Highway and the Hot Springs Road.

Cycling season jumps into gear

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