August 5, 2009 (Kamloops, BC) - Stage 5, the final stage of the inaugural Intermontane Challenge, was set up to be a time trial format. Racers were sent off at one-minute intervals, from fastest, to slowest, on a 29km course through some classic Kamloops singletrack. Things got started at about 10am with Chris Sheppard leading the charge, every other rider lined up to follow the IMC lead rider, into the day's heat. Kamloops once again registered as the hottest location in British Columbia for the day, a claim-to-fame that wasn't exactly what a group of heat-worn cyclists wanted to celebrate.
It has been an incredibly hot in BC, with temperatures hitting just above 40 degrees celsius on some days and averaging about 37. The heat took its toll on a large number of IMC'ers and the field starting the day's Time Trial had dwindled down significantly from the numbers that had started the week. Many riders were also absent due to injury, including podium contenders Ben Sonntag (MonaVie Cannondale), out with a fairly serious facial injury from a stage 4 crash, and team mate Jeremiah Bishop, who had crashed on stage 3 and injured his back. Both Bishop and Sonntag, who celebrated his birthday on the day of his amnesia-inducing crash, are expected to make a full recovery, but both were very somber the morning of stage 5, knowing how close they were to finishing on the podium.
Another member of MonaVie Cannondale who was conspicuously absent was David "Tinker" Juarez. Apparently, frustrated with the result of stage 4 after going off course in the final kilometers of the stage and losing his lead, Juarez decided to call it a week and headed out for some trout (fishing) rather than some trail. The absence of the top three potentials left the IMC podium wide open in the men's open category and Sheppard took full advantage, taking the stage win and the overall win for the week.
In the Women's category the lead was never really contested, although there was some controversy regarding course markings and getting lost, during the week. Sue Butler, one of the few remaining MonaVie Cannondale riders, took the stage and the overall win for this years Intermontane Challenge.
The final word on the time trial - it was a great course, with lots of single track and a lot of fun by those able to withstand the searing temperatures for another day.
The awards ceremony put the wraps on the first chapter on the Intermontane Challenge, a story that is likely far from over, and one we’re sure to hear more of over the next few months. The fatigue and wear from the week was written all over the faces of the racers and the organizers, who will be dealing with the ramifications of the various mishaps as they review the first event.
Chief Intermontane organizer, Chuck Brennan, looked like he had ridden twice the distance than most of the racers. Sleep-deprived, and somewhat overworked on this epic event, Brennan informed us that he had learned enough to fill a book or two at this year's inaugural event. "I certainly have learned a lot over the week and have a stack, a big stack, of information that will go into the first chapter of the Intermontane Challenge book. Next year is going to be very different and we will be looking at a May date! Ok, July you win!" said Brennan.
The Intermontane Challenge certainly lived up to its name but unfortunately had some curves thrown at it in its first year. Soaring temperatures, a course sabotage, distance miscalculations, riders getting lost created extra challenges. Despite the drawbacks the event still lot of potential as the accommodations, the food, the volunteers, and the riding terrain in Kamloops were all phenomenal. With a few tweaks and fixes this race could easily be up there with some of the top stage races in the world.
We’re optimistic that the Intermontane will be around for many years, and the growing pains of this year's first event, will be a motivator and a catalyst to create something very special in the heart of the BC interior – Kamloops-style!
Full results here.
Results (brief)
Men's Solo Open
1. Chris Sheppard
2. Brian Cooke
3. Evan Plews
Womens Solo Open
1. Sue Butler
2. Amanda Carey
3. Sarah Kauffman
Mens 50+ Open
1. Chuck Connor
2. Scott Kelly
3. Timothy Wykle
Mixed Teams
1. Tamara Goeppel & Thomas Tetz
2. Karen & Jeff Collins
3. Brenda & Robert Fletcher
Female Teams
1. Jen Segger & Brandyn Roark Gray
2. KJ Sadler & Heather King
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Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
Photo: Kelly Funk-Natural Wonders Photography
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