Blizzard Bicycle Club Blasts Through Windy Road Race

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Windy conditions wouldn’t stop the Blizzard Bicycle Club’s road race near Cecil Lake on May 26th.

Club President Pat Ferris says southwestern gusts as strong as 40 kilometres an hour welcomed the seven riders participating in the 40- and 70-kilometre distance races.

Ferris says the strong breeze can present a challenge to cyclists.

“Wind can push you around a fair bit, to your sides and face,” said Ferris. “If you’re riding with other [riders], normally the other person will deflect some of the wind.”

“It comes from different angles and complicates things.  It’s a challenge.”

However, the winds didn’t stop Ferris from winning the 40-kilometre event. He finished with a time of 1:37.48. Richard Wood was second at 1:46.35, with Madison McCracken placing third at 1:46.36.

Nigel Wray won the 70-kilometre race, clocking 2:17.36. Barb Jarnagin came in second at 2:26.48, and Heather McCracken finished third at 2:41.50.

Wray’s victory continues his incredible season, which began with his winning the club’s TT Trophy earlier this year and the club’s last time trial on May 16th.

Ferris says discipline has been the key to Wray’s success so far, adding Wray’s goal is to compete at the National Gravel Championships, which will take place in Calgary on June 16th.

“Nigel is committed to training,” said Ferris. “This winter was pretty easy, so he was able to ride a lot more.”

Blizzard Bicycle Club’s next race will be a time trial at Baldonnel School on Thursday, June 30th.