Gravel is a part of the cycling world that prides itself on being a bit of a wild west, and a little bit different. But it\u2019s still racing. And Sunday\u2019s confusion at Lake Cowichan was not the fun kind of wild. Partway through the race, organizers were forced to cancel racing due to the heat, with a growing number of riders already suffering heat stroke before the halfway point of the race.<\/p>\n
The problem? Other racers were done, or almost done already. Two of the top three men were stopped at the top of the final descent, around 35 km mostly downhill from the finish, and told the race was being stopped. And then were allowed to continue racing. Other racers were prevented entirely from going out on the second lap of the elite course. With little-to-no cell service on large parts of the course, communication was a struggle.<\/p>\n
By the time the women\u2019s field rolled back into the finish area, they had been told that the race \u2013 and any results \u2013 were being cancelled.<\/p>\n
Probably.<\/p>\n
Rider\u2019s obviously had questions. The matter is apparently being reviewed by Cycling Canada. But, as racers were filing out of the venue, it was clear that there would be no resolution that day. No podiums. And maybe no results.<\/p>\n
Safety at events is very important. If the officials and organizers made the call to stop racing, that\u2019s clearly not a decision that was taken lightly. We will update with more news when that is available.<\/p>\n Before the decision to stop racing, racing was as blistering hot as the weather.<\/p>\n In the men\u2019s race after an early strategic flyer from Cory Wallace was reigned in, a lead trio quickly formed. Mike Woods, Benjamin Perry and Andrew L\u2019Esperance rode clear of a big group of chasers and were never seen again. Woods attacked on the major climb on the second of two loops. He had roughly a minute gap at the summit, with Perry and L\u2019Esperance together chasing onto the descent and about 40 km left to race.<\/p>\n A synchronized set of mechanicals from Perry and L\u2019Esperance ended up separating the chasers and it was a TT back to the finish area. An exhausted Woods takes \u2026 er, crosses the finish line first. Perry would be the second across the line with L\u2019Esperance the third elite men\u2019s rider to arrive in the finish area.<\/p>\nBefore the confusion: A thrilling championship race<\/h2>\n
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