Locals now have an advantage in the Test of Metal's first leg of the race -the race to register.
Organizers of the North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal announced this week changes to the registration process for the 2008 race. There will now be a "locals only" registration period from Dec. 1 to 5 where 200 of the total 800 spots will be open on a first come, first served basis to riders from Furry Creek to D'arcy.
"We recognized the need to tweak our registration process, so this year we're going to try something different with the hope that it will work a little better," said race organizer Cliff Miller.
Miller said that one of the organizers' objectives for implementing this change is to ensure local participation.
"We have hundreds of local volunteers and thousands of local spectators, many of whom are out there to cheer on their friends and neighbours," he said.
Registration will open at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 and close on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at midnight.
"There will be no refunds, cancellations or transfers and there will not be a waiting list," said Miller.
Another change includes overselling the event by 200 entrants and eliminating the waiting list to allow more racers to know with certainty whether they are registered for the race by Jan. 1, 2008.
As in past years, the general registration starts at 6 p.m. on Jan. 1 and is capped at 800 entries, once again on a first-come, first -served basis. As with the local entries there will be no refunds, cancellations or transfers and there will not be a waiting list.
"It may seem that we're increasing the number of participants," said Miller, "but our data shows that approximately 20 percent of those who register will not ride.
"In the past, we've filled those spots through the waiting list, but feedback from riders indicates that they would like to know sooner rather than later that they're in the race so that they can begin their training."
As always, Pro-Elite racers can register up to the day of the race. Miller also indicated that in addition to the racer's Primes along the course, cash prizing returns to the Test of Metal. The top 5 men and top 5 women overall will each win a cash prize: $250 for 1st place, $150 for 2nd, $100 for 3rd, $75 for 4th, and $50 for 5th.
As in past years, medals will be awarded to the top three in each category, and the winner of each receives a free entry into the following year's race.There are also new categories for ages 50-54 and 70+.
To sign up, entrants must show proof of residency with a B.C. driver's licence or ID card and secondary piece of ID.The deadline for locals only delivery of paperwork is 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12 to Connections at 37710 Second Avenue, Squamish, and must be made in person or sent by fax at 604-892-3380.
