The 2010 North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal was a hit -and no more so than for its past winners.
This year, the men's race was unique in that it featured every past winner of the Test of Metal since its first running in 1996.
Geoff Kabush, Plaxton, Carter Hovey, Michael Pruner, Chad Miles, Ruedi Schnyder, Andrew Kyle, Ricky Federeau and Neal Kindree all made it to the start of the chute.
Race Director Cliff Miller called the turnout of riders as well as volunteers and spectators "absolutely fantastic."
"All in all, a great year," he said.
Returning Test of Metal champ Kabush took home the glory again this year and set a new record on the 67-kilometre course with a time of 2:29:45 - 45 seconds faster than the previous best time.
Kabush said he had been looking forward to racing in the Test again after he raced and won in 1998.
"I've wanted to make it back here for a while," said the New Mexico-based rider.
"A lot of my favourite trails are here in B.C. so I've been looking forward to get back to this."
Sechelt's Kris Sneddon finished second in the men's pro elite category, less than two minutes behind Kabush, while the 2010 Orecrusher winner Marty Lazarski nabbed a third place finish with a time of 2:39:00.
Former pro elite test of metal racer Neal Kindree cycled to victory in the men's 20-29 category creating a lead of more than 30 minutes between himself and his closest competitor with a time of 2:47:25.
Top Squamish male pro elite racer Brackendale resident Kelly Servinski finished in eighth place with a time of 2:46:26 while Garibaldi Highlands resident Dwayne Kress one minute and 12 seconds later in 10th place.
Servinski said he's stoked about being the first local to cross the finish line.
"It's an honour, man. I could retire right now. Today was the best race I've ever had. I felt great."
Catherine Pendrel defeated her title as women's pro elite champ by finishing the course with a time of 2:51:53, one minute and 13 seconds slower than her 2009 finish. Coquitlam's Sandra Walter nabbed second place 15 minutes later while Catherine Vipond finished in third place with a time of 3:08:25.
Squamish's top female pro elite racer Carena Dean crossed the finish line in eighth place with a time of 3:34:04.
Brackendale cyclist Brandi Heisterman finished first in the female 35-39 category while Garibaldi Highlands athlete Rua Read captured top spot in the female 40-44 category in 3:39:30.
Local Claire Harvey crossed the finish line in 5:02:02 finishing first in the female 50-54 category while Team Squamish sensation Lauren Rosser won first place in the female under 20 category.
