The 2007 Cheakamus Challenge did not disappoint eager masochists. Athletes were treated to 2,000 metres of leg-melting vertical over 71 kilometres of undulating terrain from Squamish to Whistler last Saturday (Sept. 22).
The race served as a Darwinian experiment of sorts, sifting the weak from the strong. Max Plaxton proved his strength yet again by defending his title as Cheakamus Challenge Champion. The World Cup competitor finished the course in three hours, 11 minutes and 43 seconds.
The Cheakamus Challenge is known as B.C.'s classic cross-country race and puts the pain back into old school riding. Squamish racers Neal Kindree and Matt Ryan placed second and third in 3:18.02 and 3:23.31. Plaxton must love the pain because he skipped a race in China for the Cheakamus Challenge.
"I am supposed to be in China right now. But anyone will understand my decision. Where would you rather be? Downtown Beijing or Whistler?" Plaxton said. " I was sick during the European World Cup tour so I decided to come home. It's nice to get a win under my belt again."
If given the choice, Kindree might have chosen China. His goal for the race was not to bonk, which is the feeling you get when your body stops cooperating with your brain. Call it a strike.
"That race is really hard but I made a good effort to eat to avoid bonking but my legs didn't have it in the end," Plaxton said. "It is such a wicked course and a good stop after World Championships."
The point of the Cheakamus Challenge is less about fun and more about mind numbing climbs, breathtaking views and glorious single-track. When racers greet a fresh-faced Grant Lamont at the end of the race there is a mixture of hate and respect for the man who set the course. Ryan said his race was a classic Cheakamus Challenge experience.
Ryan is known for his technical prowess and insists the Cheakamus Challenge isn't his ideal course. Regardless, Ryan made the podium for the first time at a Cheakamus Challenge event.
"The course went up and down many a time. I think there was more up but mentally for me it was mostly down. You have to save your legs until the right moment," Ryan said. "That new single-track is good but needs to be worked in a little more. Right now it's leg zapping and like riding through sand."
Nikki Kassel blew away the competition in the women's race. She finished 12th overall in 3:47.12. Karen Trueman of Quesnel placed second in 4:11.36 and Pemberton's Hillary Harrison placed third in 4:26.39.
"I like the long endurance races and lots of road. I ran some of the descents because I am not used to them," Kassel said.
As a true Whistler classic, the Cheakamus Challenge lures new and old faces to redefine cross-country racing. Founded by the late Doris Burma as "See Colours and Puke," the Cheakamus Challenge continues to live up to its former name. Tyler Allison is a new face on the scene considering he is only 16 years old. He placed 10th overall and won the junior ranks in 3:44.23.For complete results from the Cheakamus Challenge, check out www.cheakamuschallenge.ca.
