Squamish residents know all about local boy Neal Kindree and his quest to win back-to-back Test of Metal races.
The Test often attracts some of the top names in the cycling world and this year's race will be no different.
Here are three riders who have a shot at dethroning Kindree on the big day:
Kris Sneddon - The 2011 Test of Metal winner didn't participate last year but will be back this year to regain his title. The Sechelt native has placed second to Kindree at both the Nimby Fifty and the Orecrusher this year, so revenge might be on his mind.
Cory Wallace - Sneddon's KONA teammate placed third at the 2012 Test of Metal and fourth at the 2010 Test and knows the course well. Wallace is coming off of two big stage races in Austria, as well as the Four Peaks race in Germany. He also finished fourth at the Nimby Fifty and won the Salty Dog race in Salmon Arm in May.
Chris Sheppard - Another racer possibly seeking revenge on Kindree could be the Oregon native. Kindree edged out Sheppard at last year's B.C. Bike Race and also at last year's Test of Metal. Sheppard also placed second at the 2011 Test of Metal and perhaps this will be the year he's the bride and not the bridesmaid.
There's also the potential for several other Pro Elite riders to enter the Test of Metal on limited notice.
Kindree, Sheppard, Sneddon, Wallace and the other 1,000 or so riders will also notice a change on the course this year. There will be additional singletrack trails starting about one kilometre down the Ring Creek Rip. With the cooperation of the Squamish Dirt Bike Association (SDBA), the Test will use the Whiskey Tin and Empire Mills trails before rejoining the Rip on the way to the Powerhouse Plunge.
"These trail additions will be a great improvement for riders as the Rip has been modified to accommodate the construction of a hydroelectric project," said Test of Metal president Cliff Miller. "We were able to add these fun new trails only as a result of the great cooperation of the SDBA."
While waiting for racers to complete the course, spectators are encouraged to check out the CrossFit Squamish Strength in Stone Competition. There are also all the regular festival favourites such as the Pre-Test Party in Downtown Squamish from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday (June 14). It's the kids' turn during the Mini-Metal at the Squamish Station Mall parking lot and then the Rockstar Invitational Downhill event (weather permitting) both on Sunday (June 16).
For more details on the race and festival, visit www.testofmetal.com.
