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Bike race a success again

Submitted by Sandra Beggs--The annual Derailleurs in the Mist Cycling Club Race at the Edge on Saturday was a resounding success once again this year. The weather co-operated spectacularly with a nice little light wind helping to speed racers from Queen Charlotte to the Tlell River Bridge turn-around point. A warm sun and sparkling sea helped them forget the wind that tried to slow them down on the return trip to Skidegate. The race began with the RCMP and Ambulance service escorting riders through town and out to Jags Beanstalk. From there the neutral zone ended with a flash of the police car lights and the racers were off. The race began in earnest with riders quickly breaking into three distinct groups. The lead group of seven riders stayed together for about 30 kilometres riding in an organized pace line. The speed was enough to drop three riders at that point and the front four riders stayed together until their sprint to the finish line. Amid cheers from the crowd David Beggs of Queen Charlotte came over the line first with Terry Mitchell of Tlell crossing the line a scant bike length behind him. Third was Kelvin Marks of Prince Rupert. It was an exciting sprint to the finish with racers digging deep and dancing on their pedals for the win. Greg Wiggins of Queen Charlotte won the Masters Men category. Notable in the race were first time participants Ben Davidson and Richard Jones who rode the 92 km race at a blistering pace. Watch for them next year sprinting for the win! Crystal Thomas from Terrace was the first woman to cross the line with Queen Charlotte's own Robyn Boese coming in second. Third to cross in the women's division was Sonja Efford. Fifteen year old Kaileen McCullough of Smithers, who rode with Skidegate's Sue Brown (in her first "long ride") won the junior title. The Friday night 5 km Time Trial was a fun event that saw David Beggs winning the men's division and Terry Mitchell coming in second. Crystal Thomas won the women's Time Trial with Sue Brown coming in second. Emma Ross of Queen Charlotte came in first in the junior category. An awards ceremony and celebratory BBQ took place under sunny skies after the race. The race was supported by a terrific group of volunteers, bless their hearts, and many local and off-island businesses.