In 2010, the TransRockies 7-day mountain bike stage race in British Columbia announced an expansion to the race, set to include a larger $30,000 prize list for the elite, two person teams along with UCI points. TransRockies, which is designed for two-person teams who jointly compete in seven stages through the Alberta Rockies, is only the second North American UCI mountain bike stage race to be sanctioned by the UCI. Organizers expect the UCI endorsement to draw some top pros to the line as they chase elusive but crucial UCI points, needed to qualify for the upcoming 2012 Olympics. For North American riders, this is a rare opportunity to pick up Olympic qualifier points away from Europe.
TransRockies IX begins August 8 in Fernie, British Columbia with an opening time trial, and will finish in Canmore, Alberta seven days later. Last year’s edition was won by Stefan Widmer and Marty Lazarski, racing for the Rocky Mountain Bikes Factory Team. More information and complete route available on the TransRockies website here.
