All levels of mountain bike racers – from up and comers to elite riders – will be hitting the hills at Silver Star for the BC Cup.
Anyone can now register to compete in Silver Star’s BC Cup Downhill Race Sunday, Aug. 7, the fifth stop in the 2016 BC Cup Series.
Riders can scope out the course Saturday, Aug. 6 during the official practice day, which includes timed practice and seeding runs. At 5:30 p.m., the hugely entertaining Whip-off Competition starts up, followed by an evening Biker Bash party at The Red Antler. On Sunday, Aug. 7, practice runs go all morning with the BC Cup racing kicking off at noon.
Changes to the traditional race course on Dag’s Downhill, which is Silver Star’s most technical double black diamond trail, will make the event exciting and challenging for racers.
“We have been racing the Dag’s DH course for a number of years,” said Cam Sorensen, bike park manager. “It is still one of the favorite race courses out there, but it is time for a little change.
“We are adding a brand new upper section and connecting it to the existing track just past the half way point. In the lower section we are opening some of the corners along with other updates,” said Sorensen. “We’ll be keeping it wide open and fast, which is the new age style of DH racing.”
And the riders are stoked to take part.
“The Silver Star race is definitely one I look forward to each year,” said Salmon Arm’s Max Scharf, winner of the 2015 Silver Star BC Cup Expert Junior Men category. “The course is awesome, and the spectators are always good for a laugh! I’d definitely like a repeat of last year, especially with it being so close to home.”
For non-racers, the rest of the hiking and biking trails will be open and uncrowded. Spectators can watch the exciting racing free of charge and partake in the village festivities, which will include music and a variety of vendors.
“We are excited to be hosting this event for the fifth consecutive year. It is a perfect fit with the continuing expansion of our summer events,” said Erik Kalacis, director of sales and marketing.
The BC Cup is a series of six races and prepares the best downhill athletes in the province for the national and international racing circuit. Tiebreakers are set for the finals in Fernie on Aug. 26-28.
For more information bikesilverstar.com. For more information on the series, go to cyclingbc.net.