Another record field tonight, with 28 starters in 4 categories. The race was slower than last week, with many of the riders coming back from the Tsolum River event in Courtenay. There were 3 intermediate primes for each category. The first sprint: men, Justin Mark from Nick Kupiak; women, Janna Gillick from Carey Mark; youth M, Brodie Hay from James Grant, youth F, Jessica Reynolds.
2nd sprint: M, Tom Skinner from Justin; W, Janna from Carey; YM, James from Brodie; YF, Jessica. 3rd. Sprint: M, Tom From Menno Jongsma; W, Janna from Carey; YM, James from Brodie; YF, Jessica.
There were a few abortive attempts to break but within a lap,all were together again. The 3 women stayed with the pack, with Cheryl Morch clawing her way back after being dropped. 15 year old Jessica Reynolds hung in with the bunch for the first 15 laps before being dropped and when she was lapped, she stayed with the group until 2 laps from the finish.
With 10 laps left, Carey Mark came over the line in the lead and shouted out for lap scorer Hilary Grant to change the board to read 2 laps left.
The finishing sprint saw the bunch spread out, with junior James Grant winning by a second over Nick Kupiak, Iain Hay grabbing third from son Brodie. It was a good evening's work for VIPYRS placing 3 of the top 4 and Mark Grant placing 9th.
The men's podium was: Nick Kupiak, Iain Hay, Tom Skinner. YM -James Grant, Brodie Hay, Mark Grant.
In the women 's category, Janna Gillick showed her strength by finishing 10 th. overall, almost 3 seconds ahead of Carey Mark. 3rd. Woman was Cheryl Morch, a further 3 seconds back. YF - Jessica Reynolds, Abigail Hare (15 laps).
Thanks to marshals Steve Grant, Jason Hare, Andrea Hunter & Charlene Hay and to Hilary Grant ( lap board and bell) .