MIVA's first criterium on the closed Arbutus Meadows circuit goes on Tuesday evening. Turn at traffic lights just south of Parksville (watch for MIVA signs) If you are competing, get there really early to get used to the course. If you are spectating, why not meet in Nanaimo and ride out together. Need volunteers to sweep a bit of gravel off the course. Youth race at 6.30pm, senior event at 7.pm. Thanks to the Bau family for permission to use this fab. circuit.

MIVA 40KM I.T.T. Nanaimo River Road

Aug. 2, 2012

Another fast night on Nanaimo River Road. I the last 40 kilometer tt of the season five riders did personal bests and there were four under-the-hour performances. n the men's category, Paul Auton just edged Victoria rider David Strasser by one second to win the event with 57' 06". Emile de Rosnay and Warren Muir also beat 58 minutes. Fast man Don Gillmore had the fastest 20 km split but wasn't feeling good so retired.

In the women's category, all three participants did personal bests Janna Gillick continued her domination by posting 1h 05' 26". Katy Condon improved by over a minute as did Lorrie Baildham.

Thanks to Jason Hare, Abigail Hare and Corey Fielding for volunteering.

MIVA BOXWOOD CRITERIUM, JULY 24TH. 2012 50 minutes plus 5 laps

Tonight was almost a repeat of last week, when Ontario Masters champion, Ian Scott lapped the field and took all the primes in the process. In a couple of respects however, it was different. After the first five laps, a break went, with Kyle Waring, Iain Hay and Mr. Scott.

This stayed for the next four laps and when the bell sounded for the first prime, the trio were still together, with Iain Hay hanging on by the skin of his teeth. When the riders appeared to contest the prime, Ian Scott was well ahead with Kyle towing Iain a few seconds behind. Ian Scott then went into time trial mode and dropped the other two. who were absorbed by the pack within the next couple of laps.

Then the bunch decided to work together and the glimmering of a real pace line started. They held Scott to 15 seconds for the next three laps but then the pace line disintegrated as some of the stronger riders were accelerating as they moved to the front instead of maintaining the pack speed (see article on MIVA web site). From then on, Scott took 5 seconds per lap and eventually lapped the rest as the bell sounded for the final prime. he continued to press his advantage and was ten seconds clear of the pack as he took the prime.

With two laps left, Scott continued to take more time out of the field and finally took the chequered flag about a lap and 20 seconds ahead of the pack. The sprint for second was easily won by Kyle, with John Lam third, also well clear of the remnants.

Next week, the criterium will be at Arbutus Meadows Equestrian Centre (click here for details). We suggest that all participants arrive early to get used to the somewhat narrow circuit.

MIVA 15km TIME TRIAL Nanaimo River Road

July 26th. 2012

Tonight saw the best turnout this year, with twenty-one starters in three categories. It was also the first time we have seen five youth riders, ranging in age from seven to seventeen. Also, all but three beat their personal best for the course or had their first ride on it. At last, Don Gillmore has more than one to challenge him and, although it was not a good evening for him, two of the riders beat his time.

Next week is a forty kilometer individual time trial - the last for this season, so get out and do a good one!. Remember that the series winners in each category must have ridden at least five events to qualify and the are only events left. Hill climbs do count towards the series pewits.

Our regular Monday evening ride starts at 6:30PM sharp from the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. In preparation for the MIVA Hill Climb Championship, which starts mid-August, we'll be taking a tour of some of Nanaimo's best climbs.