Boxwood Circuit, June 21st. 2011 40 laps (46km)
The race started with three neutralised laps and then Rob Russell took an early lead, sitting just off the front of
the pack. At the bell for the first of five primes, he still had a slight lead but this soon disappeared and the prime
was won by Warren Muir, with Rob Bau in close pursuit. Then Mike Sevcov did his characteristic turn off the
front but the fast-moving bunch didn't let him stay out as long as usual.
Comox fast man, Ray Wagner then spent the next five laps out front but was never more than ten seconds up and
was reeled in a couple of laps before the second prime, which was again won by Warren Muir. Muir kept up the
increased pace, taking Lionel Space with him but the bunch, sensing that it was risky to leave the OBB sprinter
in the lead,hauled the pair back.
Over the next couple of laps, first Mike Sevcov, then Ron Hewitson, showed the way but, before the bell for prime
three at fifteen laps to go, the group were together once more and the sprint was won yet again by Muir with
Chris Cameron, Ray Wagner and Mike Sevcov in hot pursuit. Next time round, the bunch had once again con
-solidated and it stayed that way until two laps before the fourth prime. Then Sevcov took off once again, with
Rob Russell and the pair manage to hang on for the next couple of laps, with the Everti master,winning the sprint.
Mike was joined by Wagner and they stayed away for one more lap for just one lap with the race coming together
shortly before the final prime at two laps to go. This last prime was won by Bill McMillan, who just edged Chris
Cameron and Kyle Waring.
As the pack came past the line for the final lap, they were led by David Beggs and the ubiquitous Sevcov but at the
finish, it was Lionel Space nipping Ron Hewitson and Warren Muir, with Mike Sevcov hanging on for fourth place
and Chris Cameron rounding out the top five.
There being only one competitor in each of the women's and Youth categories, Glenda Harling and Brodie Hay both
got a dozen easy points.
Thanks to Iain and Brodie Hay for course set-up and take down, to Al Henderson for lap board and flag, and to Olivia
Bau who did a great job as bell girl.
The results will be sent to Cycling BC so that all licensed participants will get their upgrade points.
We post this without comment
After waiting at Java Expressions 'til 9.10am this 
Saturday, your editor was about to leave on a solo ride, when MIVA treasurer, Phil Birrer showed up. After debating the advisability of arriving for club activities on time, we set out on a 60km ride.
The route took us through downtown Nanaimo and along Halliburton to just before the Cedar turn-off where Phil was shown the short cut through the trailer park up from RONA which came out on Cedar Road.
Then the duo went out along the Duke Point Highway to the end and returned via Cedar Secondary School, up Woodbank (hate that hill!) and back down through Cedar to the Island Highway.
After that, they went back into town on Halliburton, then along Front St. , through Mafeo Sutton Park and along Stewart, up Brechin (hate that hill too!) and back along Terminal Ave. and Metral Drive to a well-earned cup of tea at the editor's humble abode.Thanks to Phil for waiting at the top of the climbs!
The ride was pleasant and rain-free but it would have been great to have a few more participants so I could hide from the wind.
Next Saturday, the club ride is replaced by the Nanaimo Randonneurs 50km /100km ride which starts from the BUZZ coffee shop at 10am, Registration at 9am.
In the last few years, many pro races have become more dangerous for the riders, with higher speeds, more technical courses (especially towards the finish) and larger fields. Sky team's Canadian pro., Michael Barry, has written a really insightful article in Velonews on the present situation, here.