Race Report - Gastown Grand Prix 2015

Chris Jameson represented the Racing Reds at this year’s Gastown Grand Prix, his first time entering this race. The Gastown Grand Prix, which started in 1973, is arguably the most prestigious race on the BC race calendar, drawing top professionals from across North America. This is a very popular races for spectators as well; hundreds of fans line the cobbled streets of historic Gastown, cheering on the racers with cowbells and by pounding the resonate signage plastered across the race barricades. Needless to say, this raucous, gladiatorial environment results in fast racing; the pros jockey for position up front, pushing up the tempo and stringing out the peloton. For the local Cat 1/2 racer, it is a major accomplishment to simply finish the 50 lap race. The attrition rate is high and many racers who dominate in local criteriums struggle to hold on to the main pack.

A Gentleman’s Wager

In order to encourage Chris, our Directeur Sportif Derek Ulrich decided to provide some financial incentive. After some heavy solicitation, which included the garnering the support of our great sponsor Kissing Crows Cyclery, Derek had gathered a total offering of $25 dollars to Chris per completed lap. This wager, on one hand, showed support for Chris by our DS. In a Tinkoff-ian twist, however, it also suggested that our DS may not have had the highest confidence in Chris’ ability to perform in this race.

Chris’ Payday

I met with Chris as he warmed up on the rollers. Looking somewhat nervous yet determined, he spun his legs under the shelter of the Gastown Cycling team tent. 

The Gastown Cycling tent, waiting for Chris' arrival

Joining him was a lean Rob Hargrove, having joined a Équipe SU-MB this season to pursue cycling full time.  Having gained experience racing at major North American UCI events this year, Rob’s quite confidence could only serve to help calm Chris’ nerves in the face of his upcoming challenge.

We watched as the cyclists arranged themselves at the start line. We saw some of the best Canadian and American cyclists, and Chris, mentally prepare themselves for the race. We positioned ourselves up the finishing straight, in a great position to cheer Chris on.  The race began and the tempo ramped up immediately, Chris quickly positioned himself just past mid-pack and looked strong. Now it was Derek’s turn to look nervous. 

Pure determination 

The first few laps were full of high-intensity attacks off the front of the field, and still Chris hung-in. Around lap 10, when a crash on the back stretch split the field, Chris worked to bridge back up to the main group. The race continued an Chris still held his position; he looked almost as if he was smiling as he passed by. I looked over at Derek to see him sweating harder than any cyclist in the field.

In the end, after a valiant effort, Chris was able to hold on for 17 laps before the combined might of the Canadian and American pros proved too much.

Now Derek just needs to find a way to tell Hannah why they won’t be able to afford the ticket for her return flight back from Quebec.

Congratulations to Ryan Roth and Denise Ramsden for winning the Men’s and Women’s races with panache.

A strong and profitable effort. Chapeau

Gastown Grand Prix 2015 Team:

Chris Jameson - DNF