And they’re off!

After having to postpone the traditional season opener Grand Prix de Pont Rouge, Mother Nature has finally provided the goods, allowing the road bike racing season to start at the GP Ste-Martine, Sunday, April 27th. I was starting to wonder if it would ever happen. It was now time to see who did their homework over the winter, and who’s had to many beers and hotdogs watching playoff hockey!

Last year it was clear after two races that we had a team with a great mix of strong, seasoned riders and eager newcomers with plenty of energy to burn. After this first race, it looks like we still got it.

J.F. Blais, Eric, Patrice, Martin, Martin and Dan took to the start of the A Master’s Race. Each rider took some time at the front of the pack, just in case a surprise breakaway occurred, while J.F. and Eric were keeping a close eye on the key competition. An unfortunate puncture and a disorganized support van took J.F. out of the race, and a crash split the pack in two, leaving one of our guys out of contact with the main pack. None the less, Eric was showing some of last fall’s excellent cyclocross form, as he almost sneaked onto the podium, finishing in a very respectable 4th place!

Pete, Paul, Stephane, Luc took to the Masters B race. Pete was in a good breakaway, with over a minute on the pack but was eventually swallowed up. Newcomer to the team Luc decided to put our new Taximode / Kirax sponsored bibs and jerseys to the test when another rider entangled his bars. He ejected over a ditch to land in the plowed field. The verdict: they pass the test, and so did Luc!

The upcoming weekend should be another good one, with the first Criterium in Brossard and Mountain bike race in Bromont. Keep on rolling, TaxiBoys!