Women’s Road Racing Series

What’s it all about? The thought of a bike race holds some allure for you? But not sure how to jump in? Wonder no more. Just show up at one of the listed races below, bring your bike, your helmet and some enthusiasm for a new adventure and you are sure to go home with a few new friends and a good story to tell. In an effort to boost the number of women participants in the sport – we joined heads and created this series of races by selecting 4 of MBRA’s 14 races (see Montana Bicycle Racing Association’s schedule at montanacycling.org) at various locations around the state. Participants will be comprised of first time racers as well as seasoned racers. Come experience an all women’s field from the Cat 1 rider to Cat 4.

Race Schedule:

Race 1          Rocky Mountain Roubaix                         April 10, Saturday

Unique in containing a few “off-road” sections emulating the infamous cobblestones of the Pro tour. Come make like you’re European. The weather is likely to be a crapshoot this time of year in Missoula. But no question, we’ll be there – bundle up, celebrate the achievement after. How else do you play in April?

Race contact: Bob Presta rlpresta1@yahoo.com

Race 2       Montana Velo’s Primavera Cup              April 17, Sunday

We’ll join this two day race series for the second day. If you can – plan on making the trip to race on Saturday too – and enjoy the rolling terrain and screaming flats of the Helena Valley.

Race contact: Jeff Proctor crosssportif@aol.com

Race 3          Highlands Road Race                                April 30, Saturday

A beautiful out and back course, south of Butte along Highway 15. Back this year by popular demand.

Race contact: John Coulthard sherrycoulthard@in-tch.com

Race 4          Belt Omnium                                                May 14, Saturday

What’s an omnium? The only event of its kind in Montana. Two different kinds of races in one day. In the morning, an individual time trial effort and in the afternoon a road race. In this case, more is better! Yeah it hurts – but ohhhh, the satisfaction.

Race contact: John Juras johnjuras@sofast.net

Prizes: Yeah – there will be some….each race organizer is in charge of the prizes du jour. But the best one – the traveling trophy…(yes, a thrift-store treasure) will be awarded to the top cat 4 racer at the end of the season along with some more utilitarian schwag. But prizes aren’t the key here…it’s the company and the rewards inherent in finding an outlet for that competitive side. We’ll be bringing back the team trophy (currently held by Helena) where each team gets a point per person at the start line.

What do I need?: Gotta have a bike. Must have a helmet. Each race has a nominal entry fee. Contact us if this is prohibitive for you. We’ll chase down a scholarship. We’ll do just about anything to bring more racers to the line. DO NOT need to be part of a cycling team to participate.

Questions: Gwen Sensenig, 406-443-5188 (day) or 406-457-8688 (night), or gsphess@aol.com