The Cochrane Crusher set a new participation record in its fourth year, attracting 138 cyclists to its 100 and 55-kilometre gravel races north of Cochrane in mid-August, staged in Mountain View County.
Organizer Robert Martens of Rogelli Canada said the increase over last year’s 116 registered riders reflects the event’s growing recognition.
“In any new sporting event, it takes some time to get recognition,” Martens said. “People start talking about it, see photos from previous events, and then register.”
The mid-August race, scheduled to avoid conflicts with other cycling events and the harvest season, also benefited from a new start and finish location at the Heritage Centre in Cremona. Martens said the upgraded facilities provided indoor washrooms, change rooms, ample parking, and improved food service.
“This year’s location was definitely a winning concept,” he said.
Riders enjoyed favourable weather, with morning temperatures around 15 C, rising to 20 or 21 C by midday, by which time most cyclists had completed the course. Martens said improved road conditions following a rainy July also helped contribute to faster times.
Finn Borstmeyer of Calgary won the 100-kilometre under-50 race in a record 2 hours, 51 minutes. Local rider Oliver Hamel finished just behind him at 2:52:28, with Michael Stimson crossing the line 36 seconds later at 2:53:04.
Kelsey Duffield was the top under-50 woman with a time of 3:01:53. Sharon Styles was second at 3:36:25, followed by Andrea Stack at 3:51:08.
Dan Wood topped the men’s over-50 100-kilometre race in 2:52:27. David Marshall edged out Shane Besler by a millisecond, recording times of 3:08:03 and 3:08:04, respectively. Ewa Siarka was the only female cyclist in the over-50 division.
The event also included 55-kilometre races for over- and under-50 categories, as well as a recreational division.
Launched in 2022, the Cochrane Crusher has grown steadily, averaging 10 to 15 per cent more participants each year.
Martens said the race is presented by Rogelli Canada in partnership with CBT Italia and praised the strong support from Cochrane-based companies, including Garmin, 4iii, House of Cars Cochrane, Cabin Brewing Company, Wildcat Coffee, and suppliers such as Medsource.
Over the years, the race has also raised more than $1,000 for Big Hill Haven.
“It may not be a large amount, but every dollar counts for them,” he said.
