The Victoria Day long weekend marked a busy time for off-road racers in Western Canada. Corner Grass Racing Team’s (CGRT) Victoria Hett began the weekend riding the night race of the Squealin’ Pig, just outside of Vernon, B.C.
Although Hett was pleased with her speed, riding under the assistance of a Cyclops lighting system, her sixth-place finish was disappointing to her. Sometimes disappointment translates into motivation, though, and during the day race on Sunday, Hett pushed hard for nearly four hours and 85 kilometres to put herself on the top step of the podium in the Intermediate class.
While Hett was working her way through the Intermediate pack, Ben Rego was enjoying the lead in the Pro class. After a great start, Rego held the lead for two laps, until arm pump slowed his speed. The Kitimat, B.C., native, finished his first race of the year as third-place pro.
Meanwhile in Alberta, the 25th anniversary of the Porcupine Cross Country was taking place under very wet and rainy conditions in the Porcupine Hills northwest of Fort Macleod. Notoriously a nasty venue in wet conditions, CGRT newcomer and first-year pro Ryan Linderman exercised great patience and tenacity, battling up to fourth position before lapped traffic and a log pile instigated a few mistakes.
“We are happy with Ryan and his sixth-place finish,” said CGRT team manager Lee Fryberger. “The Porkys can be a nasty place when it's wet and to battle close to the front and finish with a solid sixth is a great start to his season.”
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