2023 Cowichan Crusher presented a Rollercoaster of Challenges for growing number of Participants

The weather was kind to the growing numbers of participants last Sunday at the 2023 Cowichan Crusher in British Columbia

Our event crew arrived early in the morning, in time to see the sun peek over the horizon, casting a warm glow on the picturesque Cowichan Valley. Soon, excitement filled the air as cyclists gathered at the starting area, their bikes gleaming under the morning light.

Riders were off on their way and this year's route presented a rollercoaster of challenges.

Gravel paths stretched endlessly, demanding concentration and resilience. Steep pitches required riders to summon their inner grit and push through the leg sting. All burning legs, heavy breathing, and salty sweat was rewarded by picturesque views of the Cowichan area.

2023 Cowichan Crusher presented a Rollercoaster of Challenges for growing number of Participants

After what seemed like minutes, the riders began to roll across the finish line!

Varying expressions of pride, happiness, and relief spread across their faces. Some riders were covered in mud, some in sweat and some, miraculously, looked good as new.

New Courses and New Course Records

New Full Fondo 102 km loop with almost 81% of pure gravel roads goodness. The Triple Crown of Gravel were super excited to share this new course which was essentially a great big loop. Both the men’s and women’s events did some amazingly fast times.

The Men’s race very close races with the top 2 finishing in just under 3 hours and top 3 within 3 minutes of each other. Colin Eriks from Vancouver, BC was fastest in a time of 2:59:12 ahead of Dylan Haight from Victoria, BC in second and Graeme Hill from Victoria, BC.

The Women’s event was also very close with just over a minute between the top 2 and only several minutes for all 3 podium places. Wanda Reddin from Comox, BC was fastest in a time of 3:34:28 ahead of Aleena Oates from Cumberland, BC in second and Cristin Schlossberger from Victoria, BC.

The new Medio Course had a new gravel road loop added to make it a bit more interesting and challenging. Actual distance approximately 56 km, times were a bit slower than in previous years due to added distance and climbing but everyone loved the new course and the men’s and women’s races were quite closer together finishing just minutes apart.

Piccolo / Beginners Fondo was also great with almost 30 participants trying out the 25km gravel route and having a blast!

Post event the participants relaxed with warm food, cold drinks and there were tons of draw prizes to be had.

To view all photos please go to https://tinyurl.com/2ey7z5kh

Link to 2023 Cowichan Crusher Results: https://tinyurl.com/2kaupc3e

Next up in The Triple Crown of Gravel is Kettle Mettle in the beautiful Okanagan of BC in mid September.