Cyclists from the U Kon Echelon Bike Club were in Penticton, B.C., competing in a top-level competition that drew cyclists from across Canada and the U.S.

For all six local riders, it was an opportunity to gain experience pedalling against the best young cyclists in B.C. and beyond.

Ava Irving-Staley placed second overall among the eight cyclists in the Under-15 girls class, having finished each of the four events in second.

Other members of the U Kon team were Taiga Buurman, Johna Irving-Staley, Veronica Porter, Tori Vollmer and Cauis Taggart-Cox.

The Hayman Classic serves as the province’s junior championship for three disciplines – the individual time trial, criterium and the road race.

The Classic is organized and named after Ron Hayman, a former Canadian Olympian cyclist.

It drew 18 riders from an elite club in Hamilton, Ont. Bart Bent, the former U.S. road champion, brought up four cyclists from his club in Bend, Ore.

Altogether, 124 riders participated.

The Hayman is described as an important event to assist in the development of young cyclists.

Attending the event was Kevin Field, road program manager for Cycling Canada who was on the hunt for young riders who can climb.

U Kon Echelon coach Trena Irving concurs with the importance assigned to the Hayman Classic.

“We need more of this stuff in Western Canada,” she said following the weekend event, noting she would like to see 300 riders there in the future. “That’s why it’s important for all coaches and clubs to support this kind of effort. Ron is doing a tremendous job.”

The Classic saw male and female cyclists compete in the Under-13 age group, U-15, U-17 and U-19.

“This was a great group of kids to take – very positive, sportsmanlike, and fun to travel with,” said U Kon coach.

“Although it’s nice to place, the important thing we all take away from the race is riding with other cyclists from across Western Canada and Ontario, making friendships and learning race skills, and pushing our endurance.”

Irving pointed out Porter and Taggart-Cox had 70- and 80-km races on Saturday and Sunday, and felt very rewarded by their perserverance to race hard and finish with personal bests for the day.

U Kon Echelon will be holding the Tour de Whitehorse this weekend.