Another one is in the books and after three days of hard fought competition a rider from Anchorage emerged as the fastest man on two wheels in VeloNorth's Tour de Whitehorse.

Though not quite on par with the Tour de France (smaller budget), the Tour de Whitehorse did provide an opportunity for the 31 riders that took part an opportunity to experience in a small (albeit very small) way what their 'brother-in-arms' went through racing around France for three weeks.

The Three Pillars of Doom or what could be called the Miles Canyon Loop kicked things off on Friday night.

The 10 km course known for the tough three hills that come in quick succession on the 10 km loop saw Daniel Folmar from Anchorage set a new course record by over one-minute in placing first in the Expert Men category in a time of 14 minutes and 25 seconds.

In the Expert Women category Janice Sheufelt also established a new course record covering the course in 17 min and 23 seconds.

Saturday saw the long road race take place. This was held on the new Hamilton Blvd. extension that runs between Granger and the top of the Robert Service Way.

This six-km loop course was made available for the event as a result of YTG, the City of Whitehorse and Skookum Jim's Contracting agreeing to allow the club access prior to the road being opened to the public.

As a result of this example of community cooperation the most exciting road race in Yukon history took place under warm and sunny skies.

In the 12 lap (72 km) Expert Men category, the field was constantly in flux as rider after rider would attack the field hoping to get an advantage and much like they had been witnessing all week with the other tour, hoping to succeed in a long break away.

In the end three riders did get away and it came to a sprint between Daniel Folmar, Ian Parker and Troy Henry with Henry getting the nod at the line.

In the Expert Women's race at the end of a hard 72 km Heather Enders edged Janice Sheufelt at the line.

Sport Men racing over 60 km saw Seam McCarron power away in the last hundred meters for a decisive win over Nathan Leenders and Jud Dueling.

Laura Salmon won the Sport Women's 60 km road race and Kristin Wilkinson the Recreational Women's road race. If Saturday had ideal weather conditions, Sunday had interesting ones.

The 20 km individual time trial marked the last event of the three days of racing.

The race took place on the North Klondike Highway starting at the Hot Springs Road, running 10 km north and at which point riders turned and returned to the finish back where they started.

The ride to the turnaround was enjoyed by everyone because the 30 to 40 km tailwind made it seem effortless.

However, the return leg, which meant going back into what is now a 30 to 40 km headwind not enjoyed as much.

Despite the less than ideal conditions Daniel Folmar once again set a new course record covering the 20 km in 27 min and 11 seconds.

Janice Sheufelt won the Expert Women's race in a hard fought ride over Heather Enders. Nadele Flynn continued her winning ways easily taking the Sport Women's race and Jud Dueling won the Sport Men's category.

After three days of hard racing overall champions were crowned in all categories though there were no podium girls, stuffed animals or modern sculpture, nor a $600,000 pay cheque for first place, but the feeling of pride felt by all competing was just as great as that felt by 'those other guys'

In the Expert Men category Daniel Folmar from Anchorage emerged victorious over Troy Henry by one minute and 42 seconds. Janice Sheufelt from Juneau edged Heather Enders by a scant 23 seconds.

In the Sport Men's class Jud Dueling finished first one minute and 44 seconds up on Darren Holcombe.

Nadele Flynn won the Sport Women's competition after a weekend of solid results. Flynn was four minutes and 51 seconds over Trina Irving.

Kristin Wilkinson from Anchorage, by way of Skagway, won the Recreational Women's event.

Article provided by Mike McCann, president of the VeloNorth Cycling Club.