Belgian Waffle Ride Vancouver Island 2023
On Sunday, we watched as the inaugural Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) unfurled its wings in Canada, introducing riders to an imposing 218-km 216-Mile course. A balance of road, gravel, and single-track paths presented a dynamic racing scene for the front-runners and a worthy challenge for the rest of the pack that genuinely lived up to the BWR reputation.
Canadians showcased their prowess by clinching victories in both professional races. Though deploying different tactics, Rob Britton and Haley Smith tasted the sweetness of hard-earned triumph on home soil.
The local hero, Rob Britton, emerged as the king of the men's Waffle Ride. A road racer turned gravel specialist and Victoria local, Britton displayed a fierce determination to secure a win on his familiar terrain.
Britton chose not to leave anything to chance. Instead, he attacked early, maneuvering his way up a lengthy, steep gravel climb more than 100km from the finish line. His performance, as predicted by fellow competitor Carter Nieuwesteeg, was undeniably exceptional.
Britton's stellar victory was secured with an impressive time of 6:57:40, nearly 10 minutes ahead of second-place finisher Nicholas Roche. The success affirmed his dedication and his knowledge of the trails and roads of southern Vancouver Island.
On the women's side, Haley Smith brilliantly navigated multiple stretches of single track to distance herself from the women's field. Unlike Britton's display of raw power, Smith exhibited finesse and agility on the Island trails, establishing an insurmountable lead from Austin Killips, Rebecca Fahringer, Katerina Nash, and BWR regular Flavia Oliveira Parks.
The Belgian Waffle Ride debut in Canada was nothing short of a spectacular spectacle of endurance, strategy, and spirit. It offered not just a race but an experience. An experience that Mumu Apparel is proud to be part of and share with our community. Until next time, keep riding and challenging your limits!
Canadians showcased their prowess by clinching victories in both professional races. Though deploying different tactics, Rob Britton and Haley Smith tasted the sweetness of hard-earned triumph on home soil.
The local hero, Rob Britton, emerged as the king of the men's Waffle Ride. A road racer turned gravel specialist and Victoria local, Britton displayed a fierce determination to secure a win on his familiar terrain.
Britton chose not to leave anything to chance. Instead, he attacked early, maneuvering his way up a lengthy, steep gravel climb more than 100km from the finish line. His performance, as predicted by fellow competitor Carter Nieuwesteeg, was undeniably exceptional.
Britton's stellar victory was secured with an impressive time of 6:57:40, nearly 10 minutes ahead of second-place finisher Nicholas Roche. The success affirmed his dedication and his knowledge of the trails and roads of southern Vancouver Island.
On the women's side, Haley Smith brilliantly navigated multiple stretches of single track to distance herself from the women's field. Unlike Britton's display of raw power, Smith exhibited finesse and agility on the Island trails, establishing an insurmountable lead from Austin Killips, Rebecca Fahringer, Katerina Nash, and BWR regular Flavia Oliveira Parks.
The Belgian Waffle Ride debut in Canada was nothing short of a spectacular spectacle of endurance, strategy, and spirit. It offered not just a race but an experience. An experience that Mumu Apparel is proud to be part of and share with our community. Until next time, keep riding and challenging your limits!