[This weekend will see a rider from right here in British Columbia compete in the highest levels of cycling competition over in Europe. What? Ryder Hesda-wha? No no no! We mean dEVo BMX's own Jeannie Mansell, and I'll turn it over to her to tell her story. -the web nerd]

So what is BMX racing? This was the first question I asked a co-worker who had recommended it for a little boy I knew. His explanation did not include ladies 30-plus years old racing a bicycle around a track that would scare the life out of someone who ought to know better! I started hanging around a BMX race track in 2007 – no I am not 16 – far from it! Add at least 3 decades and that would be more my age! The first year my role was a mentor to a young boy trying to find a sport that satisfied his need for speed and his desire to be “good at something”. Once he mastered the ins and outs of the race gate and knew where to be and how it should all work, I was no longer needed and looked for another role.

Andrew Pinfold, an accomplished former professional road cyclist, has been selected by Team Escape Velocity as head coach of the youth development team, dEVo.

Pinfold, 33, who retired from professional cycling in 2011, is a four time member of the Canadian National team and has raced around the world with professional cycling teams including Symmetrics, OUCH Pro Cycling and UnitedHealthcare. Known for his sprinting ability, “Pinner” was also renowned as a selfless racer who worked hard to ensure the teams overall success in races.

Off the bike, Pinfold holds a Master’s degree in Medical Geography from the University of Victoria. His career highlights include 1st at the 2008 Tour of Gastown, 1st at the 2010 Dana Point GP, 2nd on Stage 6 at the 2011 Tour de Beauce; 1st in the Omnium at the 2011 Tour de Delta; 3rd on Stage 7 at the 2008 Tour of Georgia; and two 2nd-place stage finishes at the 2007 Tour of Missouri.

As the coach of dEVo, Pinfold will help Escape Velocity in its continuing mission to encourage youth bike racing in British Columbia. dEVo has fostered athlete development from complete beginners up to national champions. dEVo serves a fundamental role in rider education, providing a positive and fun team atmosphere for riders to develop necessary skills both on and off the bike.

We turn this post over to Jeff Ain for some kind words about the Spring Series -the web nerd

We have just successfully hosted four straight weekends (seven races) of the best road racing in BC. It is volunteer-driven by YOU, and so I want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped out. It's not an enviable job give up a precious weekend day to stand on a corner for 4+ hours in all kinds of weather to run a race.

A couple notes:

Start Times for the Criterium:

• 9:30am C/Novice
• 10:30am B Group
• 11:30am A Group

The youth criterium is not happening because of lack of pre-registration participants. Youth can race Novice/C if they like.

For people who missed the pre-registration deadline, there is day-of registration. So bring $30 for one stage or $80 for all 3 stages. Juniors are $25 per stage or $60 for all 3 stages.

To be eligible for the overall prizes you have to start every event.

It is with regret that we announce that our beloved dEVo coach, Jeff Ain, will soon be leaving us to take an even better job with Cycling BC, coaching their provincial team. We thank him for his many years of award-winning service to the club, and hope this is the start of bigger and better things for J-Pain.