Bicyclists compete in Leesville road race

More than 100 competitive bicyclists pedaled over the Leesville Grade on Friday in one of most grueling races on the west coast.

The annual Leesville Gap Road Race is one of 38 racing events in California staged by Velo Promo. The 60-mile sprint follows a nearly complete loop from Williams and back again over grueling terrain.

Bicyclists came from all over California for the race, which got under way at Williams High School at 8 a.m. for professional cyclists. Groups of semi-pro and amateur riders followed about every five minutes until all were on a course marked by fast, steep descent off Grapeville Pass, narrow dirt roads and stretches of gravel.

“It’s a tough man’s race,” said Alex Blease of Chico. “It’s probably one of the hardest courses in California.”

The competitive bikers who took part in Friday’s race belong to a number of racing clubs in California and Nevada. Blease, 20, who competed in the Leesville race last year, rides with his Sierra Nevada-sponsored team, Chico Corsa. Prior to the start, Blease said he hoped to complete the race in about three hours.

“You have to be tough mentally, and be confident on your bike,” he said. “If you can win here, you are pretty well off.”

Making his debut in the Leesville Gap Road Race, 17-year-old Ryan Oakes of Cameron Park said he hopes to become a world-class professional. After competing in road races for three years, Oaks said teammates told him that Leesville would test his mettle.

“I’m prepared,” Oakes said. “I like to feel the burn. I like to work hard and I’m competitive, so this race is the way to do it.”

Although bicycle road racing originated in the 19th century and was favored by Europeans, the competitive sport has gained in popularity in the U.S. with much help from Texan Lance Armstrong. The seven-time Tour de France winner returns to the world’s greatest cycling race starting today after a four-year absence.

The Tour de France and other world-class events are the sort of races competitive bicyclists dream about for their own careers.

“Who wouldn’t want to be up there with the big boys, like Lance,” Blease said. “But it’s only for a select few.”

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.