2025 Lumsden Roubaix Race Report

Author: Chevez Ezaneh

My First Gravel Race https://www.strava.com/activities/14379010206

In the week leading up to the race I knew it was going to be a rank based on my experience road racing last summer with the forecast predicting brutal 30c heat and 50km/h gusts. The race was supposed to be self supported with no feed zones except for a water refill station at the finish line. The race had three major climbs per lap:

1. The Real James Street Hill (paved)

2. Pumpkin Hollow (gravel)

3. Thomas’ Torture (gravel)

I was dreading the upcoming conditions but it really helped that everyone was super chill and laid-back before the race.

Lap 1 We rolled out behind the RCMP escort, but things got "real" as soon as we hit the first climb: The "Real" James Street Hill. I worked my way up front and held on as Oskar and Mitch punched it. We formed an early lead group: Oskar, Mitch, Isaac, and myself. Oskar and Mitch were chilling — literally chatting — while Isaac and I were just trying to survive.

On the highway stretch, I glanced back and saw a chase group way behind. I caught a glimpse of Oleg and David in their Cycledelia kits — a good sign that we had a gap.

Then came the descent into the creek sector. Fast, loose, and honestly a bit terrifying. Oskar and Mitch bombed it. I barely held on.

In the final part of the lap, Mitch started fading. He was coughing hard. I asked if he was okay — no answer. Oskar slowed up too, unsure what to do. Then Isaac caught up with us and let us know Mitch was okay, so we pushed on.

By the time we hit the lap point, Isaac had dropped back. I came through second right behind Oskar, with my wife cheering me on. We ended up sharing the KOM for the first lap — a pretty cool bonus.

Lap 2 The second lap started slower, but I was already in trouble. Climbing James Street Hill again, my legs cramped hard. Heat exhaustion was hitting. I told Oskar, "This is where you drop me." He looked back and said he didn’t want to ride the rest of the race alone — but I couldn’t hold his wheel.

From there, it was survival. I crawled up Pumpkin Hollow. No breeze, just heat. Then came a loose sandy-dirt section with a cooling headwind — and I saw Isaac behind me. He caught me and attacked. Repeatedly. I covered every move. We ended up working together again, but I knew what was coming on Thomas’ Torture - the steepest and hardest climb. And sure enough — he attacked. I responded, cramped instantly and dropped an F-bomb loud enough for the ages. My body was toast. I was out of gears, barely turning the pedals. I seriously wondered if I’d have to walk my bike or even be able to finish the race.

Somehow, I got through it. I rode just easy enough to come back to life while I watched Isaac ride off into the distance.

The Chase Then came the final descent. This time, I felt in control. I rode it fast, smooth, and even spotted a photographer at the bottom of the climb— hope he got the shot.

The Gruppo Nutrition in my hydration pack was thankfully still cold and gave me just enough of a second wind to start clawing back. My legs couldn’t hold power for long, but I could surge. I saw Isaac again, and I started reeling him in. “I still have a chance at second,” I told myself.

Every time I gained, he looked back. He saw me. I could tell he was worried.

With what felt like 500 meters to go, I caught him. We hit the straightaway, crowd in sight. I went. He tried to hold my wheel. We both went full gas in a slow-motion gravel sprint. I could feel my body starting to shut down as I crossed the line with Isaac a couple bike lengths behind.

Post-Race After the race, my leg locked up from a cramp and I nearly fell off my bike. Then moments later Oleg and David came flying in — another sprint finish — with Oleg collapsing into the gutter after the line. I was barely standing myself, but I walked and gave him what little water I had left and stood over the poor soul to give him some shade until the medic arrived and nursed him back to life.

Eventually, I got cleaned up, ate, and swapped stories with the guys followed by the podium ceremony. I walked away with first place finish and a slick 3D-printed gravel light for the trophy. The day wrapped up with a quiet evening at Regina Beach, just me and my wife. We talked about the race — the suffering, the chaos, the finish. I was grateful for her support, for the fight I had in me, and for a day I’ll never forget.

I would also like to acknowledge our teams incredible partners — Dynamic Cyclist, Gruppo Nutrition, Good Day Optics, Varsity Dental Group Saskatoon, Vereco Smart Green Homes, and Community Rheumatology Care in Saskatoon. Your support plays a vital role in helping HPL Cycling athletes thrive, both on and off the road. Thank you for fueling our ride and inspiring our team every step of the way.