The Halifax Oceanics, a newly formed cycling team recently broke a record for the Cabot Trail for over 20 years.
The 296-kilometre route through one of Nova Scotia’s most scenic areas features over 4000 metres of elevation change and is typically completed over multiple days by cyclists.
The Oceanics, however, didn’t have any intention of a leisurely pace as they set out with the goal of beating the record cycling time for the trail of 9:50:30, set in 2003 by Garrett McFadyen.
Their team consisted of Chris Algar, Evan Bezanson, Jon Peverill, Neil MacGinnis and Matthew Kampervans.
Algar was first to cross the line with a time of 9:33:33. Bezanson was close behind at 9:34:30, and Jon Peverill rolled in approximately 10 minutes further back.
The two other riders did not complete the relay due to high temperatures and humidity. According to team member Matthew Kampervans throughout the weekend they faced average temperatures above 30 degrees with the humidity making it feel even hotter.
“They were some of the most challenging conditions I’ve faced with the heat and elevation changes we went through over 40 litres of fluids between the five of us,” said Kampervans. “It was all worth it in the end though, seeing three of our riders cross the line in new record times.”
Kampervans also expressed thanks to local cyclists around Cape Breton who helped them confirm the previous record which he said was essential in knowing what pace they had to maintain.
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