Cyclists will get a sneak peak at an up-coming bike race on April 6 in Pitt Meadows.

Race the Ridge will draw top cyclists from across the province to Maple Ridge’s only stage race on April 27 and 28 and will feature a brand new course for its individual time trial.

Riders will have the opportunity to test themselves on the route on April 6 in Pitt Meadows, before the main event on April 27.

“We wanted to give racers a chance to check out the new time trial course in a race situation as a kind of sneak peek for Race the Ridge,” said race organizer Barry Lyster.

“The Pitt-Polder time trial will offer unique challenges. There are some sections of very rough pavement and icy, strong headwinds off of Pitt Lake are very likely.”

The April 6 time trial will come the day before another of Lyster’s competitive cycling events, Barry’s Roubaix, a multi-lap road race using the roads and dykes of Pitt Meadows.

“Those riders who choose to race the time trial the day before Barry’s Roubaix are truly hardcore,” said Lyster. “It will be a great tune-up for Race the Ridge later in the month.”

Now in its 11th year, Race the Ridge highlights the community’s world-class cycling opportunities on scenic rural roads over three challenging stages, including a hilly road race, an individual time trial, and the action-packed Town Core Criterium in Maple Ridge’s downtown core.

Race and registration information can be found online at www.localride.ca.