The VeloNorth cycling club began their season last night with the Carcross Cutoff Icebreaker race.

Twenty-two cyclists journeyed nine kilometres south from the cutoff and then looped back to the starting point.

Leaving the starting line in 30-second intervals, the racers competed against the clock rather than each other.

The first race of the season is an opportunity to get back into the mindset of cycling and prepare for a busy season, said Bill Curtis, treasurer for the club.

"It was to get people going and thinking about the rest of the season,” he said.

"For some, it was an introduction to the sport of cycling.”

The cyclists faced cool and windy weather, riding into a headwind.

About one kilomtere before the Yukon River Bridge, the team turned around and enjoyed a tailwind for the ride back.

Elijah Buffalo led all riders, completing the course in 27:01. Judd Deuling and Anthony Delorenzo finished second and third in the men's expert category.

Kerrie Paterson and Trena Irving finished first and second on the women's side.

In the men's sport category, Geof Harries paced the pack and was followed by the father and son duo of Phil and Shea Hoffman, with the younger Shea leading the way,

The club greeted some new faces in the women's sport division as Jennifer Curtis led the way. Erin Oliver-Beebe followed in second and Michelle Rigoni in third.

Curtis said the club is focusing on developing local youth under the coaching of club director, Trena Irving.

"Trena is recruiting for our road program,” he said. "She's trying to build up a team for Canada Summer Games next year.”

The development team got their first test on Wednesday night and all the riders finished with smiles on their faces.

Reid Seal led the group and was followed by Calden Hoefs and David Jackson.

Curtis, who has been with the club since its inception, said the number of cyclists have dwindled over the year and the club is hoping for increased numbers on the road this season.

"The turnout last night wasn't bad,” he said. "But in the past, we've had 40 or 45 people show up for the first race of the season.”

The club already has 20 events marked down on their calendar this season and Curtis said the organization welcomes novice cyclists.

"We don't just focus on the experts and the fancy bikes,” he said. "We try and appeal to a wide range, male, female, kids and as well as other racers.

"Last night we had people coming in at 55 minutes and 25 minutes, that's a huge range.”

Curtis said one of the more competitive events of the season would be the annual Tour de Whitehorse, which will run from July 13 to 15.

In the past, the three-stage race has featured two time trial stages and a road race.

"That is the more competitive side of the races,” Curtis said of the event. "The six races scheduled before that are more participatory.”

One of the main events of the season, however, is the Kluane Chilkoot International Bike Relay.

"The bike relay is a good reason to come out and hone your skills for that event,” said Curtis.

"Coming out and pushing yourself every few weeks is a good way to see where everyone stands.”

The first competitive race will be the Jakes Corner Road Race on May 26.

The 74-km event includes expert, sport and novice categories.

Curtis said the majority of the club's events are done in a time-trial format, with cyclists leaving in intervals.

"Going on the highway and having a group race is problematic with the traffic,” he said.

"So we've been using a time trial format where everyone goes out in 30-second intervals and there's no drafting. That keeps it safer; most of our races are like that.”

The clubs next event will be the Yukon River Road Race on May 5.

For a complete list of upcoming races visit velonorth.ca.

Carcross Cutoff Icebreaker results

Novice men:

1. Reid Seal

2. Calden Hoefs

3. David Jackson

4. Caleb McPherson

5. Mathew Knaack

6. Cameron Salvin

7. Brace Lemphers

Sport men:

1.Geof Harries

1. Shea Hoffman

2. Phil Hoffman

3. Rod D'Albramo

Expert men:

1. Elijah Buffalo

2. Judd Deuling

3. Anthony Delorenzo

4. Glenn Iceton

5. Ross Phillips

6. Evan Wise

7. Bill Curtis

Sport women:

1. Jennifer Curtis

2. Erin Oliver Beebe

3. Michelle Rigoni

4. Christine Todd

Expert women:

1. Kerrie Paterson

2. Trena Irving