German Florenz Knauer was triumphant in more ways than one at the New West Grand Prix.
After the presentation following his win, he called up his girlfriend, fumbled around in his back pocket and drew out a little box. He bent down on one knee and asked Alisha Drinkwater to marry him. She said yes, and he added the winner’s bottle of champagne and flower bouquet to the ring he had given her.
Knauer met Drinkwater five years ago when he first started riding in B.C. Superweek. She was the daughter of the woman who arranged billets for the riders during the Tour de Delta races. They had a long-distance relationship for a few years before Knauer moved to Tsawwassen last year. He admitted he was more nervous on stage than during the race.
“The series means a lot to me. It was a little spontaneous. I was actually planning for (Wednesday night) in Gastown, but I saw that’s my chance. You never know, maybe tomorrow I might crash or have a flat, and now I’m the winner on the top and I should ask her now or never,” said Knauer.
The win won’t be the only reason Knauer will never forget New Westminster.
