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Anticipation for the 21st annual Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay is building.

While the race is still three months away, on-line registration for the annual international event has been open since March 15, and already more than 260 riders and 83 teams have registered for the June 15 event.

The bike relay is a 240-km, international event, crossing the U.S.-Canada border 65 kilometres from Haines.

Teams can enter in one of several categories – solo, two-, four-, and eight-person teams for men, women, and mixed teams.

All visitors to Alaska, including riders on Leg 7 must show a passport at U.S. Customs. Cyclists will have to dismount and show their passport. It is best for Leg 7 riders to be U.S. or Canadian citizens.

Last year's celebration event marking 20 years of KCIBR saw registrations fill to the maximum of 1,200 riders in record time.

The 2012 version of the bike relay included forecasted snowfall at the Haines summit forcing organizers to consider contingency plans. While these plans were not needed, many riders last year battled cold, wet, windy conditions for much of their ride.

While registration for this year's relay officially closes May 31, based on last year's response, race officials expect all 1,200 rider spots will fill up long before that.

Along with the rider limit, there is a limit of 95 teams in the eight-person category.

Participants who want to purchase a souvenir bamboo T-shirt or long sleeve tech shirt must register by April 26. The shirt design for this year was created by Haines artist Elizabeth Jurgeliet, and may be viewed on the KCIBR website – www.kcibr.org.

Race officials have a number of changes in place for this year. The staggered start times this year will be more condensed than previous years.

At 8:30 a.m., solo, two-person, and four-person teams will start using new, self-seeded competitive and recreational groupings. Eight-person teams will start 10 minutes later.

The intent is to get all of the teams further down the Haines Highway on the first leg of the race before southbound traffic is allowed to depart Haines Junction.

Southbound traffic is blocked in Haines Junction from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m.

As motor vehicles continue to be the primary safety concern, increased signage and messaging to participants will focus on using cautious driving habits.

Organizers for this year's event will once again offer two team captains' meetings.

Teams in Whitehorse will have an option of picking up their race packages and attending a captains' briefing June 11 at the Mt. McIntyre Recreation Centre.

The regular Friday night captains' meeting in Haines Junction will take place June 14 for teams that don't make the Whitehorse meeting.

Riders should check the event website for details about clearing customs.

The event has two major corporate partners returning again this year. The Yukon Electrical Company is the ‘Safety Partner' and they will be promoting highway safety, cycling safety and checkpoint safety.

Driving Force, Vehicle Rental, Sales and Leasing is the ‘Transportation Partner' and will provide vehicles for race officials for course set up and organizing on the day of the event.

To register or for more information on the 2013 bike relay, visit the race website.