OTTAWA, ON (July 20, 2026) – The 2026 Canadian XCO & XCC Mountain Bike Championships concluded this weekend in Langford, BC, delivering competitive performances and an incredible showcase of Canada’s mountain bike talent. Competitors tackled a challenging course at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park across Cross-Country Short Track (XCC), Olympic Cross-Country (XCO), and Team Relay disciplines.
Carter Woods (Giant Factory Off Road Team) dominated the Elite men’s field, taking both the XCC and XCO national titles. Woods highlighted, “As a new dad it’s been a really fun first part of the summer having my family over with me for the World Cup circuit, I’ve been racing good and I can’t complain! The national title is nice to defend and I’m looking forward to going back to Europe and racing well.”
Photo: Jay Wallace
In the Elite Women’s division, World Cup star Ella MacPhee (Wilier Vittoria MTB Factory Team) claimed the maple leaf jersey in the rainy short track (XCC) battle. “I don’t think I changed my racing to the conditions; I think the rain gave me a better grip,” said Macphee. “Winning second at the World Cup and winning the national jersey both feel good. I really wanted to work and make this race challenging so it was great.” Saturday’s competitive XCO final saw Emilly Johnston (SCOTT SRAM MTB RACING TEAM) surging ahead to conquer the demanding multi-lap course and claim the Women’s Elite XCO Canadian Championship.
Photo: Jay Wallace
Intense battles in the U23 categories showcased the depth of Canada’s developing talent. Rafaelle Carrier (Trinity Racing) proved unbeatable in the U23 Women’s field, claiming a flawless double victory across both the XCC and XCO events. On the men’s side, Ian Ackert (Pivot Cycles – OTE) flew to the top step in the U23 short-track battle, while Mika Comaniuk (Pittstop Racing Team) put together an exceptional ride on Saturday to take home the U23 Men’s XCO crown.
In the Junior and U17 categories, four riders swept both national titles: Joshua Tyers completely ruled the U17 Men’s field taking both the XCC and XCO victories, while Eliane Blais went undefeated in the Junior Women’s races. The remaining youth titles were split between impressive contenders. In the Junior Men’s field, Emilien Belzile captured the short-track XCC crown before Ethan Wood answered back to claim the XCO title. Meanwhile, the U17 Women’s racing saw Anna Christensen sprint to the XCC win on Thursday, with Hannah Lehmann taking the top step in Saturday’s XCO.
The weekend also saw incredible performances across the board in masters categories and in Sunday’s Team Relay. Cycling Canada extends its congratulations to all athletes who participated, who brought high energy all weekend long. The full event results can be viewed on the Cycling Canada Event Page. Next up is the 2026 Canadian Downhill Mountain Bike Championships this weekend in Sun Peaks, BC.
