News – Page 146 – Cycling Canada Cyclisme

BMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AROUND THE CORNER, AND CANADA IS READY

Tory Nyhaug to lead Canada’s crew into BMX World Championships

(Ottawa, ON – July 22, 2014) Canadian BMXers are ready to take on the World at the 2014 UCI BMX World Championships, scheduled to take place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, from July 23 to 27, 2014.

Canada will be led by Tory Nyhaug of Coquitlam, BC, who has had a consistent season among the best BMXers in the World Cup Supercross races. Nyhaug, who has won six consecutive Canadian Championships titles including four in the Elite category, was the sole BMXer representing Canada at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Last season, Nyhaug finished in fifth place of the World Championships, his first Finals berth since joining the Elite rank in 2010. Back in 2009, Nyhaug had narrowly missed the podium of the Junior main event, taking the fourth place.

Nyhaug will be joined by Jimmy Brown of Airdrie, AB, James Palmer of North Vancouver, BC, and Brandon Reid of Victoria, BC. All three riders have shown excellent readiness in training camps to prepare for this event

Canada qualified three spots for the Elite Men in addition to Nyhaug’s automatic selection. Canada is currently ranked eighth in the Elite men UCI Nations Rankings.

The reigning Canadian Champion Amelia Walsh of Ayr, ON will be representing Canada in the Elite Women category, while Tanner Vandenhoven of Didsbury, AB and Daina Tuchscherer of Airdrie, AB will be racing in the junior races.

Ken Cools, Head Coach of the Canadian BMX team, is pleased with the group of athletes who will race for Canada. “The World Championships is the one event of the year where athletes have the opportunity to show what they are made of and earn a rainbow jersey. This is what all athletes will be striving for, to become the best in what they do.”

Cools added: “With Rio just over two years away, the qualification system has begun, and the World Championships is an event that will offer the most amount of points in 2014. We aim at maximizing the points we earn as a country as we work towards getting as many athletes qualified for the Olympics as possible.”

Also traveling with the Canadian Team, Alex Tougas of Pitt Meadows, BC will be competing in the 16-year-old men Challenge Class. Tougas is a targeted development rider with the BMX National Team and was the World Champion in his category last year during the UCI BMX World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand.

The 3D model of the track can be seen here: http://youtu.be/F2SrM-MOQX0

For more information on the event, please visit: http://www.wkbmx.com/BMX2014_EN/home.aspx

TEAM CANADA – 2014 UCI BMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

ELITE WOMEN

Amelia Walsh (Ayr, ON)

 

ELITE MEN

Tory Nyhaug (Coquitlam, BC)

James (Jim) Brown (Airdrie, AB/Surrey, BC)

James Palmer (North Vancouver, BC)

Brandon Reid (Victoria, BC)

 

JUNIOR MEN

Tanner Vandenhoven (Didsbury, AB)

 

JUNIOR WOMEN

Daina Tuchscherer (Airdrie, AB)

 

SCHEDULE – 2014 UCI BMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 23: UCI BMX World Challenge 17 and over/UCI BMX World Championships Masters

July 24: UCI BMX World Challenge 5-16 year

July 25: UCI BMX World Challenge Cruisers

July 26: UCI BMX World Championships Time Trial Qualifications and Super Finals

July 27: UCI BMX World Championships Race Motos and Finals

 

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TEAM RELAY, MASTER RACES CONCLUDE CANADIAN MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Pulse Racing hosts another successful Canadian Championships at Hardwood Ski and Bike

(Oro-Medonte, ON – July 20, 2014) The 2014 Canadian Mountain Bike Cross-Country Championships came to an end on Sunday with the presentation of the team relay and master races capping off a weekend of exceptional racing at Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro-Medonte, near Barrie, ON.

Team Quebec (Raphael Gagné, Marc-Andre Fortier, Cindy Montambault, Leandre Bouchard) won the Championships team relay, winning the second consecutive title for the province in the event. Team Ontario (Quinton Disera, Emily Batty, Marc-Antoine Fortin, Adam Morka) took the second place, while Team British Columbia (Max Plaxton, Quinn Moberg, Catharine Pendrel, Rhys Verner) came in third place.

Team Opus-OGC (Mathieu Belanger-Barette, Neil Symington, Andreanne Pichette, Félix Burke) won the Club Challenge Team Relay.

In the master races, Eric Batty (Master Men 30-39), Jon Barnes of (Master Men 40-49), Robert Sule (Master Men 50+) all won titles in their respective men categories, while Rhonda Stickle (Master Women 30-39) and Lisa Holmgren (Master Women 40+) took the titles.

Throughout the weekend, Canada’s top mountain bikers converged to Hardwood Ski and Bike to compete for Canadian titles in all categories, and the racing was simply spectacular. Catharine Pendrel and Geoff Kabush rode to the titles in the elite races, both highlighting an incredible storyline for this event. In the espoir category, Léandre Bouchard earned his third title in four years while Frederique Trudel extended to four her winning streak at Canadian Championships, still unbeaten at this event since turning junior in 2011.

The competition took place at the same venue to be used for the mountain bike events of the Toronto 2015 Pan-American Games, next year. The official announcement was made on Thursday, and members of the organising committees were present at the venue all weekend to observe and take notes.

For the mountain bikers, the next stop will be the UCI World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne, QC, a four-day weekend of international racing which starts on July 31.

These championships, hosted for the second consecutive year at Hardwood Ski and Bike, were organized by Pulse Racing, led by organizer Glenn Meeuwisse and his crew of dedicated volunteers.

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RESULTS – 2014 CANADIAN MTB XC CHAMPIONSHIPS – ORO-MEDONTE, ON

TEAM RELAY – CHAMPIONSHIPS

1. Quebec 1 (R. Gagne, M.-A. Fortier, C. Montambault, L. Bouchard) 53:49:00

2. Team Ontario (Q. Disera, E. Batty, M.-A. Nadon, A. Morka) 54:25:00

3. Cycling BC A (M. Plaxton, Q. Moberg, C. Pendrel, R. Verner) 54:47:00

 

TEAM RELAY – CLUB CHALLENGES

1. OPUS / OGC − AKA The Martinez (M. Belanger-Barette, N. Symington, A. Pichette, F. Burke) 57:58:00

2. BC Future Champs (A. Watson, E. Toom, J.-A. Berkenpas, S. Skeget) 58:34:00

3. Wolfpack Racing / Inception (W. Clarke, Chris Fruetel, K. Dundas, A. Schmidt) 1:02:51

 

MASTER WOMEN 30-39

1. Rhonda Stickle (RealDeal/Gears p/b Waspcam) 1:26:17.34

2. Linda Shin (Blacksmith Cycle) 1:27:39.12

3. Anouchka Lewis (Team Spoke O’Motion) 1:33:15.08   

 

MASTER WOMEN 40+

1. Lisa Holmgren (Velocity Cycle and Ski) 1:22:18.46

2. Ingrid Musgrave 1:33:03.83

3. Nathalie Mousseau (Coachchris.Ca/Tedvelikonja/Trudell Med.) 1:36:17.44

 

MASTER MEN 30-39

1. Eric Batty (Trek Store C.C) 1:37:04.55

2. Dan Souter (Apollo Bicycles) 1:38:01.58

3. Mark Brusso (Lapdogs Cycling Club) 1:41:33.00

 

MASTER MEN 40-49

1. Jon Barnes (Trek Canada Mountain Bike Team) 1:35:21.78

2. Éric Jobin (Coachchris.Ca/Tedvelikonja/Trudell Med.) 1:38:26.62

3. Brian McKeown (Radical Edge) 1:38:38.35

 

MASTER MEN 50+

1. Robert Sule (Erace Cancer Cycling Team p/b La Bicicletta) 1:46:15.47

2. Christian Lalancette 1:46:39.26

3. Claude Boily  Vélo 2 Max 1:48:40.85

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CATHARINE PRENDEL REGAINS POSSESSION OF THE CANADIAN CHAMPION JERSEY

Pendrel dominates cross-country Canadian Championships; Trudel surprises to take the u23 title

(Oro-Medonte, ON – July 19, 2014) Catharine Pendrel of Kamloops BC (Team Luna Pro) has retaken possession of the Red and White jersey, winning the highly anticipated women’s elite race at the 2014 Canadian Mountain Bike Championships at Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro-Medonte, near Barrie, ON.

Racing on the challenging trails of Hardwood Ski and Bike centre, revamped this year as it prepares to welcome the 2015 Pan-American Games, Pendrel raced to the top of the podium, edging arch rival Emily Batty of Brooklin, ON (Trek Factory Racing), who rode away with the jersey in 2013 taking advantage of the absence of Pendrel, who was out with an injury.

“I felt good to be out there. I had a lot of respect for Emily entering the race, and I knew she would give a tough battle. This race was a good confirmation of where I am at,” said Pendrel after the race. “I wanted the jersey. I certainly missed it around the world this year, and it’s something I hold dear to my heart, to be the number one Canadian. It’s special.”

Pendrel startedhe race strongly, and controlled the race within the first few kilometres. She managed to maintain and increase her lead, all the way to the finish line. The defending Canadian Champion Emily Batty of Brooklyn, ON (Trek Factory), finished in second place while three-time Canada Cup Champion Sandra Walter of Coquitlam, BC (liv-Giant) took third place.

Pendrel pulled away with the victory on a course she had not raced since 2006 while her main rival had ridden the course many times in the past months preparing for the event. “Emily and I are competing at the World Cup level. To race at that level, you have to be good on any course, anywhere. So for the elite, it’s never a real advantage to race on its own course.”

TRUDEL COMES BACK IN LAST LAP TO TAKE THE TITLE

In the U23 women’s race, Frederique Trudel of Breakyville, QC managed to squeak on the top of the podium, after coming back from a 40-second deficit on Hayley Smith of Uxbridge, ON (Norco Factory Team), who led for the majority of the race. Smith finished in second place after crashing in the last lap while Catherine Fleury of Alma, QC (Equipe du Québec-Cyclones d’Alma) was third.

“My approach for this race was very different. This year, my early season was a little more difficult. I was calm at the starting line. I knew what I had to do, and I was ready for the event. I gave everything I could give,” said Trudel.  “I raced this race for myself. I needed a good race this year. I needed that feeling I felt at the finish line.”

With the victory, Trudel won her fourth consecutive Canadian championships title. When asked how it felt to join the Canadian mountain biking group who won at least four consecutive Canadian titles, such as Geoff Kabush, Alyson Sydor, Catharine Pendrel, Emily Batty, she was full of emotions. “I did not even know about it before I was informed of it this week. I do because I like racing mountain bike. It is a great honor to have accomplished what I have accomplished. This is a great pride for me to join those athletes. It is a little girl’s dream to try and follow in their footsteps.”

SOREN MEEUWISSE TAKES ADVANTAGE OF HOME TRAILS TO WIN JUNIOR TITLE

Soren Meeuwisse of Barrie, ON (Trek Canada Mountain Bike Team), was the fastest of the women’s junior group. She completed the 3-lap, 18-km race with a time of 1:02:15. Laurie Arseneault of Terrebonne, QC (Iris) took the second place, while Paige Foxcroft of Collingwood, ON (Team Ontario-Angry Johnny CC), finished third.

“Winning the jersey was a major goal for me this year. I wanted to live up to the expectations from last year, so I’m happy to come away with a win this year. Now, I’m hoping to travel to Norway for the World Championships and get a good placing there as a first-year junior as it will be a very tough field, said Meewisse, visibly very happy after the race.

“I am very comfortable on these trails. I’ve been practicing on this course for about a month now. Countless laps. I felt smooth on all those technical sections on which other people were having trouble with. The long climb right after boneshaker was particularly difficult for me today. I’m better at short, spunky climb.”

In the cadet women’s race, Erica Leonard of Barrie, ON (Team Ontario-Team Bikeland) won the title, overtaking Samantha Fuller (Angry Johny’s CC), in second place and Juliette Tétraullt of Val des Monts, QC (Skinouk-VDM) in third place.

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RESULTS – 2014 CANADIAN MTB XC CHAMPIONSHIPS – ORO-MEDONTE, ON

ELITE WOMEN (5 laps, 29.4km)

1. PENDREL, Catharine 1:34:28

2. BATTY, Emily 1:35:13 (+0:45)

3. WALTER, Sandra 1:40:47 (+6:18)

4. KOFMAN, Mikaela 1:43:42 (+9:14)

5. SIN, Amanda 1:45:33 (+11:05)

 

ESPOIR WOMEN (4 laps, 23.5km)

1. TRUDEL, Frédérique 1:23:39

2. SMITH, Haley 1:24:20 (+0:41)

3. FLEURY, Catherine 1:25:03 (+1:23)

4. PAGEAU, Rachel 1:26:21 (+2:42)

5. HARVEY, Laurence 1:28:36 (+4:56)

 

JUNIOR WOMEN (3 laps, 17.6km)

1. MEEUWISSE, Soren 1:02:15

2. ARSENEAULT, Laurie 1:03:18 (+1:03)

3. FOXCROFT, Paige 1:04:55 (+2:39)

4. LEWIS, Marine 1:05:05 (+2:49)

5. SIMARD, Amélie 1:06:51 (+4:35)

 

CADET WOMEN (2 laps, 11.47km)

1. LEONARD, Erica 43:40.20 (+0:15.76)

2. FULLER, Samantha 44:29.55 (+0:49.3)

3. TÉTREAULT, Juliette 45:25.23 (+1:45.0)

4. POLLARD, Robin 45:31.15 (+1:50.9)

5. SAMSON, Sophianne 45:49.16 (+2:08.9)

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GEOFF KABUSH BECOMES THE MOST DECORATED MOUNTAIN BIKER OF CANADIAN HISTORY

Kabush earns eighth title; Léandre Bouchard wins third U23 title in four years

(Barrie, ON – July 19, 2014) Canadian mountain bike legend and three-time Olympian Geoff Kabush of Courtenay, BC (Scott-3 Rox Racing) was crowned the men elite champion at the 2014 Canadian Mountain Bike Cross-Country Championships at Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro-Medonte, near Barrie, ON.

In doing so, Kabush became the most decorated mountain biker of all time at Canadian Championships, earning his eighth elite title in cross-country. He surpassed Alyson Sydor, who has seven titles to her credit.

In addition to his cross-country races, he won four cyclo-cross title, and became the most decorated cyclist of the US Cup Series.

The Championship races today featured all of Canada’s top mountain bikers assembled to race for the ultimate honor, and the racing certainly did not disappoint. The top group of riders expected to perform raced well and were in the hunt to the finish line.

Evan Guthrie and Cameron Jette (Scott-3Rox Racing) both started like a bullet in the first few moments of the race, and took an early lead from the front of the pack.

Right behind the two leaders were Canada’s top riders including Kabush, defending Canadian Champion Derek Zandstra of Trenton, ON (Scott-3 Rox Racing), Max Plaxton of Victoria, BC (Cannondale Factory Racing) and Raphael Gagné of Québec, QC (Rocky Mountain bicycles).

Jette and Guthrie managed to maintain the lead for most of the race, but Jette suffered from a jammed chain and Guthrie slowly running out of steam. This opened the door for the chase group to bridge the gap.

Gagné attacked the exhausted Guthrie and Jette, and led the race in the fifth lap. That’s when Kabush and Zandstra worked together to close in on Gagné, and set the table for the finish. Ultimately, Kabush had lots left in the tank and made the winning move in the last kilometers, to take the title. Teammate Derek Zandstra finished second, while Raphael Gagné took the third place.

“It feels really satisfying. It was really an enjoyable race, and especially great to see the level of riders. I’ll be really proud to represent the maple leaf at the World Cups. It was our goal to keep the jersey in the team, and it was really great to see the whole team ride strong,” said Kabush after winning his eighth title.

But when asked about the feat of becoming the most decorated rider in history, Kabush remained grounded and humbled: “Numbers are numbers. It’s most gratifying to wear the jersey again. A big thanks to all our sponsors. They have provided awesome support to the team. It’s another jersey for the tickle-trunk, but most importantly I’ll be really proud to wear the Maple Leaf once more around the world.”

“It was an exciting finish, with so many guys together in the last lap. I saved a little bit of that mental energy for the last push. I just had to put my head down. I was in the chase group all day, and we weren’t letting up. It was also see great to see Cameron [Jette] out there riding well. Bummer for him, he had a mechanical as he was riding really well. He gave me and Derek the confidence to ride our own pace. The gap stretched out, but we were keeping it in check. When we saw Cameron on the side of the trail, Derek and I knew it was now our responsibility to get up there,” said Kabush about the race.

LÉANDRE BOUCHARD WINS THIRD CANADIAN U23 TITLE

In the U23 race, a tight race within the very competitive group featuring some of the best. Mitchell Bailey of Barrie, ON (Trek Canada Mountain Bike), Léandre Bouchard of Alma, QC (Equipe du Québec-Cyclone d’Alma), Antoire Caron of Stoneham, QC, Evan McNeely of Kingston, ON (Norco Factory Team) and local star Peter Disera of Barrie, ON (Norco Factory Team) were all favorites to contend for the title.

Léandre Bouchard took the title of the intense battle, taking his second title of the week after winning the Eliminator on Thursday. Bouchard who will be moving to the elite category next year, won three of the four titles throughout his career in the U23 category, winning in 2011, 2012 and 2014.

“I’m really happy to take the title in cross-country. It’s really a pride for me. Canadian Championships is the race of the year in Canada. This results will remain close to my heart for all my life,” said Bouchard after the race.

“It was a big goal for me this season, and I succeeded. We have a good group of riders in the espoir category in Canada. The course was very good this year, with a new school style which includes many artificial obstacles. It requires a lot of technical skills. These are very nice facilities left for the community here to enjoy.”

In second place came the defending Canadian champion and local rider Mitchell Baily of Barrie, ON (Trek Canada MTB team), and Felix Burke of Mont-Tremblant, QC (Opus-OGC) finished third.

FORTIER FASTEST JUNIOR

Marc-André Fortier of Victoriaville, QC was the fastest among the junior men, posting a time of 1:09:28, beating at the finish line Rhys Verner of Garibaldi Highlands, BC (Cycling BC) and Felix Burke of Mont-Tremblant, QC (Opus-OGC). Fortier is currently leading the Canada Cup series.

“This is a good day. My legs were great today. After the first two minutes, I had a gap of 5-10 seconds, and I managed to widen the gap throughout the race. I was not sure if they would catch me near the end, but I gave it all to finish. I’m very happy,” commented Fortier, two-time Canadian champion in the cadet category.

“Since I won last week, I came here as one of the favorite to take this race. I handled it well. It is about five guys with all the same strength. We feed off each other and challenge ourselves. The winner is different in each race. The course didn’t offer any rest period. It goes up and it goes down. It is very physical with a lot of elevation. There was many spectacular passes, and it was very fun.”

In the men cadet category, Quinton Disera of Barrie, ON successfully defended his cadet title from 2013. The rider who calls Hardwood Ski and Bike his local training centre, easily won the race by posting a time of 52:38.63. Tyler Orschel of Uxbridge, ON (Team Ontario-Trek Store CC) and Sean Fincham of Garibaldi Highlands, BC (Cycling BC) finished second and third.

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RESULTS – 2014 CANADIAN MTB XC CHAMPIONSHIPS – ORO-MEDONTE, ON

ELITE MEN (6 laps, 35.3 km)

1. KABUSH, Geoff 1:39:31

2. ZANDSTRA, Derek 1:39:42 (+0:11)

3. GAGNÉ, Raphaël 1:39:50 (+0:19)

4. PLAXTON, Max 1:40:00 (+0:29

5. GUTHRIE, Evan 1:40:09 (+0:38)

 

ESPOIR MEN (5 laps, 29.4km)

1. BOUCHARD, Léandre 1:23:19

2. BAILEY, Mitchell 1:23:51 (+0:31)

3. DISERA, Peter 1:25:08 (+1:48)

4. NADON, Marc-Antoine 1:26:04 (+2:44)

5. MARTIN, Jérémy 1:26:15 (+2:55)

 

JUNIOR MEN (4 laps, 23.5km)

1. FORTIER, Marc-André 1:09:28

2. VERNER, Rhys 1:09:52 (+0:23)

3. BURKE, Felix 1:10:14 (+0:45)

4. LAROSE-GINGRAS, Guillaume 1:10:33 (+1:04)

5. BELHUMEUR, Felix 1:11:51 (+2:22)

 

CADET MEN (3 laps, 17.36 km)

1. DISERA, Quinton 52:38.63

2. ORSCHEL, Tyler 54:28.65 (+1:50.0)

3. FINCHAM, Sean 54:29.08 (+1:50.4)

4. LONGPRÉ Félix 55:17.87 (+2:39.2)

5. BÉLANGER−RANNOU, Antoine 55:50.83 (+3:12.2)

 

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EMILY BATTY AND CATHARINE PENDREL SHOWCASE BATTLE FOR CANADIAN SUPREMACY

The women’s cross-country race is expected to be intense on Saturday

(Barrie, ON – July 18, 2014) When the elite women take to the start on Saturday at the 2014 Canadian Mountain Bike Cross-Country Championships at Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro-Medonte, near Barrie, ON, expect a fierce and intense battle.

Emily Batty (Brooklin, ON/Trek Factory Racing), the defending Canadian Champion, will be firing up all her cylinders with the hopes to preserve the title, but many strong women will be vying to dislodge her from the red and white maple leaf jersey.

Atop that list, we find none other than former World Champion, World Cup Champion and four-time Canadian Champion Catharine Pendrel (Kamloops, BC/Team Luna Pro), who relinquished the jersey in 2013 as she didn’t participate in the race due to an injury.

“I’m really looking forward to the race. The course is a lot of fun and has definitely changed since the last time I rode here in 2006. I think it will be a very tough race. There is no recovery out there, and it’s all full gas. It certainly will be a lot of fun and some good challenges,” said Pendrel.

“The Canadian Championships is something that every Canadian holds pretty near to their hearts. It was tough for me to miss the event last year, but I think Emily has done an amazing job of representing the maple leaf. I know she is on great form and that she grew up on these trails. I think she will give me a super tough battle for the title, for that jersey. Whoever gets it will wear it very well. I’ll certainly do my best to get the maple leaf back,” continued Pendrel, who stood on the World Cup podium this year at her first start of the season.

Batty, who has been wearing the maple leaf for the last year, is excited to defend the title, especially with Catharine Pendrel on the start line: “I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I feel as my fitness and my form are spot on. The last fews days on the track went well. Being so close to home, I was able to do quite a few laps, a few more than what we would normally get at a World Cup race. I’ve done all my studying and work, and now it’s about getting to the line and have all the stars align.”

Speaking of the battle with Pendrel for tomorrow’s duel, Batty was very humble, and anticipates a tough fight to the finish line: “I am a very patriotic person. I am very proud to be Canadian, and to have won the jersey last year. However, Catharine wasn’t here. I respect her more than any other competitor. She is a wonderful person, and an amazing athlete. She’s back, and we’ll get to battle it out for a true race tomorrow. She’ll never make it easy. We’ve raced together for years, and I think it will be a very good spectator race. Hopefully, we’ll be able to put on a good show.

Along Pendrel and Batty, there is a long list of contenders for the title, such as three-time Canada Cup Champion Sandra Walter (Coquitlam, BC/Liv Giant), Jean-Ann Berkenpas (Maple Ridge, BC/ Xprezo‐Borsao), Mikaela Kofman (Toronto, ON/Scott-3ROx Racing), Amanda Sin (Collingwood, ON/Scott-3Rox Racing), Andreanne Pichette (Quebec, QC/Opus-OGC), Hayley Smith (Uxbridge, ON/Norco Factory Team), Andreane Lanthier-Nadeau (Quebec, QC/Rocky Mountain Bicycles Factory Team), Cindy Montambault (Val David, QC/Equipe du Québec) and Catherine Fleury (Cyclone d’Alma) just to name a few.

The cross-country races for all categories will be presented on Saturday, staring at 10: 30am Eastern Time.

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GEOFF KABUSH ON THE BRINK OF MAKING HISTORY

Three-time Olympian hopes set himself apart this weekend

(Barrie, ON – July 18, 2014) Geoff Kabush (Courtenay, BC/3 Rox Racing), Canada’s most prolific men mountain biker, is on the brink of history on Saturday as he competes in the men elite race at the 2014 Canadian Mountain Bike Cross-Country Championships at Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro-Medonte, near Barrie, ON.

At 37 years of age, Kabush is undoubtedly a Canadian legend in cycling, having won seven Canadian Championships titles in cross-country alone, as well as four Canadian titles in cyclo-cross. Impressively, he has been racing elite for more than 20 seasons.

“I feel pretty lucky to have a lot of success, but coming to the start line here, those numbers don’t mean much. It’s a brand new day, and I am looking forward to a good race. The last couple of years have been great, to see the level of my teammates rise. It was rewarding to see Derek [Zandstra] take the title last year. Cameron [Jette] has been strong, currently leading the Canada Cup,” said the Kabush.

A title this weekend would set Kabush apart as the Canadian mountain biker with the most titles. Currently, with seven Canadian cross-country titles, he shares the top spot with Olympic silver medallist and World Champion Alyson Sydor, who set the mark in the elite women category.

Kabush will be attempting to reach this milestone on Saturday as he takes on Canada’s best elite men mountain bikers, including his teammate and defending champion Derek Zandstra, two-time Canadian champion Max Plaxton (Cannondale), Raphael Gagnée (Rocky Mountain Factory) and Cameron Jette (Scott-3Rox Racing) just to name a few.

“It’s great heading into the weekend with three strong guys racing for Scott-3Rox Racing. It will definitely be a battle with Max [Plaxton] showing he’s on the top riders in the World, and Raphael [Gagné] having his strongest season ever. The course has a lot of new features and it will certainly be a difficult race.”

This season, Kabush has enjoyed a successful season. He won the overall title of the US Cup series. In doing so, he became the winningest mountain biker of the American-based series with a total of five overall titles.

“It’s been great to see a lot more excitement back into the US Cup Series. They have put a lot of energy in it. The series was certainly a big target for Team Scott-3Rox Racing this year. I’ve had some ups and downs, but I posted some great rides there, and it was gratifying to wrap the series up for the team last month. It’s been a big boost for the team, and hopefully we’ll continue to have this success this weekend.  

Throughout his career, Kabush has consistently been among world’s best mountain biker at major international events, such as Olympic Games or World Championships. At the last Olympic Games in London, Kabush posted Canada’s best-ever results in men’s mountain biking, finishing in eighth place. He boasts two Top 10 performances at Olympic Games (9, Sydney 2000; 8, London 2012).

His best World Championships result came in 2009 when he placed fifth in Canberra, Australia. Racing in Canada at the 2010 World Championships in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Kabush also cracked the top 10, finishing eighth. He has nine World Cup podiums to his credit.

Along with his individual performances, Kabush was a member of the Canadian Team Relay that won the gold medal at the 2004 World Championships in Les Gets, France, and the silver medal at the 2005 World Championships in Canberrra, Australia.

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FREDERIQUE TRUDEL HOPES TO EXTEND WINNING STREAK AT CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Trudel has been unbeatable at Canadian Cross-Country Championships since turning junior

(Barrie, ON – July 18, 2014) Frederique Trudel (Breakyville, QC/Specialized Racing Canada) is coming to the 2014 Canadian Cross-Country Championships with the hopes of extending to four her winning streak at this prime event.

Trudel, who races in the women’s U23 category, won both titles when competing in the junior category (2011, 2012), and last year showed how dominant she can be by taking the espoir (U23) title in the first year racing in the category.

“I am trying not to put pressure on myself to win for a fourth time. I know that anything can happen and nothing is settled yet. It would be a great personal achievement but I prefer not to impose too much pressure. My transition to the U23 category went very well last year. I had a great season. This year I was a little tired early in the season, so I have not reached my objectives but I now feel ready to race on Saturday,” said Trudel.

A fourth consecutive Canadian title would place her among an exclusive group of Canadian mountain bikers who have accomplished the feat –four consecutive titles–  such as, Marie-Hélène Prémont (6, Elite, 2003-2009), Geoff Kabush (6, Elite, 2005-2010), Alyson Sydor (5, Elite,1994-1998), Catharine Pendrel (4, Elite, 2009-2012) and Emily Batty (4, Espoir, 2007-2011).

The young rider has also been a force to reckon with at the Canada Cup levels, taking the overall junior series championships in 2011 and 2012. In her first season racing against the elites on the 2013 Canada Cup Series, and despite taking part in only three of the four races, she finished a respectable fourth place in the overall standings.

At the World Cup level, Trudel finished in first place at the Mont-Sainte-Anne junior women race in 2012, and second place in Windham the following week. She also won the Canada Games women cross-country race in 2013, and the bronze in the team relay at the same event.

The cross-country races will be presented on Saturday.

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LEANDRE BOUCHARD DEFENDS HIS TITLE, ELODIE BERNIER SURPRISES

First-year junior Elodie Bernier shocks mountain biking to take the women’s title

(Barrie, ON – July 17, 2014) Quebec cyclists Léandre Bouchard (Alma, QC/Equipe du Québec-Devinci) and first year junior rider Elodie Bernier (Baie-Saint-Paul, QC/ Specialized-Équipe du Québec) both stood on the highest step of the podium on Thursday, winning the Eliminator titles at the 2014 Canadian Mountain Bike Cross-Country Championships at Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro-Medonte, near Barrie, Ontario.

Léandre Bouchard won the men’s race, crossing the finish with a large margin over Rhys Verner (Garibaldi Highlands, BC/Cycling BC) and Adam Morka (Whitby, ON/ WFP Coaching-Trek Bikes), second and third.  Favorite rider entering the race as the defending champion; Bouchard easily went on to win each of his elimination rounds, after posting the fastest time in the qualifier.

“Mission accomplished. I am very satisfied with the win. The eliminator is often unpredictable. So I was a little worried. The caliber here was very strong. Even though I won all my elimination rounds, I struggled a few times,” said Bouchard.

Bouchard came for this race with a target on his back, being the Canadian champion and the only Canadian to have qualified for the World Cup final in the event: “I think my World Cup results were to my advantage here. It was obvious that coming in as the favorite, and I wanted to retain the title this year. I wanted to make sure I win all my rounds arriving at the final. The most important thing for me was the last race, the final race of the day. “

In regard to the course, Bouchard found it more difficult than last year. “The course was very long, so it became a little lactic towards the end. The start was very important here, since there was not much room for passing. All the races started very quickly.”

For Bouchard, the cross country race on Saturday is more important. “This year, I hope to win the title of the U23 category. It is my goal here. Early in the season, I did well, and I’m ready for the race. Everyone wants to win the Canadian title, for its prestige and for the Canadian selections that will compete at the World Championships.”

Elodie Bernier, a first year junior, competing for the very first time in the Eliminator race, was the fastest women of the group, taking the title in the final race of the day. She outraced two of her teammates, Cindy Montambault (Val-David, QC/CVM 2 VALS) who came in second and Catherine Fleury (Cyclone d’Alma-Équipe du Québec) who took third place.

“I’m happy, I did not expect this win. I am very impressed. This is my first experience in the eliminator. I am the current Quebec provincial champion in the sprint event, but it was very different here. I’m happy. There were good athletes here, including the 2013 Canadian champion. I trained hard for this race because it was my goal. I did a lot of intervals, and I practiced my starts a lot too,” said Bernier, visibly thrilled with the performances on the track today.

The top 16 women advanced from the qualifying session while the top 32 men qualified. Both Bouchard and Bernier posted the fastest qualifying time.

The cross-country mountain bikers will have a day of rest on Friday prior to taking part in the Championships races on Saturday, for all categories. Masters will have their shot at Canadian titles on Sunday, along with the exciting team relays.

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RESULTS – ELIMINATOR – CANADIAN MOUNTAIN BIKE CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

OPEN WOMEN

  1. BERNIER Elodie (Specialized : Équipe du Québec/Baie St-Paul, QC)
  2. MONTAMBAULT Cindy (CVM 2 VALS/Val-David, QC)
  3. FLEURY Catherine (Cyclone d’Alma : Équipe du Québec/Alma, QC)
  4. TREMBLAY Anne‐Julie (Cyclone d’Alma/Saguenay, QC)

Complete Results

OPEN MEN

  1. BOUCHARD, Leandre (Cyclone d’Alma/Alma, QC)
  2. VERNER, Rhys (Cycling BC/Garibaldi Highlands, BC)
  3. MORKA, Adam (WFP Coaching-Trek Bikes/Whitby, ON)
  4. TREMBLAY, Samuel (Rocky Mountain-Procycle/Alma, QC)

Complete Results

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Hardwood Ski and Bike Named Mountain Bike Venue for 2015 Pan Am Games

Venue will also host test event for Games in July 2014

ORO-MEDONTE, ON July 17, 2014 – The best mountain bikers in the Americas will be chasing down gold as they fly down the Boneshaker, go on a Coffee Run and do the Grunt Climb at Hardwood Ski and Bike in the summer of 2015.

Known at Games time as Hardwood Mountain Bike Park, the venue will test 45 top male and female riders competing at the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games with a brand-new, adrenalin-pumping race course currently under construction.

The run features a challenging mix of uphill and downhill terrain along with highly technical sections, such as a white-knuckle rocky descent known as the Boneshaker. Over its four- to five-kilometre length, riders will tackle new and existing features such as Sidewinder, Sydor Slider, JP’s Nemesis, Big Z and Doug’s Hill.

“For more than three decades, Canada’s best mountain bikers have tested their mettle at Hardwood Ski and Bike,” said Saäd Rafi, chief executive officer of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015). “In 2015, the facility and Oro-Medonte will make their international Games debut when the best riders in the region are crowned Pan Am champions here.”

Mountain biking made its Pan American Games debut in Mar del Plata, Argentina, in 1995. Since then, Canada has earned seven medals in the sport, including three gold. Only the BMX events are newer to the Pan Am cycling program, which has been part of the sport schedule since 1951.

At the Guadalajara 2011 Pan Am Games, Canada’s Max Plaxton won silver, while Amanda Sin of Collingwood, ON, captured bronze. Canada’s last gold was won by Catharine Pendrel at the Rio 2007 Pan Am Games. All medallists are still competing on the world stage.

“I’m looking forward to competing here at home in front of my friends and family and this time taking gold at the Pan Am Games!” said Trenton, Ontario’s Derek Zandstra, the current Canadian mountain bike cross-country champion and World Cup racer vying for a spot on the Pan Am Games and Olympic Games mountain bike team. “It means a lot to homegrown riders like me. We can’t wait to hit the trails and race against the best the Americas and Caribbean have to offer.”

The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), added: “Canada is always a serious medal contender in mountain biking at the Pan Am Games, and we look forward to seeing our athletes excel on home soil next summer. Our Government is a proud supporter of the Games, and our investment will result in lasting legacies for Canadian athletes for many years to come.”

As the sole Ontario facility with a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)-rated race course, Hardwood Ski and Bike has previously hosted Canada Cup and Ontario Cup events, as well as national championships.

From today to July 20, the venue will also host the 2014 Canadian XCO/XCE Mountain Bike Championships, one of 40-plus national and international sport test events the Organizing Committee is bringing to Ontario over the next 12 months. The competition will feature some of Canada’s best in the sport as well as riders from every level, with ages ranging from five to 60.

“Hosting the 2015 Games will bring long-lasting benefits to all in Ontario,” said Michael Coteau, Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games. “Not only will athletes have the opportunity to compete at the highest level of their sport on home soil, future generations of athletes will also enjoy world-class facilities like the Hardwood Mountain Bike Park.”

Oro-Medonte Mayor Harry Hughes added: “We are pleased that the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee has recognized Hardwood Ski and Bike as a world-class mountain biking venue. Our township has a deep connection with mountain biking and has long been a big supporter of our Canadian athletes. We look forward to celebrating these athletes from the moment they arrive here to compete to when they step on the podium.”

In order for mountain bikers to compete at their best, the Games will have satellite accommodation for athletes, located nearby at Horseshoe Valley Resort in Barrie. This village is in addition to the CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Athletes’ Village, located in downtown Toronto.

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LEANDRE BOUCHARD COMES IN READY TO DEFEND ELIMINATOR TITLE

In 2013, Bouchard took the first Eliminator title at the Canadian Cross-Country Championships

(Barrie, ON – July 17, 2014) Léandre Bouchard (Alma, QC/Equipe du Québec/Devinci) is the reigning Canadian Champion of the cross-country eliminator race, and the espoir cyclist hopes to repeat the feat this week as he races to defend his title on Thursday.

Bouchard has had a breakthrough season on the UCI World Cup this year with a Top 5 result in a cross-country event, and a Top 4 result in the eliminator race.

“This is where I won my first title, and I certainly hope to defend it. My podium in the eliminator at the World Cup has given me great confidence in my riding,” said Bouchard, who won back-to-back Canadian cross-country espoir titles in 2011 and 2012.

Since 2012, the eliminator is a full medal event at UCI World Championships. Raphael Gagné (2012) and Bouchard (2013) are the only other Canadians who advanced to the medal race on the World Cup circuit.

In addition to racing the trails around the world, Bouchard competed this year in his first set of road races in June, jumping in the saddle and joining the pelotons at the inaugural Grand Prix de Saguenay, where he impressed with a Top 20 finish in the overall classification, as well as at the 2014 Global Relay Canadian Road Championships, where he placed 14th of the very difficult race.

The eliminator race will be presented on Thursday evening at Hardwood Ski and Bike, with the finals starting at 6pm Eastern time.

The start lists for the Eliminator race can be found here: Men | Women

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