LANGFORD, BC (July 21, 2025) – Canada’s mountain bikers descended on Langford, British Columbia, this past weekend for the 2025 Canadian XCO/XCC/XCR Mountain Bike Championships, presented by Kazlaw, and the competition delivered from start to finish. Over 270 riders competed in U17, Junior, U23, Elite, and Masters categories over four days of high-intensity racing, with challenge categories in XCC, XCO, and XCR.
With national titles on the line, Canada’s top athletes brought both grit and strategy to the rugged terrain of Vancouver Island. Riders tackled switchback climbs, rocky terrain, and high-speed descents that showcased what Jordie Lunn Bike Park offers, which is a progressive biking hub built with support from Cycling Canada.
Rising to the occasion in the Elite Men’s XCO race, Cole Punchard powered his way to the top of the podium in a commanding fashion.
“Anything can happen, but we came to the race with a plan,” said Punchard. “I knew Carter is always super strong early in the race and on the last lap. He sets a high tempo early. On the third lap I followed up and cranked the pressure more. I could sense that I was starting to pull away on the fourth lap. I think he flatted at the end. Really happy to take a win here. I wanted to come home from this week with one jersey.”
Jennifer Jackson took first position for the Elite Women’s XCO.
In the U23 XCO, Marin Lowe emerged victorious for the women in a close and hard-fought battle while Ian Ackert won on the men’s side.
“It’s super special, and I can’t wait to honour the jersey when I go to Europe with my team,” said Lowe. “A national title is always in reach, but I knew it was going to be a good battle between Ella and I. It’s very special.”
Punchard and Lowe will proudly don the maple leaf as Canadian Champions when they compete at the next round of the UCI Mountain Bike circuit in Haute Savoie at les Gets for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in France.
Highlights from the competition can be found on the official Facebook page here and Instagram here.
