Mountain Bike Archives

A NEW ERA BEGINS IN CANADIAN CYCLING WITH A NEW NAME AND LOOK

Canadian Cycling Teams to “Pedal to the Medal” this season

(Ottawa, ON – May 23, 2012) The Board of Directors of the Canadian Cycling Association is pleased to announce that the organization will be known as Cycling Canada Cyclisme from this date forward.

Sporting a fresh new logo and name, the Canadian Cycling Teams in all cycling sports will carry the new brand around the world at various World Cups, World Championships and international races. President John Tolkamp explained the change of name and logo as follows; “With the input of many alumni and advisors we have been encouraged to revamp the identity of the organization. The new identity modernizes and strengthens our brand, while maintaining a strong connection to our country and the rich history of cycling in Canada. It was also felt the dedicated team of athletes, coaches and support staff we now have in place is leading-edge and warranted a fresh look and identity.”

“For the past several years there has been a significant transformation underway in our organization and sport, most significantly in our international success, and a new identity highlights both the progress made and our expectations going forward, particularly as we head to the London Olympics. These next three months will inspire the nation and motivate youth to take up cycling as our athletes proudly represent Canada.”

The logo, a heritage maple leaf with a representation of a cyclist within the maple leaf, brings back the endless memories of success by Canadian cyclists around the world.

The new logo is a testament to the rich cycling history in Canada. Cycling Canada Cyclisme is the second oldest National Sport Organization in Canada, founded in 1882. Cycling has been a prominent sport at the Olympic Games, with living legends such as Steve Bauer (Silver, 1984 Los Angeles, Road) and Curt Harnett (Silver, 1984 Los Angeles, Track) and Clara Hughes (1996) opening the way for a new generation of great cyclists.

“As we enter a new era in Canadian cycling, our athletes are performing at a world class level, winning medals on a regular basis at UCI World Cups, World Championships and in other major races around the World,” said Greg Mathieu, Chief Executive Officer of Cycling Canada Cyclisme. “The rebranding efforts come at the right time as we are well into our Vision 2020 goal to be a leading competitive cycling nation by 2020.”

The new visual identity also comes with a new slogan – “Pedal to the Medal” – which embodies the encouragement for our team members as they head into this season’s major competitions.

The Canadian road team is currently enjoying significant success, both from the men and the women. Canada is ranked as the top Mountain Bike nation in the world on the women’s side. The Canadian Track Cycling Team just ended a dream season with superb performances on the UCI World Cup Tour and at World Championships. BMX is seeing the emergence of a strong contender on the Supercross tour, making finals on a regular basis. Finally, the Canadian Para-cycling Program is leading-edge, gathering seven medals at the last Road World Championships and three medals at the Track World Championships.

“The new Cycling Canada identity is an exciting start to a new era. Cycling Canada has grown tremendously and seen a lot of success in the recent past and I know we will continue to do so. This new name and look will help to continue that momentum while incorporating the rich history of cycling in Canada and giving the athletes a new look they can be proud to represent leading into the Olympic year,” said Erinne Willock, National Team Road cyclist and Chair of the Athletes’ Council.

A new set of modernized logos have also been unveiled to reflect the richness and tradition of the Canadian Cycling Championships. This new identity will be carried through all of the Canadian Championships beginning this summer.

May 23, 2012/by Communications

PENDREL, BATTY AND PLAXTON RACE TO TOP10 AT WORLD CUP IN FRANCE

Olympic qualifying window is now closed for mountain bikers

(La Bresse, FRA – May 20, 2012) The two Canadian Mountain Bike Champions Catharine Pendrel of Kamloops, BC (Team Luna Pro) and Max Plaxton of Victoria, BC ), as well as Emily Batty (Subaru-Trek) all finished in the Top 10 in the last Olympic qualifying World Cup in La Bresse, France.

“The World Cup in La Bresse was really positive for the Canadian program. We are advancing at every level,” commented Dan Proulx, Canadian National Team Head coach for Mountain Bike. “The past three years have been about continuous improvement and growth. It’s great to see the improvements starting to show in our results.”

In the women’s race, three-time Canadian champion Catharine Pendrel took the fourth place of the 25.5 kilometre race, posting a time of 1:41.09. Emily Batty of Brooklin, ON (Team Subaru-Trek) went on to finish in ninth place with a time deficit of 3:51, scoring her third top 10 of the season on the World Cup Tour. Olympic medallist Marie-Hélène Prémont of Chateau Richer, QC, finished in 21^st position, showing a 8:51 time deficit over the winning time.

Norwegian Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa posted the fastest time of the day and rode away with the victory, stopping the clock at 1:39.57.

In the men’s race, the defending Canadian champion Max Plaxton had a great ride, finishing in the Top10 for the first time this season. Plaxton completed the 30.30 km course in 1:40:24. Plaxton was the only Canadian to finish the race, as Derek Zandstra, Geoff Kabush and Adam Morka did not finish.

“Today was a break-through performance, said Plaxton. “The legs felt great. I’m really looking forward to the World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne.”

The event in France was the last Olympic qualifying event for Mountain biking. The International Cycling Union will be shortly be unveiling the quotas per country. Entering the event, Canada had already secured two spots on the start line for both men and women’s mountain biking for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Canada’s Mountain Bike Olympic selection pool will be announced on June 8.

RESULTS – MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP – LA BRESSE, FRA

Men Elite

1. ABSALON Julien (FRA / ORBEA RACING TEAM) 1:37:33

2. KULHAVY Jaroslav (CZE / SPECIALIZED RACING) +0:07

3. NAEF Ralph (SUI / MULTIVAN MERIDA BIKING TEAM) +0:40

4. VOGEL Florian (SUI / SCOTT – SWISSPOWER MTB RACING TEAM) +1:24

5. GIGER Fabian (SUI / RABOBANK GIANT OFFROAD TEAM) +1:41

9. PLAXTON Max (CAN) +2:51

83. ZANDSTRA Derek (CAN / SCOTT-3ROXRACING)

DNF. KABUSH Geoff (CAN / SCOTT-3ROXRACING)

DNF. MORKA Adam(CAN)

Women Elite

1. DAHLE FLESJAA Gunn-Rita (NOR / MULTIVAN MERIDA BIKING TEAM) 1:39:57

2. NASH Katerina (CZE / LUNA PRO TEAM) +0:16

3. BRESSET Julie (FRA / BH – SR SUNTOUR – PEISEY VALLANDRY) +0 :55

4. PENDREL Catharine (CAN / LUNA PRO TEAM) +1:12

5. WLOSZCZOWSKA Maja (POL / CCC POLKOWICE) +2:22

9. BATTY Emily (CAN / SUBARU – TREK) +3:51

21. PREMONT Marie-Helene (CAN) +8:21

30. SIN Amanda (CAN / SCOTT-3ROXRACING) +11:33

42. BERKENPAS Jean Ann (CAN) +16:11

May 20, 2012/by Communications

ANDRÉANNE PICHETTE RODE TO ELEVENTH POSITION AT MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP

(La Bresse, FRA – May 19, 2012) Canadian mountain biker Andréanne Pichette rode to the eleventh place in the women’s U23 race at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, today, La Bresse, France.

In the men’s U23 race, Evan Guthrie was the top Canadian in 28^th place.

Both Men and Women Elite riders will tackle the course tomorrow, Sunday, for the last Olympic qualifying race.

RESULTS – MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP – LA BRESSE, FRA
Men U23
1, GEHBAUER Alexander (AUT) 1:22:24
2. SCHULTE-LUENZUM Markus (GER) FOCUS MIG TEAM +1:37
3. STIRNEMANN Matthias (SUI) THOEMUS RACING TEAM +2:01
4. CINK Ondrej (CZE) MERIDA BIKING TEAM +2:06
5. BRAIDOT Daniele (ITA) +2:50
28. GUTHRIE Evan (CAN) +7:02
58. MCNEELY Evan (CAN) +13:30
79. MOREAU Etienne (CAN) -2LAP

Women U23
1. BELOMOYNA Yana (UKR) BI&ESSE – INFOTRE PROTEK 1:23:33
2. HENDERSON Rebecca (AUS) +1:37
3. SHEPPARD Samara (NZL) WHEELER – IXS TEAM +2:21
4. NEETHLING Candice (RSA) +2:22
5. GORYCKA Paula (POL) 4F E-VIVE RACING TEAM +4:36
11. PICHETTE Andréanne (CAN) +9:21
DNF. BIETOLA Laura (CAN) SCOTT-3ROXRACING

May 19, 2012/by Communications

COUPE CANADA CUP STARTS THIS WEEKEND IN MONT-TREMBLANT

Mont-Tremblant set to welcome hundreds of Mountain bikers of all ages

(Ottawa, ON – May 17, 2012) The 2012 Canada Cup is set to begin this weekend in Mont-Tremblant, where hundreds of mountain bike enthusiasts will race for coveted points that will ultimately crown the 2012 Canada Cup Champions.

In 2011, the married couple of Catherine Vipond and Matt Hadley won the Canada Cup in the Elite category, while junior Canadian Champions Marc-Antoine Nadon and Frédérique Trudel both took the titles in the junior category.

The national cycling series will be held both in Eastern Canada and Western Canada. The 2012 Canada Cup Series start with the very popular race in Mont-Tremblant featuring both a cross-country race and a downhill race on May 19 and 20th. The series will then travel to Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec before a stop in Barrie, Ontario, the final stop of the Eastern leg of the series.

After a six-week break, the series will move to the West, for both cross-country and downhill finals.

The Canada Cup National Cycling Series represent the highest calibre of coordinated domestic racing in Canada. The series is a stepping stone for any riders with the goals of achieve international success. There are two goals of the series: to provide athletes from across the country with the best possible competitive preparation to aspire to national and international level events, and to develop and promote the sport of cycling in Canada through the encouraged participation of all age and ability categories.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS – 2012 CANADA CUP SERIES

May 19 – Mont-Tremblant, QC (XCO)
May 20 – Mont-Tremblant, QC (DH)
May 27 – Baie-Saint-Paul QC (XCO)
June 03 – Barrie, ON (XCO)
July 15 – TBC (XCO) – Finals
July 29 – Panorama, BC (DH) – Finals

Legend

XCO – Olympic Cross-country

DH – Downhill

May 17, 2012/by Communications

LARGER CREW OF CANADIAN MOUNTAIN BIKERS TO COMPETE IN NEXT TWO WORLD CUPS

Next two World Cups are important events in the UCI Qualification process

(Ottawa, ON – May 10, 2012) A larger crew of Canadian mountain bikers will be racing the next two UCI Worlds Cup events, hoping to score some very precious points for Canada in the UCI Olympic qualification process.

There are two events left on the Olympic qualifying calendar for the 2012 Olympic Games: UCI World Cups in Nove Mesto Na Morave, Czech Republic, and in La Bresse, France.

Canada is ranked comfortably in first place of the women’s UCI Olympic Nations Ranking, and in 13th place of the men’s ranking with 1633 points. According to the UCI Olympic selection protocol, countries ranked 6-13 will receive two spots on the start line of the Men’s Olympic race, while Canada has secured the maximum two spots for the women’s Olympic race.

Catharine Pendrel of Kamloops, BC (Team Luna Pro) is the reigning World Champion in the discipline, and is currently holding the World Cup Leader jersey, sitting on top of the 2012 UCI World Cup standings. Emily Batty of Brooklin, ON (Team Subaru-Trek) is sitting in fourth place of the UCI World Cup standings after a medal-winning performance in Pietermaritzburg, while Marie-Hélène Prémont of Château Richer, QC, is ranked in 19th place.

A total of 18 Canadian athletes will race these World Cups, either representing the Canadian National Teams or their respective professional cycling teams, in the Elite and U23 categories. UCI Olympic qualifications points are awarded to the nation of the competing riders in the elite category.

The UCI World Cup in Nove Meso Na Morave will be held from May 11-13, while the UCI World Cup in France will be held the following weekend, from May 18 to 20.

For additional information on the UCI World Cup tour, please visit: http://www.uci.ch/templates/UCI/UCI5/layout.asp?MenuId=MTUzNDI&LangId=1

CANADIAN ATHLETES – UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUPS (CZE, FRA)
MEN ELITE
Kabush, Geoff (Scott-3RoxRacing)
Jette, Cam (Scott-3RoxRacing)
Wagler, Tyson (Scott-3RoxRacing)
Morka, Adam
Plaxton, Max (Team Specialized Racing USA)
Zandstra, Derek (Scott-3RoxRacing)

MEN U23
Guthrie, Evan (Canadian National Team)
McNeely, Evan (Canadian National Team)
Moreau, Etienne (Team Xprezo-Borsea)

WOMEN ELITE
Sin, Amanda (Scott-3RoxRacing)
Kofman, Mikaela (Scott-3RoxRacing)
Premont, Marie-Helene (Rocky Mountain Bicycles Factory Team)
Pendrel, Catharine (Team LUNA Pro)
Vipond, Catherine (Canadian National Team)
Batty, Emily (Team Subaru-Trek)
Berkenpas, Jean Ann (Canadian National Team)

WOMEN U23
Bietola, Laura (Canadian National Team)
Pichette, Andreanne (Canadian National Team)

May 10, 2012/by Communications

WORLD CLASS MOUNTAIN BIKERS AMANDA SIN AND CATHERINE VIPOND TO BRING FAST AND FEMALE MESSAGE TO ONTARIO

Barrie, ON (May 7, 2012) – On June 2nd, Canadian National Mountain Bike team members Amanda Sin (SCOTT-3Rox Racing) and Catherine Vipond (Norco Factory Team) will host 45 female youth riders between grades 4 to 12 for a morning of inspiration at Hardwood Ski and Bike. This will mark Fast and Female’s second mountain biking event ever.

“I love being a part of Fast and Female and seeing girls excited about sports,” said Sin a resident of Collingwood, ON who took part in the inaugural Fast and Female cycling event held in Canmore last year. “Participating in sport and being an athlete has had such a positive impact in my life. I want to pass that on,” added the cyclist who finished third at the Pan Am Games in 2011.

The Fast and Female Mountain Bike held at Hardwood Ski and Bike will run from 9:15 to 12:00 and include team building activities, inspirational presentations, zumba dancing, mountain biking, and autographs. The activity will be happening in tandem with the Trek Store Canada Cup featuring eight hundred participants who are expected to compete on Sunday June 3rd.

Started in 2005 by cross country skiing gold medalist Chandra Crawford, Fast and Female is intently focused on delivering programming to inspire and motivate girls stick to sports. Research shows that girls are six times more likely to drop out of sports than boys.

“Growing women’s cycling is a focus at the forefront of the Ontario Cycling Association’s mandate,” said Brendan Arnold, the OHPSI Head Coach. “In collaboration with the Canadian Cycling Association, we are thrilled to support Fast and Female with their camp at Hardwood Ski and Bike.”

Girls with all mountain biking skills are invited to register online until June 1 at http://ffjune2hardwoodhills.eventbrite.com/.

With the $25 entry fee, participants will receive a free Fast and Female t-shirt, a multifunctional Buff, a half year subscription to their choice of Pedal or SkiTrax magazine, a snack and access to the activity.

This event is brought together with the proud support of the Canadian Cycling Association, as well as the Ontario Cycling Association, Hardwood Hills Ski and Bike, Pulse Racing, and the Trek Bicycle Store. Fast and Female’s national sponsors including Best Buy Canada, Cold-FX, Clarins Canada, Karbon, Buff, Champion System, Lululemon Athletica, LUNA Bars, LIT Glitter, SAUCE Headwear.

May 7, 2012/by Communications

BACK ON WINNING WAYS: PENDREL WINS WORLD CUP IN HOUFFALIZE

(Houffalize, BEL – April 15, 2012) Canadian Mountain Biker Catharine Pendrel of Kamloops, British Columbia found her winning ways today in the second UCI World Cup of the 2012 season, in Houffalize, Belgium.

Pendrel, the reigning World Champion, finished the 24.44 km course in 1:31:15, with a lead of over 45 seconds on second place Julie Bresset of France.

Emily Batty of Brooklin, ON (Team Subaru-Trek) is continuing on her successful season, taking the seventh place, while Marie-Hélène Prémont of Chateau Richer, QC took the 14th place.

In the men’s race, Geoff Kabush of Courtenay, BC (Team SCOTT-3RoxRacing) finished in 11th place, his top result this season.

RESULTS – CROSS-COUNTRY – 2012 UCI WORLD CUP – HOUFFALIZE, BEL
WOMEN ELITE
1. PENDREL Catharine CAN (LUNA PRO TEAM) 1:31:15
2. BRESSET Julie FRA (BH – SR SUNTOUR – PEISEY VALLANDRY) +0:48
3. WLOSZCZOWSKA Maja POL (CCC POLKOWICE) +1:24
4. FERRAND PREVOT Pauline* FRA (RABOBANK GIANT OFFROAD TEAM) +1:30
5. KLEMENCIC Blaza SLO (FELT OETZTAL X – BIONIC TEAM) +1:50
7. BATTY Emily CAN (SUBARU – TREK) +2:17
14. PREMONT Marie-Helene CAN +4:28
40. SIN Amanda CAN (SCOTT-3ROXRACING) +8:24
55. KOFMAN Mikaela can (SCOTT-3ROXRACING) +11:53
59. VIPOND Catherine (CAN) +13:03

MEN ELITE
1. ABSALON Julien FRA (ORBEA RACING TEAM) 1:30:22
2. SCHURTER Nino SUI (SCOTT – SWISSPOWER MTB RACING TEAM) +0:38
3. FONTANA Marco Aurelio ITA (CANNONDALE FACTORY RACING) +1:03
4. STANDER Burry RSA (SPECIALIZED RACING) +1:20
5. FUMIC Manuel GER (CANNONDALE FACTORY RACING) +1:34
11. KABUSH Geoff CAN (SCOTT-3ROXRACING) +3:05
40. ZANDSTRA Derek CAN (SCOTT-3ROXRACING) +6:57
59. PLAXTON Max (CAN) +8:58
91. JETTE Cameron (CAN) SCOTT-3ROXRACING +12:05

MEN JUNIOR
1. SEIGLE Romain – FRA (DEFINITIVE SPECTRA.TEC ASPTT) 1:05:07
2. FRISCHKNECHT Andri – SUI (SCOTT – SWISSPOWER MTB RACING TEAM) +0:40
3. SWENSON Keegan (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) +0:45
4. CAROD Titouan – FRA (SCOTT LES SAISIES) +0:49
5. KORETZKY Victor – FRA (BIKEPARK.CH SCOTT) +0:51
27. NADON Marc-Antoine (CANADA) +5:21
45. VIALLE Alexandre (CANADA) +7:10

April 15, 2012/by Communications

FRÉDÉRIQUE TRUDEL COMES 39th AMONG JUNIOR AT WORLD CUP IN HOUFFALIZE

(Houffalize, BEL – April 14, 2012) Mountain biker Frédérique Trudel of Breakeyville, QC, the reigning Canadian Junior Champion, finished 39th in the women junior race at the 2012 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Houffalize, Belgium.

Trudel, who is competing in her first World Cup of the current season, crossed the finish line with a time of 44:05 for the 39th position, showing a 7:27 deficit over winner Margot Moschetti of France, the winner of the event.

Moschetti posted a time of 36:38 for the victory, followed by Lena Putz in second and Sofia Wiedenroth, both German riders.

Today also featured the men and women U23 races, which did not include any Canadian cyclist.

The elite races will be held tomorrow.

RESULTS – CROSS-COUNTRY – 2012 UCI WORLD CUP – HOUFFALIZE, BEL
WOMEN JUNIOR
1. MOSCHETTI, Margot (FRANCE) 36:38
2. PUTZ, Lena (GERMANY) +0:02
3. WIEDENROTH, Sofia (GERMANY) +0:05
4. CLAUZEL, Perrine (FRANCE) +0:36
5. RISSVEDS, Jenny (SWEDEN) +1:21
========
39. TRUDEL, Frederique (CANADA) +7:27
Full results: http://www.uci.ch/templates/BUILTIN-NOFRAMES/Template1/layout.asp?MenuId=MTYzODg&LangId=1
1

WOMEN UNDER23
1. BELOMOYNA, Yana (BI&ESSE – INFOTRE PROTEK) 55:57
2. ANOSHINA, Ekaterina (TEAM PROTEK) +0:13 70
3. HENDERSON, Rebecca 56:20
4. NEFF, Jolanda (WHEELER – IXS TEAM) +0:44 50
5. GORYCKA, Paula (4F E-VIVE RACING TEAM) +1:13 40
Full results: http://www.uci.ch/templates/BUILTIN-NOFRAMES/Template1/layout.asp?MenuId=MTYzODg&LangId=1

MEN UNDER23
1. CINK, Ondrej (MERIDA BIKING TEAM) 1:19:33
2. GEHBAUER, Alexander +0:21
3. SCHELB, Julian +0:27
4. KERSCHBAUMER, Gerhard (TX ACTIVE BIANCHI) +0:45
5. SCHEIRE, Ruben (BH – SR SUNTOUR – PEISEY VALLANDRY) +1:29
Full results: http://www.uci.ch/templates/BUILTIN-NOFRAMES/Template1/layout.asp?MenuId=MTYzODg&LangId=1

April 14, 2012/by Communications

BIGGER CANADIAN CONTINGENT AT MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP IN HOUFFALIZE

(Ottawa, ON – April 9, 2012) A bigger Canadian presence will be felt this weekend as more Canadian mountain bikers will partake in the second UCI World Cup race of the 2012 mountain bike season, in Houffalize, Belgium.

Max Plaxton of Victoria, BC will wear the Team Canada uniform in the men’s Elite race. Plaxton will be riding aside two other Canadians with professional teams in Geoff Kabush of Courtenay, BC and Derek Zandstra of Trenton, ON, both racing for the Canadian-based SCOTT-3RoxRacing team.

In the women’s race, Canada will once again be strong contenders for spots on the podium. Emily Batty of Brooklin, ON (Team Subaru-Trek) started the season on a high note in South Africa, capturing her career first elite podium (Top3), while World Champion Catharine Pendrel of Kamloops, BC (Team Luna Pro) will be looking for the victory after grabbing the third place in the opening World Cup race of the season.

Olympic medallist Marie-Hélène Prémont of Chateau-Richer, QC (Team Rocky mountain-Maxxis) will be looking for a strong performance after a tough start to the season. Other Canadians will be Amanda Sin of Collingwood, ON (Team SCOTT-3RoxRacing) and Catherine Vipond, the 2011 Canada Cup Champion, racing with Team Canada.

There will also be Canadian riders in the junior and U23 categories. Frédérique Trudel of Breakeyville, QC will race in the women’s junior race, while Marc-Antoine Nadon of Timmins, ON and Alexandre Vialle of Prévost, QC will race the men’s junior race.

The World Cup event in Houffalize begins on April 14th with the U23 and Junior women races, and ends on Sunday April 15th with the Elites races as well as the men junior race.

CANADIAN CONTINGENT – 2012 UCI MTB WORLD CUP – HOUFFALIZE, BEL
MEN ELITE
Geoff Kabush (Courtenay, BC/ SCOTT-3Rox Racing)
Max Plaxton (Victoria, BC/Team Canada)
Derek Zandstra (Trenton, ON/SCOTT-3Rox Racing)

WOMEN ELITE
Emily Batty (Brooklin, ON/Team Subaru-Trek)
Catharine Pendrel (Kamloops, BC/Team Luna Pro)
Marie Hélène Prémont (Château-Richer, QC/Rocky Mountain–Maxxis)
Amanda Sin (Collingwood, ON/Collingwood, ON)
Catherine Vipond (Oshawa, ON/ Team Canada)

WOMEN JUNIOR
Frédérique Trudel (Breakeyville, QC/ Team Canada)

MEN JUNIOR
Marc Antoine Nadon (Timmins, ON/ Team Canada)
Alexandre Vialle (Prévost, QC/Team Canada)

April 9, 2012/by Communications

THREE CANADIAN TOP5 AT THE UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE PAN-AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS IN MEXICO

Canada sends athletes in U23 races with objective to gain international experience

(Puebla, MEX – April 9, 2012) The 2012 UCI Mountain Bike Continental Championships were held this past weekend in Puebla, Mexico. The Canadian team only sent athletes to compete in the U23 races, for both the men and women.

The team was coached and managed by Ian Hughes, recently appointed as Mountain Bike Development Coach at the Canadian Cycling Association.

“We are very satisfied with the athlete’s preparation and performance for this event. The Continental Championships are an excellent opportunity for athletes to test their skills in an event that is often unpredictable, both in logistics as in the race itself. I am very happy about the three Top 5 results we were able to gain, as well as the performance of all the other athletes who gave it their all in this tough race. It is definitely a character builder!” declared Hughes.

Canadian mountain bikers in the elite categories and some junior riders are competing this weekend in Houffalize, Belgium for the second UCI Mountain Bike World Cup race of the season.

WOMEN U23 – UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – PUEBLA, MEXICO
1. Raiza Goulao HENRIQUE (BRA) 1:12:26
2. Laura Valentina ABRIL RESTREPO (COL) 1:13:04
3. Ines Carolina GUTIÉRREZ (ARG) 1:13:33
4. Daniela ROJAS (CHI) 1:14:41
5. Laura BIETOLA (CAN) 1:18:45
9. Andréanne PICHETTE (CAN) 1:20:54

MEN U23 – UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – PUEBLA, MEXICO
1. Russell FINSTERWALD (USA) 1:17:15
2. Diyer RINCON (COL) 1:18:10
3. Kerry WERNER (USA) 1:18:21
4. Evan MCNEELY (CAN) 1:18:47
5. Evan GUTHRIE (CAN) 1:19:24
12. Antoine CARON (CAN) 1:21:30
13. Leandre BOUCHARD (CAN) 1:21:32
16. Jeremy MARTIN (CAN) 1:22:34
29. Mitchell BAILEY (CAN) 1:27:17

Full results and live timing of the event can be found at www.uci.ch.