Mont Tremblant 2016 Canada Cup race recap
The 22nd edition of the Tremblant Canada Cup, the longest running nationally sanctioned event in Quebec
The second stop on the Canada Cup Circuit took place at Mount Tremblant, Quebec on May 22. After a very early start to the season in Victoria this past March, racers came back to a familiar stop on the circuit. This is the 22nd running of the Tremblant Canada Cup, making it the longest running nationally sanctioned event in Quebec.
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The revised course from 2015 was lengthened slightly with an extended double track climb and new single-track featuring several root and rock sections to challenge riders even further. The course maintained the rider and fan favorite trip through the village and cobbled road, this year going down the cobbles and up a few stair-sets. Running the course through the pedestrian village gives onlookers the chance to watch the race while engaging in long weekend festivities.
With the early world championships this year, due to the Olympics, the junior and espoir athletes had qualification spots up for grabs at the first two Canada Cups. This weekend also had several races conflicting. Riders had to choose whether they would pursue the European world cup happening this weekend in Germany, the Tremblant Canada Cup or pursue the cash purse up for grabs at the Grand Junction 50 mile event all happening this weekend.
The Junior women was won by Sidney Mcgill followed by Sophianne Samson and Emily Handford.
The Junior Men’s race saw an exciting back and forth between Quinton Disera and eventual winner Sean Fincham. Gunnar Holmgren was third.
The elite/espoir men – Evan McNeelly took control early in the race after an early attack was brought back. McNeelly attributes the win to a successful off-season of hard work in Victoria and was happy with the day after some bad luck hampered better results at the early US Cups. Jeremy martin was second while McNeelly’s Norco team-mate Andrew L’Esperance was third.
After the race Kofman said, “This past month has forced me to make some very difficult decisions. I had been selected to ride for Team Canada at the two world cups in Europe and my plan was to attend these races in hopes of qualifying for the 2016 World Championships. As a first year dental student I have to write my first set of board exams at the end of the final semester. Unfortunately the preparation and exams conflicted with these world cup races and I had to make the decision to hang back in North America to race.”
Kofman continued, “In reality I think this was a blessing in disguise because I couldn’t be more excited to stand atop the podium here in Mont Tremblant. I have never had much success at this venue but I believe that the new course design played to my strengths. I am looking forward to the next set of Canada Cups and representing my new team, Ridebiker, that has provided ongoing superlative support.”
See the full race results and the race technical guide.
