Slick and snow covered courses test Alberta’s best at Puncheur Cross and Burman U Cross
Technically challenging courses made even more difficult with the early arrival of winter conditions
Cyclocross goes on even in the snow. Photo: Andrew Davidson
Caitlin Callaghan powers along on the Lions Park course. Photo: Andrew Davidson
Abbey McGill picks a line through the snow and mud. Photo: Andrew Davidson
The river provided a scenic backdrop for the race. Photo: Andrew Davidson
Photo: Andrew Davidson
The patterns eft by the racers in the snow. Photo: Andrew Davidson
For the second double-header weekend of Alberta’s cross season, racers were greeted with conditions better suited for building snow forts and snowball fights. Equipment choice, component durability, and riders skills were tested on the technically challenging courses.
Puncheur Cross at Lions Park in Devon opened the weekend’s festivities. Last year’s event had summer-like conditions but this year the course was blanketed in fresh snow. Along the scenic North Saskatchewan River, provincial champ Shantel Koenig (Redbike) took the early lead in the women’s open race. Koenig was pursued by sisters Sidney (Focus CX Team Canada) and Abbey McGill (Juventus CC). Sidney, the older of the two sisters at 17, took the race lead and spent the remainder of the race extending her lead. Abbey also had an impressive ride finishing third.
As the day warmed, the men took to the mud and wet snow. Sean Germaine (Juventus CC) was fastest out of the gate but was passed by Andre Sutton (Hardcore Bikes) and junior ride Ethan Palamarek (CABC). Sutton was consistent and smooth on the course that was wreaking havoc on drivetrains and pedals as the podium positions behind rechuffled. Germaine would come in second and David Yexley (Independent) took the third spot on the podium.
Riders spread out along the university campus course. Photo: Andrew Davidson
Expert men's racer Jake Gaucher takes on a rare flat section on the Burman University CX course. Photo: Andrew Davidson
Off camper switch backs challenge the women's open field. Photo: Andrew Davidson
Andre Sutton extends his lead for his second win on the weekend. Photo: Andrew Davidson
Sunday’s race was touted as one of the most technically challenging ‘cross courses in Alberta with countless steep, off-camber climbs and switchbacks throughout the Burman University campus park. A misty backdrop of changing leaver and Barnett lake, the riders took once again to a snow covered course. The challenging conditions exaggerated the courses already technical features with a lack of traction on steep and off-camper sections.
The open women’s race saw the three same riders come to the fore with Sidney McGill once again displaying her form as she builds for the national championships that take place the first week of November in Sherbrooke. Koenig was once again second with Abbey McGill in third.
Again the men got the toughest conditions with warmer conditions making traction even more precarious. Saturday’s winner Sutton and Ethan Palamarek, repping the hometown, were going head-to-head early. Palamarek would eventually suffer a mechanical after losing traction midway through the race but the junior was resilient and held on for second. Provincial road champion Shawn Bunnin rode onto the final step on the podium.
