Gallery: Sun Peaks Canada Cup seeding and track walk

Sun Peaks is making a long-awaited return to the Canada Cup downhill racing calendar this weekend and, after five years away, riders are stoked to be back on the fast, rough trails high above Kamloops, B.C.

Saturday’s practice session and seeding rounds delivered a first taste of what the course here in Sun Peaks would deliver on race day. So far, it is fast, long, steep in sections and all kinds of dusty. It’s August and, while Sun Peaks trails are running fast, dry conditions mean a steady cloud of dust follows riders down the trails.

With Sun Peaks hosting the final round of Canada Cup racing and riders less familiar with the course than staples like Fernie, Kicking Horse and Panorama, it’s been a busy, and fast day on the mountain. There’s not much time to get up to speed before Sunday’s finals and, with a long track, there is a lot to get familiar with.

Gallery: Seeding, practice and track walk at Sun Peaks Canada Cup / Dunbar Summer Series

Gabe Neron was flying in practice and the first section of seeding before a major mechanical ended his run. Photo: Andrea Heath

Ainhoa Ijurko floats over the rocks up high at Sun Peaks. Photo: Sara Kempner

There is plenty of places to pick up speed on this course. Photo: Sara Kempner

And some more techy sections. Photo: Sara Kempner

Out of the woods, the dust is a little easier to handle. Photo: Andrea Heath.

In the woods and out of the wind, dust clouds are part of the challenge. Photo: Sara Kempner

The top riders are airing some steeps entirely. Photo: Sara Kempner

Dust, roots and loose conditions in Sun Peaks. Photo: Andrea Heath

Claire Buchar leads the women's track walk on Friday. Photo: Andrea Heath

With a new course, everyone was out taking a look. Photo: Andrea Heath

Brett Tippie leading a sold-out crowd through riders meetings and podiums at Sun Peaks

You have never seen a group of youth more excited about a drive train brush in your life. The excitement turned to frenzy when the We Are One wheels came out. Photo: Andrea Heath

The big prize, a Specialized Stumpjumper, will be given away on Sunday.

With age categories going down to u13,Dunbar Summer Series is a family affair! Photo: Andrea Heath

The van camper village delivers a gourmet meal, if you're prepared. Photo: Andrea Heath

Claire Buchar adds to the giveaway stoke. Photo: Andrea Heath

Racing was intense on Saturday, with close races in several categories. It’s a long course, though, with plenty of time to make up ground. Riders will have another chance to take what they learned Saturday into Sunday’s finals. Others will have another chance at a crash-free, or mechanical-free run. Canada Cup leader Gabe Neron was flying at the first split before a shattered wheel ended his run. The 2022 Canadian national champion will be back on the startline Sunday, though.