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Pendrel and Disera climb to wins at Whistler Canada Cup XCO

Cross country racing takes over the Whistler Bike Park

Whistler Canada Cup 2019 women's elite podium
June 26, 2019
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After spending time in Quebec, Canada Cup cross country racing returned to B.C. over the weekend.

With a break in World Cup racing, there was a strong field on the start line in Whistler. Canadian national champion Peter Disera Norco Factory Racing) and two time world champion Catharine Pendrel (Clif Pro Team) took top honours in the elite races.

Behind Disera was Norco Factory Racing teammate Andrew L’Esperance in second and Uxbridge, Ont.’s Tyler Orschel (Durham Shredders) in third.

In the elite women’s race, Sandra Walter (Liv Racing International) put in a late race surge to challenge Pendrel. It wasn’t enough to take the lead, though, and Walter stayed in second. American under-23 national champion Savilia Blunk (Sho-Air TWENTY20) rolled across the line shortly after Walter to take third.

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Last race in my legs before heading to Europe for another round of World Cups! I was happy with how my body and mind fought on Saturday at the Canada Cup at @whistlerblackcomb to land second. I took the reins on lap 1 for the hole shot before @cpendrel assumed control. After that it was a tough battle with U23 shredder @saviliablunk who kept coming back to me on the loose, rough descents, making me dig deep on the climbs to create separation. My gap was never healthy, but it eventually became a bit less urgent. Meanwhile, I caught sight of Catharine on the last lap climb… so close, yet so far. It was a hard, good race… just the way it should be! Thanks to everyone for cheering — always great to race close to home. Thanks also to @fuzzy_mc @mtbing4life @jessicaclassbaba and @winsomenewsome for the ? support. | ?: Steve Devantier _____________________________ #whistlercanadacup #canmtbcup2019 #hatgame #isnackonsingletrack #giveyoureverything #howweliv #livforward #livcycling #livbeyond #livracing #anthemadvancedpro29 #blueblooded #shimanomtb #maxxis #maxxistires #kickasscoffee #9point8ca #jakroocanada #wakeupandkickass #tokyo2020 #ridelikeagirl #morewomenonbikes #girlswhoshred @livcycling @livcyclingcanada @rideshimano @maxxistires @kickinghorsecoffee @hlc.bike @livcyclingvancouver @giantbicyclevancouver @giantbicyclecanada @boccyclingteam @esigrips @9point8ca @jakroocanada

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Juniors and under-17 racing

Carter Woods (Rocky Mountain) and Emilly Johnston (Pendrel Racing) brought lessons learned racing in Europe to bear on the junior races in Whistler. Both Vancouver Island athletes won their respective races by significant margins.

Woods was joined by a trio of Comox Valley riders in the top-5, with Hamish Graham taking second and Kieran Nilsen fourth. Colorado’s Nolan Jenkin’s broke up the Comox Valley sweep, taking third.

Behind Johnston, Ontario’s Kaitlyn Shikaze (Cycle Path Oakville) and Kelly Lawson (Hardwood Next Wave) finished second and third.

In the under-17 races, Squamish’s Marin Lowe (Team Squamish) and King City, Ont.’s Own Clark (Cannondale) were the fastest around the dusty Whistler course. Ian Ackert (Hardwood Next Wave) and Leif Rodgers (Cannondale p/b Fortius) rounded out the u-17 men’s podium. Elli Clark (Homestead Racing) and Eva Leikermoser (Trail Bicycles) were second and third in the u-17 women’s race behind Lowe.

Full results from the 2019 Whistler Canada Cup XCO can be found here.

Canada Cup cross country racing continues this weekend, one province over. Canmore, Alta. hosts the coming weekends events on June 29. On top of Canada Cup points, the event is also part of the UCI Junior Series.

Canmore Nordic Centre hosted Canadian cross country national championships in both 2017 and 2018. In 2019, XCO nationals return to Hardwood Ski & Bike in Ontario.