2013 B.C. cyclocross champ Catharine Pendrel targets Jingle Cross

Canadian mountain biker Catharine Pendrel was recently crowned B.C.’s cyclocross champion, despite having been off her ‘cross bike for some time. Nevertheless, the World Cup racer obviously hasn’t lost her touch. As the big fall races get closer, she’s looking forward to one of her favourite times of the year.

“I hopped on my ‘cross bike for the second time in a month [Sunday] and felt great,” said Pendrel. “I had been training in the mountains in Colorado most of October so doing lots of riding, feeling very fit, just not doing much CX. That changed as of [Sunday] though. I head to Jingle Cross for three days of racing and then back home for final nationals prep.”

The ‘cross season offers up a different set of challenges. Some familiar and new faces make up a different field than that found at the World Cup races.

“I’m looking forward to racing the U.S. girls that have been racing CX all fall and jointing teammate Katerina Nash and future team mate Maghalie Rochette for some fun in the mud,” said Pendrel. “It should be a great challenge that will help bring my CX specific skills to top form for nationals.”

This time of year also allows a flexibility in training that Pendrel really enjoys. It’s a contrast in many ways to the rigours of the mountain bike World Cup, where everything must be kept in the sharpest focus.

“The fall is always the best time to ride. Trails are in mint condition and my training can be less structured,” explained Pendrel. “Doing some low-stress, high-positive-energy racing is really great.

“The atmosphere at Iceman and the CX provincials were both amazing. I really enjoying being connected to the domestic racing scene. Local races are such a great way to keep fit and motivated through the shoulder season and to see what is happening at the grassroots to national level for racing and development.”

Pendrel is racing in Jingle Cross Cyclocross this weekend in Iowa City, Iowa.