Canada Cup mountain bike series starts Saturday
The country's top downhillers and xc racers head to Mont-Tremblant, Que.
The Canada Cup mountain bike race series, which is designed to provide a high level event for aspiring mountain and downhill racers, started its 22nd season Sunday in Mont-Tremblant, Que. It is the first of seven events on the national cross country and downhill calendar in 2013. The racing has been and continues to be important to many of Canada’s top cross country and downhill racers as it acts as a major stepping stone to international competition for ambitious Canadian racers. Many of Canada’s current international stars state unequivocally that the Canada Cup series served as their springboard to the highest levels of the sport.
“The Canada Cup was a critical stepping stone in my development,” said Catherine Pendrel, who was the 2011 world champion.
Geoff Kabush, Canada’s top finisher at the 2012 Olympic Games in the elite men’s cross country race, echoed Pendrel’s comments. “The Canada Cups refined my skills, taught me valuable lessons and gave me the confidence I needed to progress to the World Cup,” he said.
The event is also a place for Canada’s elite amateurs to compete beyond their local scenes.
Saturday will feature the cross country events. Sunday will be the focus of the downhill races.
