Canadian mountain bikers hunt for U.S. XC titles

Dean Campbell June 26, 2014

After three rounds of racing, Katerina Nash and Geoff Kabush remain atop the standing of the both the USA Cycling US Cup Pro Series presented by Sho-Air Cycling Group and the USA Cycling Pro Mountain Bike Cross Country Tour (Pro XCT).

Canada’s best mountain bikers are in contention to be crowned winners of the US Cup mountain bike titles at the season finale in Colorado Springs, Colo., this weekend.

Geoff Kabush of Scott-3Rox Racing has had mixed fortunes this year, with illness hampering his racing efforts. Nevertheless, the Canadian is leading the men’s rankings coming into the final event, 94 points ahead of American Todd Wells, who rides for Specialized.

Tourist biking & dodging thunderstorms w/ the Champ in Colorado Springs scenic Dog’s Garden. #tapthemaple http://t.co/G8VgCw3uWD

— Geoff Kabush (@GeoffKabush) June 24, 2014

Fellow Canadian Max Plaxton, who spent the early part of 2014 recovering from a knee injury is ranked third in the standings for Cannondale – Sho-Air.

Raphael Gagne, Mitch Bailey, Mathieu Belanger Barrette and Alexandre Vialle fill out the Canadian contingent in the men’s elite race.

Canadians have a strong presence in the women’s standings. Czech racer Katerina Nash is leading the points just ahead of Canadian Luna teammate Catharine Pendrel. Trek Racing rider Emily Batty sits in third place, the second Canadian in the top three. All three have a viable shot at winning the title in Colorado Springs.

The race course snakes through the Pulpit Rock Open Space park, starting and finishing on the grounds of the University of Colorado.

A live stream of the race will be available on the US Cycling YouTube page.