August 14, 2006 (Bromont, Quebec) – For the second consecutive year, the promoters of this event chose the fabulous Sun Peaks Resort in the great Canadian Rockies. The competition will be held all Labour Day weekend, on September 2-3, in the small village near Kamloops, British Colombia. The UCI World Masters Mountain Bike Championships features more than 250 athletes, 30 years old and over, that battle for the title of world champion.

Many athletes are to be watched during Labour Day weekend. The current champion Jean-Paul Stéphan (France), winner of the cross-country race in the 40-44 years old in 2004 and 2005 and France champion from 2002 to 2005 is not to be underestimated. Also, Nigel Plage (England) who took third position in snow downhill at the 2000 X Games, in the 30-34 years old category, should be feared from his opponents.

Two mountain bike disciplines will take place during the championships: downhill and cross-country. For the downhill course, the best cyclists will have to race on the traditional trail, famous for its great length- last year’s best time is 4 minutes and 58 seconds- and its ending that offers a spectacular view of the Canadian Rockies. For the cross-country, the promoters of the event have decided to bring back the 2004 path, which will increase the pleasure for everyone. The participants will be split into different age categories. The downhill event will be held on Saturday and Sunday will be used for the cross-country race.

It is not surprising that the UCI World Masters Mountain Bike Championships are returning to this wonderful village. In fact, Sun Peaks Resort is considered as one of the five best mountain bike parks in North America. Moreover, British Colombia, after Quebec has the best participation rate in Canada in mountain bike events, and offers, without a doubt, exceptional trails. Last but not least, the mountain is often used to host important mountain bike events such as The National mountain bike Championships. In fact, other competitions like Dirt Jumping Competition (September 3rd) will be taking place at the same time as the 2006 UCI World Masters Mountain Bike Championships. Sun Peaks Resort will attract, without a problem, a lot of spectators who will have other activities to try in the small village like: golf, photography, horse promenades, and others”¦

At last, Sun Peaks Resort is the best place to hold an event of this stature, because of its numerous wonderful landscapes and its warmth. « Sun Peaks offers a dream place for mountain bike, for downhill and cross-counrty, which have made British Colombia’s famous reputation», added Richard Deslandes, General Director of Mondial du Vélo.

For more information on the UCI World Masters Mountain Bike Championships, check out our web site: http://mondialduvelo.com.