September 18, 2008 – Overcast skies and intermittent downpours failed to dampen the spirits of the 80+ University students that showed up for the first race of the 4-race University Cup MTB series last weekend. Held at the Mansfield Outdoor Center, and comprised of three events (TT, Criterium and Race) students representing schools from all over Ontario gave it their best shot to bring home gold for their respective schools.

In the Men’s A category, Queens’ Steve “Showboat” Chapman bagged the overall win, performing flawlessly in the race and time trial. In a very close second place was Algonquin College’s Matt McCartney, and in third University of Guelph’s Anton Varabei.

In the Women’s A category, University of Guelph’s Erika Bota showed complete domination, sweeping all three events to take the overall win. In second place was Katherine Burress from McMaster, and in third was Michelle LePalud from the University of Guelph.

In the Men’s B category, Guelph’s Simon McKay had a strong performance in both the TT and the race which landed him the win, while UofT’s Chris McKnight was second. Guelph’s Misha Buob took the final podium position.

The Women’s B category was dominated by University of Toronto’s Jessica Moffet whose victory in the criterium and TT sealed the overall win. In second was Queens’ Emily Jibb, and in third University of Guelph’s Holly Dodds.

After the results were tabulated it appeared Guelph has a commanding lead going into the second race which will be held at Hardwood Hills this upcoming weekend (Sept 21). Queen’s have been the reigning University Cup Champions for the past three years and definitely know a thing or two about putting together a winning team, it will be interesting to see if they can answer to the University of Guelph’s superb entry into the 2008 University Cup season.

University Cup Team Standings after Race 1
1. University of Guelph 728
2. Queens University 528
3. University of Toronto 345
4. York University 110
5. Algonquin College 80