After a few days of heavy rain in Winnipeg, the sun came out for the competitors, allowing for slick and muddy conditions. Sections of the course, notably steep run ups and grassy hills, were extremely slippery. The revamped course, more spectator-friendly, challenged the competitors with a complete set of obstacles featuring a triple sand pass, cobblestones, fly-overs, muddy run-ups, staircases, gravel roads and grassy areas.
In the men’s race, the race was tightly contested from the start to the finish. Multiple riders exchanged the lead throughout the race, with each attempt reeled. In the last two laps, Gagné took control of the race and managed to cross the finish line in first place, earning his career-first Canadian Cyclocross title.Gagné ended his dream season, having won the Pan-American Games, the Canadian Mountain Bike XCO Elite Men’s title, and the 2015 US Cup Overall title. He also enjoyed a breakthrough season on the UCI World Cup tour, consistently posting Canada’s top results.
Geoff Kabush (BC) Scott 3 Rox Racing, a 5-time Canadian Cyclocross Champion, finished second, only seconds behind Gagné. He was among the five lead riders who contended for the title, but couldn’t close the gap that Gagné had created on the last lap. Aaron Schooler (AB) Focus CX Team, who moved to Germany this year, earned the bronze medal.
Dyck triumphed in the women’s race in true style, leading the race from the start to the finish. Throughout the 60-minute race, she increased her lead lap after lap ahead of a talented group of cross riders including Sandra Walter (BC) Liv Cycling Canada, Maghalie Rochette (QC) LUNA Pro Team, Leah Kirchmann (MB) Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies and cyclocross specialist Natasha Elliott (QC) Red Truck – Garneau p/b Easton Cycling. Ultimately, Dyck was followed at the finish line by Walter in second and Kirchmann in third pace.
Dyck placed 12th at the recent UCI World Championships in February, establishing herself as Canada’s top Cyclocross women. Dyck secured today her second title after taking home the red and white jersey in 2012. Peter Disera (ON) Norco Factory Team won the Men’s U23 race in a finish sprint against, Danick Vandale (MB) Russ Hays/Accent Inns. Disera edged his opponent, a local star, by less than a bike length to win the title in nail-biting fashion. Peter’s brother, Quinton Disera (ON) CSAJCC p/b Norco & LG, also climbed on the top spot of the podium, easily winning the Junior Men race by over 30seconds on the second place.Ruby West (ON) Centurion Next Wave Cycling Team captured the red and white jersey in the Youth women’s race, which was combined with the elite women’s competition. She won over Dana Gilligan (ON) Cycle Solutions Angry Johnny’s CC pb Norco LG and Maggie Coles-Lyster (BC) Local Ride Racing, in second and third respectively.
Sunday, the 2015 Manitoba Grand Prix of Cyclocross will be disputed, allowing non-Canadian racers a chance at UCI points.
Full results here
Masters results here.