March 06, 2017 (Victoria, BC) – The first leader’s jerseys of the 2017 Canada Cup mountain bike series were awarded on Saturday at Bear Mountain Resort, just outside Victoria, BC.  The Canada Cup has been the career starting point for many of Canada’s top professional and Olympic riders.

Situated in the foothills of Mount Finlayson with breathtaking views of Victoria’s seaside harbour, Bear Mountain Resort is the national training centre for Canada’s mountain bike squad, and offers vistas of the Olympic Mountain Range, the Strait of Georgia and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Four titles were awarded, in the Elite and Junior categories for men and women.  Olympic bronze medalist Catharine Pendrel (Clif Bar) of Kamloops, BC, won the Elite women’s race, after leading from the first lap.  Canadian national champion Emily Batty (Trek Factory Racing) of Brooklin, Ontario, was second, with U.S. champion Erin Huck (Cannondale-3Rox) third.

“I felt really good out there,” said Pendrel.  “You never know quite what to expect in the beginning of the season, but it felt like the whole package.  I felt strong on the climbs and really smooth in the woods, so I’m happy with how things went.  It was a little tricky on the first lap because I got boxed in and didn’t have a good position, but Emily and I were both in the same position; we both cleared it and were able to do our races after that.  It’s always great to start the season off strong.”

In the Elite men’s race, it was Rio Olympian Raphael Gagne (Cannondale-3Rox) of Quebec City, Quebec, in the lead from start to finish, with a dominating performance.  Evan Guthrie of Peachland, BC, held second place for most of the race before suffering a mechanical problem on the final lap. Geoff Kabush (Scott Sports-Maxxis) of Victoria, BC, moved into second for the finish, followed by Canadian national champion Derek Zandstra (Cannondale-3Rox) of Belleville, Ontario in third.

“It was a little surprising,” admitted Gagne.  “Obviously, I felt really strong and good, but I didn’t know what to expect.  With a new team it brings very good motivation to do well, and I’m happy I could get the win.  I’ve been doing some fat bike races and they have been good preparation for this type of course.  It was a fun course and I’m happy to be racing.”

In the Junior competitions, Gunnar Holmgren (Team Ontario) of Orillia, Ontario, was the men’s winner, while American champion Gwendalyn Gibson (US National Team) won the women’s race.

The Canada Cup series will continue with Round 2 at Mont Tremblant, Quebec, on May 21st.

Full results here.