October 20, 2007 (Kamloops, BC) — The 2007 Canadian National Cyclocross Championships are set to go tomorrow in Kamloops, B.C.’s Riverside Park. Last year’s champions will attempt to defend their titles on the 2.7km course, which includes a plethora of tight turns, off-camber grass sections, two sandy run-ups on the banks of the Thompson River, a set of double barriers and flat gravel straightaways. The weather forecast is predicting a cloudy day for tomorrow with a chance of showers in the afternoon and a high of 12 C.

The Elite Women’s race will be an epic battle between reigning champ Lyne Bessette (QC) Cyclocrossworld.com and two-time National Champion Wendy Simms (BC) Kona-Les Gets. In today’s B.C. Provincial Cyclocross Championships, Simms took Bessette in a sprint finish on a nearly identical course. Hometown favourite Catharine Pendrel (BC) Norco Factory Team was third today in the provincial race and could pull off a good result in her first cyclocross nationals. Last year’s bronze medalist, Mical Dyck (AB) Team Alberta and mountain biker Alison Sydor (BC) Rocky Mountain-Haywood will also be on the start line. The women’s race starts at 2:00 p.m. local time / 5:00 p.m. EST.

On the men’s side, Greg Reain (ON) Ride with Rendall-Colnago-Time is looking to bring home the title in two years, but Max Plaxton (BC) Rocky Mountain-Haywood, who has been having a stellar “˜cross season, will do his best to pull an upset. Rob Britton (BC) Independent and Ryan Hopping (AB) United Cycles have both also had strong “˜cross results this season and could be guys to watch. Start lists have not been published yet, but organizers are anticipating a large field and exciting racing. With the course being so close to downtown, it’s ideal for spectators.

Pedal will have live updates from the races, starting with the U23 Men’s race, which starts at 1:00 p.m. local time / 4:00 p.m. EST.

National Cyclocross Championship Schedule

October 21

– 9:00 a.m. – Master 50+ Men, Master 30+ Women
– 10:00 a.m. – Master 40-49 Men
– 11:00 a.m. – Master 30-39 Men
– 1:00 p.m. – U23 Men
– 2:00 p.m. – Elite Women, Junior Men
– 3:00 p.m. – Elite Men