July 19, 2009 (Massif du Sud, QC) – Hans Lambert (QC) Norco Factory and Claire Buchar (BC) Chain Reaction Cycles/Intense were crowned the Elite men’s and women’s 2009 National Downhill Champions in Le Massif du Sud, Quebec on Sunday. Tough conditions greeted riders on race day following a weekend filled with rain, including a few heavy early morning showers.

As the racing kicked off the skies had cleared up, but the damage was done. On a track that is universally loved by riders, but had endured weeks of rain, including downpours all weekend, mud spikes were the tire of the day. Steep, technical and filled with small natural jumps, the track at Le Massif always has some surprises in store.

Buchar was not one for surprises, qualifying first by 21 seconds yesterday but only taking home the win by just under 2 seconds over Rebecca McQueen. The recent newcomer to the race circuit, Danice Uyesegi (BC) Trek, was third.

Always incredibly strong when the conditions get wet, Lambert proved he has what it takes to beat the best riders in Canada. Right on his heels was first year Elite rider Simon Garstin followed by Dean Tennant (BC) Primary Trek. Transcend Orange Rider Jamie Biluk was fourth while defending national Champion Andrew Mitchell (BC) Devinci was 5th.

Results (brief)

Elite Men

1. Hans Lambert (QC) Norco Factory 3:06.67
2. Simon Garstin 3:08.01
3. Dean Tennant (ON) Primary Trek 3:08.90
4. Jamie Biluk (Transcend Orange) 3:10.80
5. Andrew Mitchell (BC) Devinci 3:11.22

Elite Women

1. Claire Buchar (BC) Chain Reaction Cycles/Intense 3:48.43
2. Rebecca McQueen 3:50.13
3. Danice Uyesegi (BC) Trek 3:52.90
4. Katrina Strand 3:57.33
5. Micayla Gatto (BC) Commencal/Oakley 4:02.55

Junior Men

1. Kyle Marshall 3:07.24
2. Cameron Woods 3:09.20
3. Chayse Marshall 3:11.56
4. Remi Gauvin, 3:12.12
5. Jonathan Lefrancois 3:13.72