July 16, 2010 (Canmore, AB) – The Rundle Mountain Cycling Club is stoked to host Canada’s top XC racers for the 2010 Canadian MTB XC National Championships in Canmore, Alberta from July 15-18. The classic course of old has been replaced by a new, shorter, and more spectator-accessible 7km loop. Racers will require powerful lungs and legs on the new course, which contains 250 vertical metres of climbing per lap at a base elevation of 1,350m.

Organizers are striving to make the 2010 Nationals the must-do event of the season, not only for racers, but for families and visitors too. The schedule is packed with activities, including a kid’s race, parties, a Race Clean Own Your Own Victory talk by National Champion Geoff Kabush (BC, Maxxis-Rocky Mountain), group road ride, race expo with demo bikes, and Jay Hoots Bike Park Clinic. But if fans just can’t make it to Canmore on the day, Adrenaline Garage has the answer. The web broadcast producer covered Crankworx Colorado in 2009 and will bring its expertise to Canmore with live online video. The webcast will be broadcast on pedalmag.com at 11:30am local time (1:30pm EST) via five camera positions on course, including the stadium and some of the gnarliest sections.

Junior Men and Women – 9:00 am start

Junior Women
All eyes will be on defending champion Laura Bietola (ON, 3 Rox Racing), but Quebec’s Kristina Laforge (QC, Cyclone d’Alma) currently leads the Canada Cup series. Other riders to watch: Lauren Rosser (BC, Team BC) and Valerie Meunier (QC, Cyclone d’Alma). Fans will be pleased to see such depth among the young women’s ranks.

Junior Men
A similar rivalry is present in the junior men’s field. Mitch Bailey (ON, Team Ontario) leads the Canada Cup standings, but it couldn’t be closer. Quebec’s Leandre Bouchard (QC, Cyclone d’Alma) is second, tied with Bailey at 270 points. Evan McNeeley (ON, EMD Serono/Specialized) is close behind in third. Other top-ranked riders include: Jeremy Martin (QC, Rocky Mountain Factory), Steven Noble (ON, Jetpower), Antoine Caron (QC, CVM Subway-Génétik).

U23 Women and Elite Women – 11:45 am start

U23 Women
Everyone’s money will be on defending champ Emily Batty (ON, Trek World Team) for the top spot in the U23 women’s race, although Mikaela Kofman (ON, 3 Rox Racing) has been riding well and has made a huge leap since 2008. Other podium hopes: Marie-Claude Surprenant (QC, Xprezo-Borsao), Rebecca Beaumont (QC, Cyclone d’Alma), Andreanne Pichette (QC, CVM Subway-Génétik).

Elite Women
Possibly the most anticipated race will be between defending National Champion Catharine Pendrel (BC, Luna Pro Team) and the woman she dethroned in 2009, Marie-Hélène Prémont (QC, Maxxis-Rocky Mountain). Pendrel is coming off a recent World Cup victory in Germany, but Prémont has been up there as well. Other medal contenders: Amanda Sin (ON, 3 Rox Racing), Mical Dyck (AB, Trek Canada).

U23 and Elite Men – 2:30 pm start

U23 Men
With many of last year’s top U23’s now in the elite category, it’s a chance for some of the young guns to move up, including last year’s Nationals bronze medal winner, Cody Canning (AB, ERTC Revolution Cycle). Francis Morin (QC, Specialized), is currently the top-ranked rider in the Canada Cup standings. Other riders to watch include: Sebastien Cadieux-Duval (QC, CVM Val-David), Jacob McLelland (ON, Team Hardwood-Trek), and Tyson Wagler (ON, 3 Rox Racing).

Elite Men
The 2009 race was a nail-biter, with Kabush making a last-minute attack to cinch the victory. However, it was Derek Zandstra (ON, 3 Rox Racing) who set a blistering pace most of the race. Max Plaxton (BC, Sho-Air/Specialized) was also up there and he has logged a strong so far. Additional podium bets: Andrew Watson (ON, Norco Factory), Raphael Gagne (QC, Rocky Mountain Factory).