March 30, 2018 (Langford, BC) – The 3rd annual Bear Mountain Bike Festival presented by the City of Langford runs March 31 – April 1 and kicking it off once again is the UCI Bear Mountain Canada Cup MTB Race powered by Powerade on March 31. Bear Mountain, in the foothills of Mount Finlayson, is the official training centre of Cycling Canada’s Canadian MTB team, and has hosted the opening round of the Canada MTB Cup XCO series since 2016.

Three-time world champion and 2016 Rio Olympic bronze medalist, Catharine Pendrel (Clif Pro Team), the defending Bear Mountain Canada Cup event champion, is very motivated to start the year on a high note. “I’m really looking forward to the Bear Mountain Canada Cup. I love having such high level racing in BC to start the season and really enjoy the riding and atmosphere at this race”.

Last year’s 2nd place finisher, Emily Batty (Trek Factory Racing), will be looking to make a strong first impression as reigning national champion for the 2018 season, and attempt to take her first Bear Mountain Canada Cup win.

Haley Smith (Norco Factory), Sandra Walter (Liv Canada) and Cindy Montambault (Equipe du Quebec) will also be on the start line vying for the podium including defending Canada Cup champion, Soren Meeuwisse (Trek Canada), who showed consistency year-round during the 2017 season will also be looking to defend her title as well.

In the Elite Men’s race, the door is open as defending champ Raphaël Gagné (Silverback OMX) will not be racing having just completed the ABSA Cape Epic stage race in South Africa. Leandre Bouchard (KMC-Ekoi-SR Suntour), Peter Disera (Norco Factory) and Andrew L’Esperance (Forward Racing-Norco) headline the contenders in a tough men’s field, including 2017 Canada Cup winner Evan Guthrie and national champion, Peter Disera (Norco Factory Racing).

Spectators can expect a strong field of young men and women in the UCI Canada Cup Junior series. The race will be wide open for the Junior Women as last year’s winner, Gwendalyn Gibson from Team USA and 2nd place winner Sidney McGill have moved on to the U23 category. For the first time ever, U17 men and women will be able to participate as an official Canada Cup category, and will be awarded a leader’s jersey as well as an official Canada Cup ranking.

“The Bear Mountain Canada Cup is an amazing event that brings together the local mountain bike community and some of the world’s best riders,” said Dan Proulx, head coach for the Canadian National Team. “It’s a fun atmosphere and a fast and challenging course. For our athletes, it’s a kick off to our North American race campaign and everyone looks forward to this one!”

On Sunday, spectators are invited to come out to watch the Russ Hay’s XC Short Track Race. Each race will be 20 minutes long and will take place on a fast and flowing 1.5 kilometer course. Lap prizes or “primes” will be awarded to heighten the excitement and keep the race pace high. Racing will be available for the following categories: beginner, intermediate, expert, masters, and youth cyclists.

Kid-friendly activities will also be offered on Sunday as part of the Kids Bike Day presented by Oak Bay Bikes Westshore.Families with kids aged between 6 and 10 are invited to take part in some fun skills training with former Canada Cup champion and certified coach Adam Walker from the Cycling Co. Children will learn the basics of mountain bike riding, try their skills on the obstacle course, and enjoy free snacks and prizes as a reward. Entry is free and is capped at 150 participants.

Complimenting the entire race weekend will be food trucks and free coffee/hot drinks courtesy of McDonalds McCafé®. In addition, North America’s top brands will be showcasing the latest and greatest mountain bike models. Demo rides will be available on Sunday, April 1st.

Start Lists HERE