August 19, 2008 (Sun Peaks, BC) – Local Kamloops downhill riders are getting ready to take on athletes from across Canada at the Canada Cup Downhill Finals, August 24. Over 200 racers from around the country are expected to attend the Canada Cup DH Finals. With a huge local presence at this race, expect to see a number of Kamloops athletes on the podium. Watch for local athletes Tyler Gnitt (Ranked #1 in Elite Men category), Chayse Marshall (Sun Peaks Team Rider, Ranked #1 in Junior Men category), Max Baymen (Ranked #3 in U15 category) and Bryden Cook (Sun Peaks Team Rider, Ranked #5 in U17 category).

Athletes will hammer through the downhill course, as they compete for the coveted first in the Canada Cup DH Final. With over $3,500 in cash prizing available for riders, the competition will be fierce. The points bikers receive at this event will also count for the BC Cup Downhill Race #5.

You don’t just have to sit on the sidelines. There are over 20 race categories, including a Citizen Class. Riders interested in competing in this downhill race do not need to hold either a 2008 Yellow or a Blue BC Citizen License. Riders can purchase a one-event membership with allows participants 13 years and up to compete. Riders entering this category will run the same race course as the other competitors and be able to compare their race times against the other categories.

Spectators are encouraged to head to Sun Peaks Resort the weekend of August 23-24, to watch some of the best DH riders in the country.* The DH course features a very diverse design including fast machine-made berms, loamy single track with tons of roots, and loose dusty sections of trail. Don’t forget your camera! *There will be a designated spectator area. Please obey signs.

Canada Cup/BC Cup Event Schedule

Saturday, August 23
– 9:00am-12:00pm Registration and race kit pickup
– 10:00am-5:00pm Training on DH course
– 1:00pm-3:00pm Registration and race kit pickup — last chance for race registration

Sunday, August 24
– 8:30am-10:00pm Registration office opens — race kit pickup only
– 10:00am-12:00pm Downhill course open training
– 1:00pm Downhill Racing Begins
– 6:00pm Downhill Awards

For more information about the Canada Cup Downhill Finals or other Sun Peaks events, visit <http://www.sunpeaksresort.com>www.sunpeaksresort.com.