May 26, 2012 (Baie-St-Paul, QC) – The Canada Cup XC series moves to Baie-St-Paul, QC this Sunday for round two of what was announced on Friday will be only a 3-event series due to the cancellation of the western Canadian race that was to be held in mid-July.

The race, originally scheduled for Canmore, AB, was cancelled due to lack of an organizer. As a result, the series winner will be determined by the best two of three results after the Trek Store Canada Cup at Hardwood Ski and Bike, June 3, making the Baie-St-Paul race even more important.

Last year’s mudfest is still fresh in racer’s minds, but the forecast is looking favourable for the weekend. Organizers of the Baie-St-Paul event change the course every year and the 2012 edition is no exception. The 5km loop even includes some brand new trails that are quite soft and bumpy and could do with a longer break-in period. The lap still maintains its two main loops that take the riders through lots of twists and turns close to the start/finish area for the enjoyment of spectators. The route also contains the area’s typical tight turns, roots, rocks, and short, steep ups and downs. The elite and junior expert categories start at noon. The number of laps for each category will be determined at the team manager’s meeting on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

In the elite women’s competition, Sandra Walter (BC, Xprezo-Borsao) is in the leader’s jersey after winning Canada Cup #1 last weekend at Mont-Tremblant. With no MTB World Cup conflicts, the field is expected to be even more competitive and includes Amanda Sin (ON, Scott-3 Rox Racing), Jean Ann Berkenpas (BC, Xprezo-Borsao), and Andreanne Pichette (QC, Opus) in addition to Tremblant contenders Cindy Montambault (QC, CVM 2 Vals) and Mikaela Kofman (ON, Scott-3 Rox Racing). Allison Mann (USA, Bikes 4 Boobs) has also made the trip from California to add even more depth to the pack.

On the elite men’s side, it’s sure to be another epic battle with Canada MTB Cup leader Raphael Gagne (QC, Rocky Mountain) showing good form, but so many others nipping at his heels, especially his podium mates from last weekend, Neal Kindree (BC, Specialized-EMD Serono), Leandre Bouchard (QC, Cyclone d’Alma-Devinci), Matt Hadley (NB, Xprezo-Borsao), and Jeremy Martin (QC, Rocky Mountain).

As the winner of Canada Cup #1 and victor in Baie-St-Paul last year, Frederique Trudel (QC, Specialized Quebec) is the favourite to win the junior women’s race. Gabrielle April (QC, Lessard Bicycles), Frederique Larose-Gingras (QC, Subway-Genetik), Rachel Pageau (QC, Cyclone d’Alma), and Sarah-Claude Dostie-Manard (QC, CVM Procycle Hull-Aylmer) – last weekend’s top five – will all be gunning for a rematch.

The junior expert men’s race will be even more hotly contested with 36 athletes registered, including Tremblant winner Peter Disera (ON, Team Ontario) and runners-up Alexandre Vialle (QC, Scott PurPower), Vincent Belhumeur (QC, Specialized),  and Marc-Antoine Nadon (ON, Scott-3 Rox Racing).

Start list HERE.