July 22, 2003 (Whistler, BC) – Marie-Helene Premont (Oryx) has been on fire this season, and only untimely mechanicals have been holding her back in the past few years. She double-flatted again at Grouse Mountain during the fourth World Cup this season, finishing fourth after a stellar race. In Whistler, BC, last weekend, Premont's luck was back on track, and she finally pulled off her first Canadian National Championship title.

Right off the bat, Premont pushed up the first climb, watching the pack drop like flies behind her. Alison Sydor (Trek-Volkswagen) was the next in line but she took a wrong turn on the course (the half lap was still marked open) and went 100-metres off the course before realizing the error.

Chrissy Redden (Gary Fisher/Subaru) then moved into second place and began to pursue Premont. Sydor eventually caught up to Redden and the pair chased. And they chased. Every lap Premont opened up a minute on the second and third-place pursuers. “My bike was going so well today, I have no excuse today. My legs were feeling so good, and on the hills I was able to push so hard. I had a good race. I knew people on the course were chasing me, I didn't want to go slower, I was careful on the downhills but pushing on the (cross-country) course.”

Premont wasn't taking any chances and by the time she crossed the finish line she was four minutes ahead of the next rider. Redden and Sydor stuck together for most of the race, with Redden pacing Sydor. During the last lap Sydor started to get gear problems. She tried to fix it on the last climb and Redden gapped her, securing second place. Sydor ended up finishing third.

Results:

1. Marie Helene Premont (QC, Oryx) 2:03:04.44
2. Chrissy Redden (ON, Gary Fisher/Subaru) 2:07.38
3. Alison Sydor (BC, Trek VW) 2:07.55
4. Trish Sinclair (BC, GearsRacing.com) 2:08.43
5. Karen DeWolfe (NS, Cal. Dried Fruits) 2:13.08