July 8, 2003 (Whistler, B.C.) – The Tim Hortons Canadian National Mountain Bike Championships in Whistler July 19 and 20 will feature what is likely the most impressive start list of Canadian cross-country mountain bikers ever including top riders such as Roland Green, Seamus McGrath and Alison Sydor.
The first time in Whistler, the Canadian Nationals take place as part of Whistler's inaugural Summer Gravity Festival mountain bike event July 14-20, which will feature a wide range of mountain bike competitions, entertainment and industry events.
Green, from Victoria, British Columbia, raves about riding in Whistler: “I have been going to Whistler to race for over ten years now. It's always been a special place with so much natural beauty. In 1996 I had my first big result there winning the Cactus Cup and beating out Ned Overend. It was my first year as a mountain biker and a lot of fun. I always have a great time up there.” At the World Cup in Mont Ste-Anne Quebec on June 28-29, Green stood third on the podium. Overall, Green sits in seventh place, comfortably within reach of the top rung.
Alison Sydor, Olympic silver medallist, multiple World Champion and multiple World Cup and NORBA champion, and Seamus McGrath, Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist, are also among the athletes that will be competing in the final day of competition at the Tim Hortons National Championships. Canadian competitors are a world force in this discipline and this will be a hard fought competition to see who comes away with the coveted National Champion jersey.
Tim Hortons National Mountain Bike Championships schedule of events:
Saturday July 19 Age Group Cross-country and Downhill Finals – This is the chance for racers from around the country to race against competitors in their category for the glory of being crowned National Champion. Elite Downhill Finals – The best Pro-Elite riders from coast to coast will converge in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park and put it all on the line in a mad race downhill.
Sunday July 20 Elite Cross Country Finals – Canada's best cross-country mountain bikers battle it out on a gruelling course located on Whistler's notoriously technical and challenging terrain.
The Whistler Summer Gravity Festival is a seven-day celebration of mountain biking, July 14-20, 2003 showcasing the downhill, freeride, cross-country and trials disciplines in a series of both competitive and participatory events. Featured events include the Tim Horton's Canadian National Mountain Bike Championships; Joyride Bikercross; the World's Largest Loonie Race; daily special athlete and industry events; camps and clinics.
The Whistler Bike Park Package includes a pass to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park and three nights accommodation starting from $165 Cdn ($109 US) per person, valid July 10 to September 8, 2003, available by calling Whistler's Official Central Reservations Service 1-800-WHISTLER (1-800-944-7853). Bike rentals, service, guided tours and trail locations are available at www.mywhistler.com or through the Whistler Activity Centre at 604-938-2769 or toll-free 1-800-944-7853.
Event information is available at www.mywhistler.com, www.whistlergravity.com and www.worldfreeride.com. Media accreditation is available at www.whistlergravity.com.