August 11, 2019 (Lac-Beauport, QC) – Already the last stage! The experience concluded at Sentiers du Moulin (SDM), a tight mountain bike network in full expansion recognized for its Enduro trails, 20 minutes from historical Old-Quebec; larger-than-life ramps and wooden gangways, berms, gigantic and perfectly groomed rock pathways, wild descents and technical climbs. SDM has it all and really delivered!

We started with a smooth climb of the “Raph”, nickname of the local Olympian and Pan Am Games gold medalist Raphael Gagné. Then into the flowy timed descent of the Baribal. The first half of the stage was easy as presented where we all knew the second half was going be the final technical challenge of the week.

As expected the last section of the stage was incredibly demanding with long and technical climbs, leading to an incredible finish in the descent of the SuperG. What a trail! Tens of features including riding including riding over a cabin. I hope no one was sleeping in! SDM is wild, tough but unbeatable fun.

“A first, looking at the total distance of the 6 day race, I was suspicious. Now that I have experienced the terrain, I understand that it could not be more. Not 1 km is a given” Says rider Chase Moreira from Edmonton Alberta. “I raced BC Bike Race last year and the QSE this year. QSE trails are second to none. “I am amazed about their singletracks. Best kept secret! The atmosphere is over the wall. And because of the very simple logistics for the organization of the unique base camp – to the benefit of the riders – the price is less than half of other stage races. “ to Conclude Moreira.

Although the American Sarah Kaufmann won the last stage, South Afrika’s Amy McDougall, 2 time singlespeed world champion, confirmed her overall victory. “I have raced all over the world, but this was the best mountain biking I have ever experienced. The trails are simply fantastic and so diversified. The vibe is unreal and the organization is absolutely perfect. With the charms of Old Quebec City next to the permanent festive base camp, this was the mountain bike week of my life. Thanks Quebec.” proudly said McDougall before heading back home and hoping to be back in 2020.

Spain’s Tomi Misser was in a class of its own here in Quebec. He controlled the race from start to finish. Misser, who won Elite DH World Cups in the past before becoming Masters World Champ in both DH and XC was in Quebec to participate to the QSE before competing at the World Championships later this month at Mont Sainte-Anne.

Local announcer confirmed everyone as a Qué-Biker. “You have completed the Québec Singletrack Expérience. You are forever a Qué-Biker!”. And then it was time to party. Those Quebecors really know how to throw a party. Live band, dance, souvenirs and cheers. What an incredible week it was.

We all knew that Quebec was world famous for the World Cup as it was created here. Quebec is now becoming world famous for its unique stage race : The Quebec Singletrack Experience.

Results here.

QSE 2020 registration : exclusive pre-sale
The QSE runs from August 4 to 9 2019. Presale registration for QSE 4 in 2020 begins on August 12, 2019 at noon. You can register for an all-inclusive 6-day package including lodging for as low as $ 1,399 CAD ($ 1,050 USD) + taxes.

Visit here.
E-mail info@quebecsingletrack.com

August 11, 2019 (Lenzerheide, SUI) – Pedal caught up with legendary Canadian mountain biker, Catharine Pendrel (Clif Pro), a former MTB Worlds champion and Olympic bronze medallist, following her first podium this season as she claimed 5th in the Elite Women’s XCO at Lenzerheide. Pendrel has been making steady gains she broke her arm last season, and with the MTB Worlds on home soil at Mont Sainte Anne, she’s on track for the championships and could three-peat.

Superb 5th for your first podium this season… how does it feel ?
Catharine Pendrel: Amazing! I felt strong start to finish.

You had a good start… did the race unfold as expected ?
CP: Yes finally the start gods shine on me! Clean start and could move into a good position to move up from. I was surprised to make it up to the leaders but unfortunately crashed and got tangled in the course tape so lost that group and had to mentally regroup for a lap. I found the forward momentum again though and had a good back and forth battle with Sine Frei with her edging out a couple seconds on me by the finish.

How was the course and conditions… there were a number of mechanicals ?
CP: Conditions were great. It had been so slippery all week but dry and grippy today. I think with the higher speeds there were a lot of flat tires. Unfortunately many Canadians flatted. Sandra Walter, Haley Smith, Laurie Arsenault, Ralph Auclair, Sean Fincham all had flats with Sandra taking the running record in the day with about 2km.

Did you know you were fighting for a podium spot… ?
CP: Yes. I knew Jolanda [Neff] was fading and coach Dan Proulx was out there giving me splits and motivation.

You’re on track for the Worlds at MSA… that has to feel good.
CP: Yes! Absolutely. It still feels like any woman’s race, but nice to put myself in contention and hopefully draw a bigger crowd with that momentum

Anything to add ?
CP: Big thanks to all of Team Canada for helping me get back to this level.

August 11, 2019 (Lenzerheide, SUI) – Pedal caught up with Leandre Bouchard (Pivot Cycles-OTE) the top Canadian in the Elite Men’s XCO race at Lenzerheide, SUI, finishing a career-best 14th. The talented Quebec rider has been making steady gains this season and is looking forward to the upcoming MTB Worlds at home in Mont Sainte Anne.

Congrats – is 14th a career best on the World Cup ?
Léandre Bouchard: Yes, it’s my career-best result racing in the Elite Men’s division.

How was your start… did the race unfold as expected ?
LB: With my Short Track result (17th), I was the first to pick on the third row. From there, I stayed relaxed in the groups I was riding with and moved up on the main climb. My race went as expected- mostly everything went well and fast.

How was the course and conditions… there were a number of mechanicals ?
LB: The course was pettry dry. The course here is super rooty (lot of roots) and we pratice in slipery condition was it was way more grippy and I adapted my lines a bit. There were a few flat tires because everybody wanted to ride low pressusure to have traction on those roots.

Tell us about your last lap did you know you were close to a top 15 result… ?
LB: I knew my position going into last lap, thanks the leaderbord at the finish/lap arch. I was 14th with Lars Forster on my wheel. I was able to see 12 and 13th on the climb. Lars and I were bridging the gap but were a bit short to catch them.

You’re on track for the Worlds at MSA that has to feel good.
LB: I’m really excited to race at Mont-Sainte-Anne for Worlds. I hope I can carry my fitness over there. I have never been so fit in mid-August so I think it’s a good thing for the last race.

Anything to add ?
LB: I felt realy good mentaly. I had good strategies today that make a big difference.

August 11, 2019 (Scotland) – Canada’s Alison Jackson (Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank) finished 2nd overall on Sunday racing to fourth on the final stage as the inaugural Women’s Tour of Scotland wrapped up with Leah Thomas (USA) Bigla Pro Cycling Team taking the 118.3 km Stage 3 finale in Edinburgh to win the overall title.

Results

1. Leah Thomas (USA) Bigla Pro Cycling Team 3:14
2. Elise Chabbey (Sui) Bigla Pro Cycling Team
3. Stine Borgli (Nor) Norway
4. Alison Jackson (Can) Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank
5. Eugenia Bujak (Slo) BTC City Ljubljana
6. Eri Yonamine (Jpn) Ale Cipollini
7. Julie van de Velde (Bel) Lotto Soudal Ladies
8. Hanna Nilsson (Swe) BTC City Ljubljana
9. Nikola Noskova (Cze) Bigla Pro Cycling Team 0:03
10. Nadia Quagliotto (Ita) Ale Cipollini 0:06
11. Vita Heine (Nor) Norway
12. Mikayla Harvey (Nzl) Bigla Pro Cycling Team 0:08
13. Anna Shackley (Gbr) Scotland
14. Asja Paladin (Ita) Valcar-Cylance Cycling 0:10
15. Neah Evans (Gbr) Scotland
16. Silvia Persico (Ita) Valcar-Cylance Cycling 0:12
17. Jessica Roberts (Gbr) Great Britain
18. Abby-Mae Parkinson (Gbr) Drops
19. Niamh Fisher-Black (Nzl) Torelli-Assure-Madison
20. Sophie Wright (Gbr) Bigla Pro Cycling Team 0:15
21. Emma White (USA) Rally UHC Cycling
22. Leah Dixon (Gbr) Brother U.K./ Tifosi
23. Beate Zanner (Ger) Torelli-Assure-Madison 0:18
24. Illi Gardner (Gbr) Brother U.K./ Tifosi
25. Anna Christian (Gbr) Drops
26. Rossella Ratto (Ita) BTC City Ljubljana
27. Urska Pintar (Slo) BTC City Ljubljana 0:24
28. Krista Doebel-Hickok (USA) Rally UHC Cycling 0:26
29. Ahreum (Kor) Ale Cipollini
30. Ilaria Sanguineti (Ita) Valcar-Cylance Cycling 0:43
31. Annelies Dom (Bel) Lotto Soudal Ladies 0:54
32. Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (Den) Bigla Pro Cycling Team
33. Mie Bj¿rndal Ottestad (Nor) Norway 1:33
34. Jennifer George (Gbr) Scotland
35. Rebecca Durrell (Gbr) Brother U.K./ Tifosi
36. Danielle Christmas (Gbr) Lotto Soudal Ladies
37. Laura Massey (Gbr) Torelli-Assure-Madison
38. Elizabeth Bennett (Gbr) Drops
39. Urska Bravec (Slo) BTC City Ljubljana
40. _pela Kern (Slo) BTC City Ljubljana
41. Jessica Finney (Gbr) Brother U.K./ Tifosi
42. Sharlotte Lucas (Nzl) Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank 1:42
43. Ann-sophie Duyck (Bel) Parkhotel Valkenburg 1:55
44. Shannon Malseed (Aus) Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank 2:03
45. Brodie Chapman (Aus) Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank 2:15
46. Gabriella Shaw (Gbr) Brother U.K./ Tifosi 3:40
47. Sandra Weiss (Sui) Torelli-Assure-Madison
48. Josie Knight (Gbr) Great Britain
49. Amelia Sharpe (Gbr) Great Britain
50. Seonha Yu (Kor) Korea
51. Belle de Gast (Ned) Parkhotel Valkenburg
52. Sophie Lankford (Gbr) Scotland
53. Sophie Enever (Gbr) Team Jadan Weldtite-Vive le Velo 3:58
54. Maria Apolonia van ‘t Geloof (Ned) Ale Cipollini 5:19
55. Katie Archibald (Gbr) Scotland 5:21
56. Dalia Muccioli (Ita) Valcar-Cylance Cycling 5:26
57. Danielle Khan (Gbr) Lotto Soudal Ladies 5:29
58. Jessica Raimondi (Ita) Ale Cipollini
59. Gillian Ellsay (Can) Rally UHC Cycling 5:41
60. Sophie Thackray (Gbr) Torelli-Assure-Madison 5:45
61. Annabel Simpson (Gbr) Brother U.K./ Tifosi 5:52
62. Silvia Pollicini (Ita) Valcar-Cylance Cycling 8:06
63. Sylvie Swinkels (Ned) Parkhotel Valkenburg 8:37
64. Grace Anderson (Nzl) Drops
65. Allison Beveridge (Can) Rally UHC Cycling
66. Hyunji Kim (Kor) Korea
67. Megan Barker (Gbr) Drops 9:21
68. Jenny Holl (Gbr) Scotland 0:12:05
DNF Sara Bergen (Can) Rally UHC Cycling
DNF Lydia Boylan (Irl) Torelli-Assure-Madison
DNF Gemma Sargent (Gbr) Team Jadan Weldtite-Vive le Velo
DNF Marie Lynn (Gbr) Team Jadan Weldtite-Vive le Velo
DNF Christina Wiejak (Gbr) Team Jadan Weldtite-Vive le Velo
DNF Emelie R¿e Utvik (Nor) Norway
DNF Hyunkyung Kang (Kor) Korea
DNF Suji Jang (Kor) Korea
DNF Katherine Maine (Can) Rally UHC Cycling
DNF Janine van der Meer (Ned) Parkhotel Valkenburg
DNF Joscelin Lowden (Gbr) Drops
DNF Ingrid Lorvik (Nor) Norway
DNF Anna Docherty (Gbr) Great Britain
DNF Chiara Consonni (Ita) Valcar-Cylance Cycling
DNF Rozanne Slik (Ned) Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank
DNS Hedda Samsing (Nor) Norway
DNS Danique Braam (Ned) Lotto Soudal Ladies

Final GC

1. Leah Thomas (USA) Bigla Pro Cycling Team 6:34:24
2. Alison Jackson (Can) Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank 5
3. Stine Borgli (Nor) Norway 7
4. Eugenia Bujak (Slo) BTC City Ljubljana 0:13
5. Elise Chabbey (Sui) Bigla Pro Cycling Team 0:14
6. Eri Yonamine (Jpn) Ale Cipollini 0:20
7. Hanna Nilsson (Swe) BTC City Ljubljana
8. Julie van de Velde (Bel) Lotto Soudal Ladies
9. Nikola Noskova (Cze) Bigla Pro Cycling Team 0:23
10. Emma White (USA) Rally UHC Cycling 0:26
11. Vita Heine (Nor) Norway
12. Nadia Quagliotto (Ita) Ale Cipollini
13. Anna Shackley (Gbr) Scotland 0:28
14. Mikayla Harvey (Nzl) Bigla Pro Cycling Team
15. Jessica Roberts (Gbr) Great Britain 0:29
16. Abby-Mae Parkinson (Gbr) Drops
17. Niamh Fisher-Black (Nzl) Torelli-Assure-Madison
18. Silvia Persico (Ita) Valcar-Cylance Cycling 0:32
19. Sophie Wright (Gbr) Bigla Pro Cycling Team 0:35
20. Leah Dixon (Gbr) Brother U.K./ Tifosi
21. Asja Paladin (Ita) Valcar-Cylance Cycling 0:36
22. Beate Zanner (Ger) Torelli-Assure-Madison 0:38
23. Rossella Ratto (Ita) BTC City Ljubljana
24. Illi Gardner (Gbr) Brother U.K./ Tifosi
25. Anna Christian (Gbr) Drops
26. Ahreum (Kor) Ale Cipollini 0:41
27. Urska Pintar (Slo) BTC City Ljubljana 0:44
28. Krista Doebel-Hickok (USA) Rally UHC Cycling 0:45
29. Ilaria Sanguineti (Ita) Valcar-Cylance Cycling 1:00
30. Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (Den) Bigla Pro Cycling Team 1:14
31. Rebecca Durrell (Gbr) Brother U.K./ Tifosi 1:47
32. Jennifer George (Gbr) Scotland 1:50
33. _pela Kern (Slo) BTC City Ljubljana 1:53
34. Urska Bravec (Slo) BTC City Ljubljana
35. Laura Massey (Gbr) Torelli-Assure-Madison
36. Jessica Finney (Gbr) Brother U.K./ Tifosi
37. Shannon Malseed (Aus) Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank 2:23
38. Brodie Chapman (Aus) Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank 2:32
39. Belle de Gast (Ned) Parkhotel Valkenburg 3:57
40. Josie Knight (Gbr) Great Britain 4:00
41. Dalia Muccioli (Ita) Valcar-Cylance Cycling 5:52
42. Gillian Ellsay (Can) Rally UHC Cycling 6:15
43. Neah Evans (Gbr) Scotland 7:58
44. Annelies Dom (Bel) Lotto Soudal Ladies 8:43
45. Mie Bj¿rndal Ottestad (Nor) Norway 9:24
46. Danielle Christmas (Gbr) Lotto Soudal Ladies
47. Ann-sophie Duyck (Bel) Parkhotel Valkenburg 9:40
48. Megan Barker (Gbr) Drops 9:55
49. Elizabeth Bennett (Gbr) Drops 0:11:29
50. Gabriella Shaw (Gbr) Brother U.K./ Tifosi 0:11:31
51. Amelia Sharpe (Gbr) Great Britain
52. Sharlotte Lucas (Nzl) Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank 0:11:38
53. Sophie Enever (Gbr) Team Jadan Weldtite-Vive le Velo 0:11:49
54. Katie Archibald (Gbr) Scotland 0:13:12
55. Sophie Thackray (Gbr) Torelli-Assure-Madison 0:13:36
56. Seonha Yu (Kor) Korea
57. Sophie Lankford (Gbr) Scotland
58. Sandra Weiss (Sui) Torelli-Assure-Madison
59. Jessica Raimondi (Ita) Ale Cipollini 0:15:25
60. Annabel Simpson (Gbr) Brother U.K./ Tifosi 0:15:48
61. Grace Anderson (Nzl) Drops 0:16:28
62. Allison Beveridge (Can) Rally UHC Cycling
63. Silvia Pollicini (Ita) Valcar-Cylance Cycling 0:18:02
64. Sylvie Swinkels (Ned) Parkhotel Valkenburg 0:18:33
65. Hyunji Kim (Kor) Korea
66. Jenny Holl (Gbr) Scotland 0:19:56
67. Maria Apolonia van ‘t Geloof (Ned) Ale Cipollini 0:24:18
68. Danielle Khan (Gbr) Lotto Soudal Ladies 0:24:28

August 10, 2019 (Lenzerheide, SUI) – Canada’s Seth Sherlock (Team Canada) took home his first Junior Men’s DH victory at the final round #7 of the UCI MTB World Cup DH in Lenzerheide, Switzerland on Saturday. Elliot Jamieson (Can) Norco Factory Team was just off the podium in 4th while Lucas Cruz (Can) Sram Tld Racing was 13th.

This was the first Junior Men’s World Cup victory for a Canadian since Finn Iles (Specialized Gravity) won in April 2016 in Lourdes, France, marking the first ever win for Canada in the junior men’s division – read more here. Sherlock finished third overall in the final standings.

Janosch Klaus (Sui) Teamproject.Ch was second in Lenzerheide and Tuhoba-Ariki Pene (Nzl) Subway Nz Mtb Hub was third. Thibaut Daprela (Fra) Commencal / Vallnord won the overall with Kye Ahern (Aus) Canyon Factory Downhill Team second. Cruz was 4th overall with fellow Canuck Patrick Laffey (Devinci) 5th.

Results (brief)

Junior Men
1. Seth Sherlock (Can) Team Canada 3:03.829
2. Janosch Klaus (Sui) Teamproject.Ch 0.462
3. Tuhoba-Ariki Pene (Nzl) Subway Nz Mtb Hub 1.250
4. Elliot Jamieson (Can) Norco Factory Team 2.050
5. Kye Ahern (Aus) Canyon Factory Downhill Team 2.138

13. Lucas Cruz (Can) Sram Tld Racing 8.757

August 09, 2019 (Saint-Raymond, Que.) – Already recognized by major bike magazines as one of the best trails in the world, today we experimented the Neilson! If you have not yet ridden the Neilson trail and others from the Shannahan sector of the Vallée Bras-du-Nord, this stage alone justifies the trip to the QSE.

We were really in for a treat, although the first drop of rain in the week made the trails slippery and muddy. After a spectacular start from Gouat lake, we headed directly to the Neilson.

Unfortunately, for safety measure, we could not ride the north section of the Neilson as originally planned. Because of the heavy rain, the river got wild and the evacuation raft could not cross the river, if needed. “At the QSE, safety is our number 1 priority. The decision was a no brainer. No evacuation raft, no Neilson North. Still everyone had a blast in the South Neilson” said François Calletta, GM of the event

The Neilson is a perfect blend of everything you could wish for from a mountain bike trail in a unique environment: wooden gangway, granite slab crossing, tight descent, technical climb, berms and so much more. All of this right on the shore of the Neilson river, with its spectacular waterfalls and cascades. Incredibly exciting to ride, and a delight for the eyes! On top of that, knowing the trail was built by a group of kids in a reinsertion program, makes it even more special.

If you have the objective to win, the Rocky Mountain Element is the bike to ride at the QSE but if you are here to optimize the experience fun wise, the Instinct and Thunderbolt have to be the choice. “For most of the riders at the start, to me the Instinct is the perfect toy for the type of terrain. It climbs so efficiently, and it is unbeatable in the descents,” says Jérôme Castilloux of Rocky Mountain.

The Shannahan stage is also la “Chute à Gilles”, the climb of the “Aurore”, the “Boréale” descent, the Grande Evasion and so much more. What a ride! The local trail builders are totally nuts! In the Aurore itself, in the upper section opened just over a year ago, they built more than 65 little wooden bridges. Everyone will remember this climb for the rest of their lives: very long, demanding, tight, spectacular but most important 100% rideable.

The last part of the stage was a cool mountain bike rollercoaster for adults. Tons of fast funky berms, jumps, in a 10km long snake of trails called “Beurre d’érable” (Maple butter). It really has a sweet taste. A perfect finish right on the shores of the river

A swim/wash in the river allowed everyone to get rid of the mud and to admire the glacial valley. BBQ, Boreale crafts beer and a live folk signer completed the experience. What a day! What an experience.

Shannahan is an MTB paradise for all types of riders. All were unanimous : “Can’t wait to come back and ride the other sections of the Nielson and the 100+km of trails offered”.

Both Amy McDougall and Tomi Misser got their 5th win in 5 stages. They both perfectly manage the effort in a very demanding and slippery terrain. Théo Gattuso, 17 years old from France, confirmed his second place where Sarah Kaufmann from Salt lake city Utah did the same in the women’s category. Kaufmann was the 2017 QSE overall winner. Both Amy McDougall and Tomi Misser got their 5th win in 5 stages. They both perfectly manage the effort in a very demanding and slippery terrain. Théo Gattuso, 17 years old from France, confirmed his second place where Sarah Kaufmann from Salt lake city Utah did the same in the women’s category. Kaufmann was the 2017 QSE overall winner.

Results here.

QSE 2020 registration : exclusive pre-sale
The QSE runs from August 4 to 9 2019. Presale registration for QSE 4 in 2020 begins on August 12, 2019 at noon. You can register for an all-inclusive 6-day package including lodging for as low as $ 1,399 CAD ($ 1,050 USD) + taxes.

Visit https://quebecsingletrack.com/en/registration
E-mail info@quebecsingletrack.com

August 09, 2019 (Lenzerheide, SUI) – Emily Batty (Trek Factory) was the top Canadian in the Women’s 9-lap XCC at Round 6 in Lenzerheide in 15th as Pauline Ferrand Prevot (Fra) Canyon Factory continued her winning ways. Jolanda Neff (Sui) Trek Factory Racing XC finished second and Jenny Rissveds (Swe) was third. Fellow Canuck Catharine Pendrel (Clif Pro) was 19th.

Leandre Bouchard (Pivot Cycles-OTE) recovered quickly from a spill finishing as the top Canadian in the men’s 10-lap race in 17th while Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Corendon-Circus raced to another Short Track victory. Henrique Avancini (Bra) Cannondale Factory Racing was second and Nino Schurter (Sui) Scott-SRAM MTB Racing took third. Peter Disera (Norco Factory) was 24th.

Results

Women
1. Pauline Ferrand Prevot (Fra) Canyon Factory Downhill Team 0:21:38
2. Jolanda Neff (Sui) Trek Factory Racing XC
3. Jenny Rissveds (Swe) 0:01

15. Emily Batty (Can) Trek Factory Racing XC 0:36
19. Catharine Pendrel (Can) Clif Pro 0:49
22. Sandra Walter (Can) Team Canada 1:06
37. Haley Smith (Can) Norco Factory Team -3 laps

Men
1. Mathieu Van Der Poel (Ned) Corendon-Circus 0:20:07
2. Henrique Avancini (Bra) Cannondale Factory Racing 0:01
3. Nino Schurter (Sui) Scott-SRAM MTB Racing 0:05

17. Leandre Bouchard (Can) Pivot Cycles-OTE 0:36
24. Peter Disera (Can) Norco Factory Team 0:51
DNS Raphael Gagne (Can) Team Canada

 

August 09, 2019 (Baie-Comeau, Que.) – Team Canada athletes have won four ITT medals so far at the third and final round of the Para Road World Cup in Baie-Comeau, Que. from August 8-11. Shelley Gautier from Toronto, ON won the Women’s T1 competition, while Marie-Claude Molnar also won gold in the women’s C4 race.

Charles Moreau claimed H3 Men’s silver while Tristen Chernove also won silver in the men’s C2 contest. Athletes will now compete in the road races on Saturday and Sunday.

Results coming

August 08, 2019 (Lac-Beauport, Que.) – The team in Lac-Beauport is really cranked up! Never short of ideas, the local organizing committee had put together a 3 in 1 stage that has never seen before! A world premiere: a 3 in 1.

A lot of riders seemed suspicious at first, but everyone was cheering about it on the beach at Entourage sur le-Lac Resort at the end of the day. The Siberia Spa / Entourage sur-le-Lac Resort stage is in fact combining 3 popular types of riding: Cross-country, Enduro and Marathon. Wild and unique but very demanding stage.

Section 1: Siberia Spa cross-country
Section 2: LB Cycle Enduro
Section 3: Entourage sur-le-Lac Resort mini-marathon

The day began at wonderful Siberia Spa for 2 laps of a fast and furious 5km cross-country course. A perfect course with everything you wish for in a XC race: tough climbs and wild descents offering A and B lines with fun obstacles. While the riders had a ball speeding on the trails their family and friends enjoyed beautiful Siberia Spa nestled in a beautiful forest. Life is tough!

After a short 5km transfer we arrived at the very festive start of the LB Cycle Enduro. What an atmosphere! Everything was set for 3 timed descents of the short but furious trails built by the local builders of LB Cycle.

The Couleuvre (grass-snake), the Viper and the Cobra gave everyone some fanstatic thrills… while the climbs – not timed but still you have to bike up there – started to tax everyone. The day was far for over as we headed to Entourage sur-le-Lac Resort for a mini-marathon.

After a charming smooth 2,5km transfer, we arrived on the shores of Lac Beauport at Entourage sur-le-Lac Resort. An incredible set-up with a start/finish by the beach! Some decided that their biking day was over and traded the biking gear for their swimsuit to join their family who had lunch at Entourage after their time at Siberia Spa. In the meantime, all others got ready for the technical and demanding mini-raid.

Results here.

QSE 2020 registration : exclusive pre-sale
The QSE runs from August 4 to 9 2019. Presale registration for QSE 4 in 2020 begins on August 12, 2019 at noon. You can register for an all-inclusive 6-day package including lodging for as low as $ 1,399 CAD ($ 1,050 USD) + taxes.

Visit here.
E-mail info@quebecsingletrack.com

August 07, 2019 (Lac Delage, Que.) – Just minutes from downtown Québec City, E47 – Lac Delage is one of the most popular Fat Bike winter trail network in the world… and it becomes singletrack heaven in the summer. Fast developing, Empire E47 has projects 100km of new trails within the next 3 years. We had a taste of it today.

The Qué-Bikers were on for a 100% singletracks wild ride. Everyone had a blast in these the perfectly constructed singletracks with taxing climbs taking you to fast, fun and flowy descents punctuated with berms, wooden gangway, large rock slabs and crossings.

Amy McDougall and Tomi Misser, the 2 leaders, had the honor to cut the ribbon at the inaugural ceremony of the new jump trail that will surely become an important feature at E47. This new trail is a “QSE Heritage project” as it was partly funded by the event. As a non-profit organization, the QSE sponsors 5 heritages projects per year to bonify the experience of the Qué-Bikers and for everyone to use, following the event.

La Montée de lait (milk run) served as the timed ascent for the day. The course allowed everyone to have 2 kicks at the cans.

Everyone had a wild time in the timed descent of the Kamasutrail. That very narrow dynamite made tight alley between 2 large rocks near the bottom is always a challenge at blasting speeds… especially if a Boreale crafts beer awaits on the other side. Some handlebars suffered!

The day ended with a special night, as all Qué-bikers and their family and friends had dinner at Montmorency Falls, the highest falls in North America. What a scene! The QSE is much more than a stage race. It is an experience on and off the bike!

It was the perfect set-up to celebrate Amy McDougall 30th birthday. Amy is considered as the best long-distance mountain biker ever to come out of South Afrika. She is 2 times Single speed World Champion (2012 and 2015). The 4th overall elite female rider at Absa Cape Epic in 2018 is leading the QSE after stage 3. “This incredible stage combined with this celebration at the falls: Best birthday ever!” She claims.

Everyone headed back to the hub in the luxury coach to rest for day 4 at Lac Beauport that is announced as a world premiere stage called 3 in 1. Tomorrow’s stage consists of 1- A short

Video here

Results here.

QSE 2020 registration : exclusive pre-sale
The QSE runs from August 4 to 9 2019. Presale registration for QSE 4 in 2020 begins on August 12, 2019 at noon. You can register for an all-inclusive 6-day package including lodging for as low as $ 1,399 CAD ($ 1,050 USD) + taxes.

Register here.
E-mail info@quebecsingletrack.com

August 07, 2019 (Lima, Peru) – Laurie Jussaume won her second medal of the Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday, finishing third in the 18.5 kilometre women’s Individual Time Trial with a time of 26:27.15. American Chloe Dygart took the top spot with a time of 23:36.51, with Teniel Campbell of Trinidad and Tobago taking silver. Canada’s other entrant in the event, Miriam Brouwer, finished fifth, 7.26 seconds behind Jussaume.

“With the start delayed, we had to adjust a little bit,” said Jussaume, “but I think I was ready for the start, so I’m pretty happy. I executed my ride well. It was a pretty fast course, flat but with some wind. It was a good time for me, I had good power. My plan was to conserve on the way out to the turnaround and then still have some energy to hit the little hill on the way back pretty hard, then empty myself for the last 3K after the hill. I managed my energy well, so when I got to the line I was empty.”

Competition continues tomorrow with BMX Supercross races on August 8-9, road on August 10 and BMX Freestyle on August 11. For a complete list of schedules and results, click here.

August 06, 2019 (Mont Sainte-Ann, Que.) – Here we are at Mont Sainte-Anne, the mecca of mountain biking where the UCI world cup was created. Thirty years later, Mont Sainte-Anne is still the only permanent stage of the World Cup – since day one. All of the greatest mountain bikers in the world have ridden these trails. Today, the 2019 QSE Qué-Bikers got their look at these mythic trails.

To begin the day, we all got on board the gondola to the summit so we can have a spectacular start from the top of the mountain overlooking the St. Lawrence River. That itself makes Mont Sainte-Anne absolutely unique.

One km after the start the singletrack party really took fire in the newly opened “Bapteme”. What a start! For the first 25km the ride was mainly going down through rivers and mountains. It was pure fun with all sort of trails, from old school to some 3.0. exciting flowy singletracks.

Even with the summit start, the Qué-Bikers knew that Mont Sainte-Anne would live up to its reputation by being one of the most challenging and defining stage of the QSE, with tons of climbing in a very demanding terrain. At Mont Sainte-Anne, not one km is a given.

¨It felt like being in British Columbia, Canada¨ said Karen Duff, Certified personal training specialist in Ontario, Canada. Karen came to the QSE with ten bikers she personally trained including two women in the 60+ category.

To make the event accessible to everyone or if you are simply having a bad day, a short course was offered where you could skip the middle section of the trail. As the QSE code of ethic says: “Having a bad day can be part of the journey. The definition of experience also includes that chapter.”

Just before feed zone 2, we had a good indication that the day was far from over. The timed ascent was short, but tough… very tough. An average of nearly 20% with 100m of elevation in 530m with multiple tight turns. Ouch!

The quote of the day belongs to Amy McDougall of South Africa: “I have ridden trails all over the world. Today, this was the best trails I have ever ridden, including the 7 stages of Cape Epic or any other race I have participated to. That was pure fun.“

Well… All we can say is that today Amy discovered Mont Sainte-Anne.

Tomorrow stage 3: Boreale, E47, Lac Delage and a special dinner at Chute-Montmorency, the highest waterfalls in North America.

QSE 2020 registration : exclusive pre-sale
The QSE runs from August 4 to 9 2019. Presale registration for QSE 4 in 2020 begins on August 12, 2019 at noon. You can register for an all-inclusive 6-day package including lodging for as low as $ 1,399 CAD ($ 1,050 USD) + taxes.

Visit here
E-mail info@quebecsingletrack.com

August 05, 2019 (Vallee Bras-du-Nord) – After a fun and festive opening night ride in Old Québec from the festive base camp in downtown Quebec City, what could be better than sector Saint-Raymond of Vallee Bras-du-Nord to kick off the 6-day stage race: Quebec Singletrack Experience (QSE).

This route was the perfect mix of what the riders from all over the world will enjoy throughout the week. Mass start form the center of the city heading for a smooth climb in open fields surrounding the city followed by 25 km of amazing and demanding singletrack.

August 04, 2019 (Lima, Peru) – Kelsey Mitchell won Canada’s first gold in cycling at the 2019 Pan Am Games in the Women’s Flying 200m Sprint as the track competitions came to an end on Sunday.

The previous day Mitchell set a new Pan Am Games record in the Flying 200m qualifications and went on to win every match including the final for gold. Mitchell also won silver in the Team Sprint with Amelia Walsh and finished fifth in the Keirin, making her debut at her first major Games a superb success.

Team Canada concluded the track cycling competitions with one gold and three silver medals.

Results

Women’s Sprint

Semi Finals

Heat 1
1. Kelsey Mitchell (Canada) 11.526, 11.33
2. Jessica Salazar Valles (Mexico)

Heat 2
1. Martha Bayona Pineda (Colombia) 11.457 12.197
2. Luz Daniela Gaxiola Gonzalez (Mexico) 11.426

Winners race for Gold and Silver medals
The losers race for the bronze

Final for Gold
1. Kelsey Mitchell (Canada) 11.415, 11.449
2. Martha Bayona Pineda (Colombia)

Final for Bronze
3. Luz Daniela Gaxiola Gonzalez (Mexico) 11.413, 11.646
4. Jessica Salazar Valles (Mexico)

 

 

August 04, 2019 (Lima, Peru) – The Canadian duo of Maggie Coles-Lyster and Miriam Brouwer secured another silver medal for Canada at the Pan Am Games on Sunday finishing second in the women’s Madison on Sunday.

The United States won gold with 46 points, with Canada taking second place with 35 points tied with Mexico. Canada won the silver medal finishing ahead of Mexico in the final sprint. The race was Coles-Lyster’s and Brouwer’s debut together in the Madison.

August 04, 2019 (Val di Sole, ITA) – Canada’s Catharine Pendrel (Clif Pro Team) raced to a season-best 9th as Pauline Ferrand Prevot (Fra) Canyon Factory won a fierce last-lap battle at Round 5 in Val di Sole, Italy, to claim her first World Cup victory since 2015.

Jolanda Neff (Sui) Trek Factory, who won the short track on Friday, caught and passed Prevot on the final 5th lap of the 23.8km race, erasing a 50-second gap. The duo duked it out until a final sprint to the line saw Prevot finally reclaim the top spot on the podium.

In third was 2016 Olympic champion Jenny Rissveds (Swe) who moved up from mid-field to join Neff in the chase but faded on the final lap.

“My start was ok. There was quite a bit of slow traffic and the leaders got a good gap but I was able to work myself into a good position within one lap,” explained Pendrel. “It’s a tough course perhaps with the most climbing and they are steep, but it was pretty fun with more technical riding added this year over other years here.”

Pendrel was happy with her race. “It was my best ride of the year and I am optimistic I can find more by MSA,” she commented adding she hopes to peak at the MTB Worlds.

Fellow Canuck, Haley Smith (Norco Factory), finished 22nd and remains the top-ranked Canadian overall in 10th with Pendrel now 11th. Sandra Walter (Team Canada) finished 28th, Emily Batty (Trek Factory) was 39th, Cindy Montambault placed 43rd, Jenn Jackson (Team Canada) was 54th and Emily Unterberger (Pendrel Racing) finished 62nd.

“I had the fight, but not the legs today,” tweeted Smith. “The human body is a mystery sometimes ???? ! Overall, an okay day. Congrats @cpendrel , lighting it up for a top 10.”

Earlier in the day, reigning national U23 champion, Laurie Arseneault, finished 28th as Ronja Eibl (Ger) Corendon – Circus won the 19.6km race over Evie Richards (Gbr) Trek Factory Racing XC in second with Laura Stigger (Aut) third. Fellow Canadian Juliette Tetreault was 40th.

Elite Women’s results here.
U23 Women’s results here.

August 04, 2019 (Val di Sole, ITA) – Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Corendon-Circus captured his second victory on World Cup circuit at Round 5 in Val di Sole, Italy, with Mathias Flueckiger (Sui) Thomus RN in second and series leader, Nino Schurter (Sui) Scott-SRAM, in third.

The top Canadian was Leandre Bouchard (Pivot Cycles-OTE) in 42nd in the 6-lap race. “Val di sole is not a easy course with four steep climbs in the short lap,” commented Bouchard.

A fast start saw Van der Poel, Schurter and Henrique Avancini (Cannondale Factory) take charge as three riders bridged including Flueckiger who forced the paced with only Van der Poel and Schurter able to respond.

On the final lap Van der Poel attacked and was untouchable as he soloed in for his second career World Cup victory. “It’s a tough course and the pace was high but I felt good and had enough left in the tank to take the win,” he said at the finish.

Peter Disera (Norco Factory), recently crowned Elite Men’s champ, was sitting around 20th but faded to finish 67th. “Yes, a tough day at the office. Even with good legs this course is brutal but without the whole package it can be truly devastating. It’s all good though, I knew after the great form I had at the last set of World Cups that there would have to be a low,” said Disera.

“I’m excited to have another chance at it next weekend in Lenzerheide. And, of course, looking forward to finding that form again before Worlds in MSA,” he added.

Bouchard was happy to start beside Disera. “It was great to start in the third row just next to Peter (earned in the Short Track). I did my best and I’m happy with the fight I gave. It’s not my best but still better than last year at this venue,” he commented.

Andrew L’Esperance (Norco Factory) was 75th and Raphael Gagne (Team Canada) finished 105th.

In the U23 men’s race earlier in the day, Sean Fincham (Norco Factory), who recently scored his first WCup podium, started well but suffered a bee sting and finished 17th remaining 4th overall. His teammate, reigning Canadian champ Quinton Disera (Norco Factory), was 24th, Raphael Auclair (Pivot Cycles-OTE) placed 78th and Gunnar Holmgren (Team Canada) was 91st.

Elite Men’s results here.
U23 Men’s results here.

August 03, 2019 ( Lima, Peru) – Canada’s Kelsey Mitchell followed up her silver medal in the Team Sprint with a new Pan Am record in the Women’s Flying 200m Sprint qualifications as the only rider to break the 11-second mark. The previous record, 10.992, was set at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto by fellow Canadian Monique Sullivan.

Mitchell went on to win her 1/8th Final heats in two straight and advances to the semi-finals tomorrow against Jessica Salazar of Mexico. The talented Canuck is guaranteed a shot at a medal. Fellow Canuck, Amelia Walsh, who won Team Sprint silver with Mitchell, qualified 6th but was eliminated in the 18th Finals.

Maggie Coles-Lyster raced to seventh overall in the women’s Omnium – she placed 5th in the Scratch Race, 7th in the Tempo, 6th in the Elimination Race and was 7th in the final Points Race ti finish seventh overall.

 

August 03, 2019 (Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain) – Canada’s Michael Woods (EF Education First) secured a top-10 finish at Clasica San Sebastian, 227.3km, finishing 9th as Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Deceuninck-QuickStep took the win over Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) CCC Team in second with Marc Hirschi (Sui) Team Sunweb in third.

Results

1. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Deceuninck-QuickStep 5:44:27
2. Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) CCC Team 0:38
3. Marc Hirschi (Swi) Team Sunweb
4. Gorka Izagirre Insausti (Esp) Astana Pro Team
5. Bauke Mollema (Ned) Trek-Segafredo
6. Patrick Konrad (Aut) Bora-Hansgrohe
7. Jelle Vanendert (Bel) Lotto Soudal
8. Enric Mas Nicolau (Esp) Deceuninck-QuickStep
9. Michael Woods (Can) EF Education First
10. Alejandro Valverde (Esp) Movistar Team
11. Giulio Ciccone (Ita) Trek-Segafredo
12. Rudy Molard (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
13. Toms Skujins (Lat) Trek-segafredo 0:41
14. Hugh John Carthy (Gbr) EF Education First 0:46
15. Edward Dunbar (Irl) Team Ineos 0:56
16. Julien Simon (Fra) Cofidis, Solutions Credits 1:07
17. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Team Dimension Data
18. Mark Padun (Ukr) Bahrain-merida 1:15
19. Pello Bilbao Lopez de Armentia (Esp) Astana pro Team
20. Simon Clarke (Aus) Ef Education First
21. Valentin Madouas (Fra) Groupama-fdj
22. Gregor Mühlberger (Aut) Bora-hansgrohe 1:22
23. Brent Bookwalter (USA) Mitchelton-scott
24. Lucas Hamilton (Aus) Mitchelton-scott 1:23
25. Sepp Kuss (USA) Team Jumbo-visma 1:26
26. Dries Devenyns (Bel) Deceuninck-quick-step 1:43
27. Anthony Roux (Fra) Groupama-fdj 1:46
28. Sergei Chernetskii (Rus) Caja Rural-seguros Rga
29. Anthony Perez (Fra) Cofidis, Solutions Credits
30. Julien Bernard (Fra) Trek-segafredo
31. Nicolás Jonathan Castroviejo (Esp) Team Ineos
32. Daniel Martin (Irl) Uae Team Emirates 2:24
33. Jonathan Caicedo (Ecu) Ef Education First
34. Omar Fraile Matarranz (Esp) Astana pro Team 3:57
35. Tony Gallopin (Fra) Ag2r la Mondiale 5:26
36. Jonathan Lastra Martinez (Esp) Caja Rural-seguros Rga 5:59
37. Oscar Rodriguez Garaicoechea (Esp) Euskadi Basque Country-murias
38. Floris De Tier (Bel) Team Jumbo-visma
39. Alexander Aranburu Deba (Esp) Caja Rural-seguros Rga
40. Mikkel Frølich Honoré (Den) Deceuninck-quick-step
41. Mikel Iturria Segurola (Esp) Euskadi Basque Country-murias
42. Lawrence Warbasse (USA) Ag2r la Mondiale
43. Jens Keukeleire (Bel) Lotto Soudal
44. Jan Bakelants (Bel) Team Sunweb
45. Dion Smith (Nzl) Mitchelton-scott
46. Jaakko Hanninen (Fin) Ag2r la Mondiale
47. Davide Villella (Ita) Astana pro Team
48. Stéphane Rossetto (Fra) Cofidis, Solutions Credits 6:31
49. Rui Costa (Por) Uae Team Emirates
50. Aurélien Paret Peintre (Fra) Ag2r la Mondiale
51. Jay Mc Carthy (Aus) Bora-hansgrohe
52. Kenny Elissonde (Fra) Team Ineos
53. Jan Polanc (Slo) Uae Team Emirates
54. Joseph Rosskopf (USA) Ccc Team
55. Ruben Guerreiro (Por) Team Katusha Alpecin 6:53
56. Riccardo Zoidl (Aut) Ccc Team 7:54
57. Cristian Rodriguez Martin (Esp) Caja Rural-seguros Rga 8:27
58. Louis Meintjes (RSA) Team Dimension Data 8:57
59. Nicolas Roche (Irl) Team Sunweb
60. Gonzalo Serrano Rodriguez (Esp) Caja Rural-seguros Rga 9:22
61. Antonio Pedrero (Esp) Movistar Team 9:56
62. Andrey Amador (Crc) Movistar Team
63. Nans Peters (Fra) Ag2r la Mondiale 0:10:23
64. Victor De la Parte (Esp) Ccc Team
65. Niklas Eg (Den) Trek-segafredo
66. Johannes Fröhlinger (Ger) Team Sunweb 0:11:23
67. Willem Jakobus Smit (RSA) Team Katusha Alpecin
68. François Bidard (Fra) Ag2r la Mondiale
69. Fernando Barcelo Aragon (Esp) Euskadi Basque Country-murias 0:12:08
70. Garikoitz Bravo Oiarbide (Esp) Euskadi Basque Country-murias
71. Aleksandr Riabushenko (Blr) Uae Team Emirates 0:12:46
72. Cyril Barthe (Fra) Euskadi Basque Country-murias 0:14:13
73. Jonas Gregaard Wilsly (Den) Astana pro Team
74. Damien Touze (Fra) Cofidis, Solutions Credits 0:15:08
75. Markel Irizar Aramburu (Esp) Trek-segafredo 0:15:11
76. Jetse Bol (Ned) Burgos-bh 0:15:17
77. Diego Rubio Hernandez (Esp) Burgos-bh
78. Koen Bouwman (Ned) Team Jumbo-visma 0:16:29
79. Jacques Willem Janse van Rensburg (RSA) Team Dimension Data 0:16:58
80. Joel Nicolau Beltran (Esp) Caja Rural-seguros Rga 0:17:14
81. Nicolas Sessler (Bra) Burgos-bh

August 01, 2019 (Lima, Peru) – Canada’s Amelia Walsh and Kelsey Mitchell brought home Canada’s first cycling medal at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, winning silver in the women’s Team Sprint.

The gold went to Mexico, who set a new Pan Am record of 33.424, while Walsh and Mitchell finished with a time of 34.096. Colombia won the bronze final over Argentina.

It was solid day for Canada as Walsh and Mitchell qualified second matching the Canadian Women’s Team Pursuit squad consisting of Erin Attwell, Miriam Brouwer, Maggie Coles-Lyster and Laurie Jussaume who went on to win their First Round over Mexico and will race on Friday for gold against the USA.

Results

Women’s Team Sprint

Final for Gold
1. Mexico 33.424 PR
Luz Daniela Gaxiola Gonzalez
Jessica Salazar Valles

2. Canada 34.096
Kelsey Mitchell
Amelia Walsh

Final for Bronze
3. Colombia 34.313
Martha Bayona Pineda
Juliana Gaviria Rendon

4. Argentina 35.983
Mariana Diaz
Natalia Andrea Vera

*PR = Pan Am Record

Women’s Team Pursuit

First Round

Heat 1
1. Cuba 4:47.309
Idaris Cervante Trujillo
Iraida García Ocasio
Yumari González Valdivieso
Jeydy Pradera Bernal

2. Ecuador 4:58.333
Dayana Aguilar Garcia
Ariadna Herrera Teran
Miryam Maritza Nuñez Padilla
Leslye Ojeda Rivera

Heat 2
1. Chile 4:46.886
Aranza Villalón Sánchez
Denisse Aracely Ahumada Riquelme
Victoria Martínez Retamal
Paula Villalón Sánchez

2. Peru 5:11.653
A. Paulett Bustamante
Cinthya Dávila Rodríguez
Luddy Fernández Quispe
Romina Medrano Ilizarbe

Heat 3
1. Canada 4:29.145
Maggie Coles-Lyster
Erin Attwell
Miriam Brouwer
Laurie Jussaume

2. Mexico 4:36.673
Lizbeth Salazar Vazquez
Sofia Arreola Navarro
Jessica Bonilla Escapite
Yuli Paola Verdugo Osuna

Heat 4
1. United States 4:28.186
Christina M. Birch
Chloe M. Dygert
Kimberly A. Geist
Lily B. Williams

2. Colombia 4:40.046
Lina Marcela Hernandez Gomez
Jessica Parra Rojas
Lina Mabel Rojas Zapata
Jannie Salcedo Zambrano

Race Distance: 4000 m – Progression: The winners of heats 3 and 4 in the First round ride the final for the gold and silver medals. The remaining six teams will be ranked by their times in the First round and will be paired as follows: The two fastest teams ride the final for the bronze medal.

August 01, 2019 (Lima, Peru) – Canada will race for gold on the track in the Women’s Team Pursuit and the Team Sprint as the 2019 Pan American Games get underway in Lima, Peru.

The Canadian Women’s Team Pursuit squad consisting of Erin Attwell, Miriam Brouwer, Maggie Coles-Lyster and Laurie Jussaume qualified second and will face off against United States for gold. It’s Mexico vs Colombia for bronze.

Fellow Canucks, Kelsey Mitchell and Amelia Walsh, raced to second place in Women’s Team Sprint and will battle Mexico for gold while Colombia and Argentina contest the bronze.

Results

Women’s Team Pursuit

Qualifications
1. United States 4:28.186
2. Canada 4:29.145
Maggie Coles-Lyster
Erin Attwell
Miriam Brouwer
Laurie Jussaume
3. Mexico 4:37.879
4. Colombia 4:39.523
5. Chile 4:46.776
6. Cuba 4:51.742
7. Ecuador 5:04.460
8. Peru 5:09.577

Race Distance: 4000 m
Progression: The eight teams recording the best times in the qualifying round will be matched in the First round as follows: The 6th fastest team against the 7th fastest team. The 5th fastest team against the 8th fastest team. The 2nd fastest team against the 3rd fastest team. The fastest team against the 4th fastest team. The winners of heats 3 and 4 in the First round ride the final for the gold and silver medals. The remaining six teams will be ranked by their times in the First round and will be paired as follows: The two fastest teams ride the final for the bronze medal.

First Round

Heat 1
1. Cuba 4:47.309
Idaris Cervante Trujillo
Iraida García Ocasio
Yumari González Valdivieso
Jeydy Pradera Bernal

2. Ecuador 4:58.333
Dayana Aguilar Garcia
Ariadna Herrera Teran
Miryam Maritza Nuñez Padilla
Leslye Ojeda Rivera

Heat 2
1. Chile 4:46.886
Aranza Villalón Sánchez
Denisse Aracely Ahumada Riquelme
Victoria Martínez Retamal
Paula Villalón Sánchez

2. Peru 5:11.653
A. Paulett Bustamante
Cinthya Dávila Rodríguez
Luddy Fernández Quispe
Romina Medrano Ilizarbe

Heat 3
1. Canada 4:29.145
Maggie Coles-Lyster
Erin Attwell
Miriam Brouwer
Laurie Jussaume

2. Mexico 4:36.673
Lizbeth Salazar Vazquez
Sofia Arreola Navarro
Jessica Bonilla Escapite
Yuli Paola Verdugo Osuna

Heat 4
1. United States 4:28.186
Christina M. Birch
Chloe M. Dygert
Kimberly A. Geist
Lily B. Williams

2. Colombia 4:40.046
Lina Marcela Hernandez Gomez
Jessica Parra Rojas
Lina Mabel Rojas Zapata
Jannie Salcedo Zambrano

Race Distance: 4000 m – Progression: The winners of heats 3 and 4 in the First round ride the final for the gold and silver medals. The remaining six teams will be ranked by their times in the First round and will be paired as follows: The two fastest teams ride the final for the bronze medal.

Women’s Team Sprint

Qualifications
1. Mexico 33.759
2. Canada 34.189
Kelsey Mitchell
Amelia Walsh
3. Colombia 34.437
4. Argentina 36.609
5. Ecuador 37.482
6. Peru 38.830

Race Distance: 2 laps
Progression: Fastest 2 teams race for the gold and silver medals (on 01 AUG at 19:17), and 3rd and 4th teams race for the bronze medal (on 01 AUG at 19:07).

Final for Gold
1. Mexico 33.424 PR
Luz Daniela Gaxiola Gonzalez
Jessica Salazar Valles

2. Canada 34.096
Kelsey Mitchell
Amelia Walsh

Final for Bronze
3. Colombia 34.313
Martha Bayona Pineda
Juliana Gaviria Rendon

4. Argentina 35.983
Mariana Diaz
Natalia Andrea Vera

*PR = Pan Am Record

 

July 31, 2019 – Trek’s Top Fuel series, their go-to cross-country race machine, has been totally revamped for model year 2020 and Pedal got a sneak peak. With a longer, slacker, and beefier build, the updated version, with five models in the lineup, has become a much more capable XC trail bike built to provide more confidence on descents, while not sacrificing performance while climbing.

Taking a chapter out of the previous Top Fuels books the bike still wants to push for speed, but now provides a more versatile platform that can be adjusted to a broader range of riding styles.

The 9.8 model that we tested had loads of new spec that reflect its more burlier build. Now featuring a dropper post and wider Bontrager XR3 Team Issue 29 x 2.4” tires the bike absolutely comes to life the more technical the terrain gets. With a fully carbon frame and Bontrager Kovee Elite 30 carbon wheels weight wasn’t an issue either, and the additional stiffness from the wider rims and Trek’s Straight Shot downtube design made for a really solid feeling. Built with a 12-speed SRAM GX drivetrain and Shimano SLX brakes, we couldn’t wait to hit the trails.

When throwing a leg over the bike the first question was how different would it feel from the previous Top Fuel generation? After taking it around various trail networks it was clear early on that almost everything about the bike has been changed – it really does have a new look and feel to it. With the bike going up to a Fox 34 Stepcast 120mm fork on the front and a Fox Performance 115mm shock on the rear, it performed noticeably different on the descents, soaking up big hits and jumps with ease without feeling like the suspension was bottoming out.

Yet the bike still climbed extremely well. The fact that it also features SRAM’STwistLoc technology to lock out the front and rear shocks is a big win in my books, and really helped improve its climbing efficiency all-round. While perhaps not as snappy on tight switchbacks and punchy climbs, considering how capable it felt on the descents I was impressed overall by its performance.

Turning to its new frame geometry the bike now features a more modern design with an extended wheelbase of 116cm and a reach of 46.1 cm. This paired with a slacker 67.5 degree head angle in the low setting gave me a lot of confidence handling technical features and steep chutes.

Since it also features a flip chip design you can adjust the frame geometry into a high or low setting, allowing one to fine-tune the bike to a wide range of riding styles. For example, keep the stock 30mm Bontrager Kovee stem and put the bike in the low setting, and voila you’ve got yourself a trail bike that will eat up fun descents. Alternatively, put on a longer stem, slam the flip chip into the high setting, and now you’re rolling with a more aggressive XC race rig.

The Top Fuel has added to its pure-bred race pedigree, becoming a more versatile trail weapon thanks to a totally redesigned geometry and spec. The bike now slots into the Trek lineup as their downcountry or aggressive XC bike, and is perfect for those that want some extra confidence on descents.

The SRP for the Top Fuel line up starts at $3,999.99 (Top Fuel 8) and the SRP for our test model Top Fuel 9.8 is $7099.99. For more information visit www.trekbikes.com.

 

July 30, 2019 (Waterloo, ON) – Last year, one of Waterloo Cycling Club Mountain Bike racers invited some of his closest friends to celebrate his 39th birthday by running a short track mountain bike race around his condo complex. He called it the Dirty Nein. When an unexpected 50+ riders showed up, he decided, it could not happen again in their back yard. So, we moved the race to Bechtel Park.

The first official Dirty Nein mountain bike race comes to Bechtel Park in central Waterloo on Sunday, August 18, 2019. All proceeds to support the KW Cycling Academy and youth bike racing in the Kitchener/Waterloo region. The bike race follows the UCI Short Track race rules to bring a spectator friendly race format to Waterloo.

The organizers originally approached Diane Freeman, Councilor, Ward 4, City of Waterloo about bringing the race to Waterloo. She said, “The City of Waterloo is happy to support mountain bike racing in our city. It fits in with our efforts to support an active lifestyle and get more people on bikes.”

Rob Good, Head Coach for the KW Cycling Academy, said, “The KW Cycling Academy is quickly becoming one of the largest youth cycling clubs in Ontario, and we have put together a great team to bring short track mountain bike racing to Waterloo. Short Track MTB racing is one of the most spectator friendly forms of mountain bike racing as it is held on a closed circuit in a short course. We encourage the community to come out and watch.”

Steve Stillaway, Course Designer, trail builder and active member of the Hydrocut Trails Committee, said, “The course will be challenging as well as new rider friendly. Racers will be complete laps around the trails at Bechtel Park, over a few jumps and log rolls. It will challenge the best and allow those new to MTB racing to have a great time. You can expect the race course to be fast.”

Mark Buckaway, Race Director, said, “We are proud to have King Street Cycle, East Side Cycle, Ziggy’s Cycle and Sport, The Hub Bicycle Shop, McPhails Cycle and Sport, Adventure Guide, and SpeedPro Imaging supporting the event. Thanks for our sponsors, all categories will have prizes!”

East Side Cycle and Ziggy’s Cycle and Sport are providing neutral mechanical support.

Race registration is online, in advance, for $45 here. Race day registration is $65. Spectators are welcome to watch for free. We encourage everyone to come out and have some fun.

Racing starts at 9:00am and finishes with the top women racers start at 1:45PM and the top men racers start at 3:00PM. Our kids races at 12:05PM for any youth not old enough to ride the regular race. The full schedule and race details are on the race website here.

The KW Cycling Academy is a non-profit, volunteer run, youth cycling club that supports cycling of all disciplines and abilities in the Region of Waterloo.

July 29, 2019 (France) – The Tour de l’Avenir is a UCI Nations’ Cup race, Aug. 16-25, for men under 23 years old (U23). The race is one of seven in the Nations’ Cup series that determines valuable start quota allocations for countries at the World Championships and the event is reserved primarily for National Teams. The U23 category is also called “espoir” – or hope. The race’s name “Avenir” translates to “Future”. So, literally, the race is for our “hopes for the future”. A mini Tour de France for cyclists who may, ultimately,  one day showcase themselves in the Tour de France and the biggest road races in the world.

L’Avenir is widely regarded as the most important and prestigious stage race for U23s in the world. The best professional teams watch the race, and its importance for recruiting emerging talent is historic. Starting in 1961, this year’s race will be the 56th edition. The list of former winners is filled with athletes who’ve gone onto the heights of professional cycling; Egan Bernal who just won the Tour de France won the Tour de l’Avenir in 2017. Chaves, who bested Boily in 2011, went on to place on the podium in the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta Espana.

Canada’s ability to return to this race in 2019 is thanks to collaboration and support from private donors and the Hamilton Foundation (HF). The Hamilton Foundation is a private legacy fund created after the 2003 Road World Championships that took place in Hamilton, Ontario. The general directors of the HF are former Executive Directors, Presidents, Performance Directors and athletes of Cycling Canada. Luc Despins, a director on the board of the HF and member of Cycling Canada’s newly empaneled Fundraising Committee, coordinated the private fundraising for the project.  Working closely with Pierre Hutsebaut, Luc, the board of the HF and Cycling Canada have collaborated diligently for many months to bring the project from idea to reality.

The goal of this project is to create program continuity, opportunity, and development for our Under 23 athletes. The secondary hope is for this project to catalyze excitement within our community of alumni, sponsors, and partners as Cycling Canada rebuilds and refocuses energy on its development and elite road programs after an incredibly successful 2018 Road World Championships performance in Austria last year.

“In a review of our  High Performance programs conducted last fall, Peter Keen stressed a need for a future ‘mixed-economy’ for Cycling Canada. One where we collaborate more broadly with multiple stakeholders and partners to deliver value in new ways to our athletes, members, and our community. This project is a perfect example of how we will increasingly operate in the future. I’m thrilled and grateful for the support of the Hamilton Foundation, in particular, Luc and Pierre’s efforts to make this project a reality for some of our most promising young athletes.” – Matt Jeffries, Executive Director of Cycling Canada

“We have an exciting wave of U23 men coming through the ranks,” said Kevin Field, Head of Performance Strategy and director of the road programs at Cycling Canada. “This will be an amazing race opportunity for our guys, not just for our build-up toward the U23 World Championships, also for their future. Pier-André has already graduated up from Continental to ProContinental and I’m pretty confident we’ll see others take the step to the next level, in great part thanks to the opportunity to showcase themselves in this race (Tour de l’Avenir). The selection has a balance of guys from 1st to final year of U23, so for those who don’t graduate, the race will be a crucial development opportunity to carry through the remainder of their time as U23s. ”

This year’s race will be 10 stages traversing southern France from Marmande (west of Toulouse) to Saint-Colomban-des-Villards in the French Alps. The race starts August 15 and finishes August 25. 156 riders from 26 teams will take the start: 23 national teams, 2 regional selections and one international mixed team (CMC – from the UCI World Cycling Centre).

Team Canada:

– Nickolas Zukowsky – Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides, QC / Trade Team:  Floyd’s Pro Cycling
Canadian U23 road champion, bronze medalist in the Elite road race,  Canada’s highest-ranked U23 in the international and America Tour Standings and winner of the 2019 GP Saguenay
– Pier-André Côté – Lévis, QC / Trade Team: Rally-UHC
Winner of 3 stages at the 2019 GP Saguenay
– Adam Roberge – Prévost, QC / Trade Team: Elevate-KHS
Canadian U23 time trial champion, bronze medalist in the Elite time trial
– Ben Katerberg – Comox, BC / Trade Team: Sunweb Development
– Laurent Gervais – Montréal, QC / Trade Team: Aevolo
– Charles-Etienne Chrétien – Amos, QC / Trade Team: Interpro

More race info here.

July 28, 2019 (Panorama, BC) – Vaea Verbeeck from Coldstream, BC, successfully defended her Elite women’s title, 5.21 seconds in front of Georgia Astle, with Miller in third. The men’s Elite title went to former Junior world champion Finn Iles of Whistler, BC, in a very tight race with Kirk McDowall and defending champion Magnus Manson, who both finished less than a second behind Iles.

Elite Women

Elite Men