July 28, 2008 (Canmore, Alta.) – The World Solo 24 Hour Championships took place in Canmore July 26-27. Mountain bike racing in Canmore can be a difficult thing at the best of times. This year at the 24 Hour World Championships at the Canmore Nordic Center, the weather decided to throw everything it had at the race except snow. A series of late evening race storms left the racers battered and muddied as they tried to deal with the ever changing conditions.

The reigning men’s champ Tinker Juarez was set to repeat his feat again this year when the skies opened up in the late evening and heavy rains fell on the race course. Juarez got a face full of mud, some of which went into his eye possibly scratching his cornea forcing him to withdraw from the race.

Juarez had been in a battle with James Williamson of Australia (Giant/Ritchey) for a good part of the day, but once he withdrew the door was open for Williamson to take a firm grip on the lead. The Aussie was not to be denied and he held on the lead until the finish to take the title over three of his countrymen. Top Canadian was Corey Wallace (Freewheel Cycle/ Specialized) of Jasper in 5th place.

In the Women’s race Rebecca Rush (USA) Specialized of Ketchum, Idaho, grabbed the lead from the gun and held it for the entire race to take the win. Top Canadian was Carena Dean in 4th.

For full results here.

Results

Elite Men – 16km per lap

1. James Williamson (Aus) Giant/Ritchey (16 laps) 22.49.09
2. Jason English (Aus) BMC/Ritchey (16 laps) 23.53.56
3. Mark Fenner (Aus) Specialized/Total Rush (16 laps) 24.00.49
4. Jeff Toohey (Aus) Voodoo/Sunshine Bicycle Works (16 laps) 24.27.25
5. Cory Wallace (Can) Freewheel Cycle/ Specialized (16 laps) 24.31.10

Elite Women – 16km per lap

1. Rebecca Rusch (USA) Specialized (14 laps) 23.26.21
2. Katrin Van Der Spiegel (Aus) Trek/Clarence St (13 laps) 22.59.23
3. Jennifer Gersbach (USA) 12 laps 22.55.01
4. Carena Dean (Can) 12 laps 24.07.08
5. Karen Armstrong (USA) 10 laps 22.50.43