May 24/16 14:42 pm - Canada Cup XC & DH Jerseys Awarded at Mont Tremblant

Posted by Editoress on 05/24/16
 

Nearly two months after the opening round of the Canada Cup, at Bear Mountain, Victoria, BC, the national domestic off-road series resumed in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, for Round 2 of the Cross-country and the opening round of the Downhill, on May 21-22.

Canada's top cross-country pros were in Europe for the second round of the World Cup series.  This provided an opportunity for developing riders to show their stuff on Sunday.

Mikaela Kofman (Ridebiker/Liv) won the Elite women's 22 kilometre race with a time of one hour, 39 minutes and 21 seconds, finishing 1:16 ahead of Ellen Noble (Ridebiker).  Jena Greaser (Women's Pedal Project) was third, a further 1:16 back. With her victory, Kofman takes the Canada Cup leader's jersey.

"This past month has forced me to make some very difficult decisions," said Kofman.  "I had been selected to ride for Team Canada at the two World Cups in Europe, and my plan was to attend these races in hopes of qualifying for the 2016 World Championships. As a first year dental student I have to write my first set of board exams at the end of the final semester. Unfortunately, the preparation and exams conflicted with these World Cup races and I had to make the decision to hang back in North America to race. In reality, I think this was a blessing in disguise because I couldn't be more excited to stand atop the podium here in Mont Tremblant. I have never had much success at this venue but I believe that the new course design played to my strengths. I am looking forward to the next set of Canada Cups and representing my new team, Ridebiker, that has provided ongoing superlative support."

In Elite men, it was Evan McNeely (Norco Factory) who took the win and the leader's jersey, with a time of one hour, 37 minutes and 41 seconds for 27.5 kilometres.  Jeremy Martin (iWill Pro Cycling) finished second, 57 seconds back, and Andrew l'Esperance (Norco Factory) took third, 4:20 behind McNeely.

In the Junior expert categories, Sean Fincham (Cycling BC) was the men's winner and Sidney McGill (Juventus) the women's.  Both riders took the lead in their respective Canada Cup categories.

On Monday, it was time for the Gravity riders to compete in their first national series event of the season.  Prior to the start of the Elite men's competition, a minute of silence took place to remember Canada's greatest male downhiller, Steve Smith, who died tragically in a motorcycle accident earlier this month.  A fund has been started in his name to assist young athletes.  Donations can be made HERE .

Junior Expert woman Skye Follas of Ontario was the fastest overall woman at 4:18.45, and will wear the leader's jersey into the next round at Blue Mountain, Ontario, on June 24th.  Elite rider Sarah Konefal (Équipe Laferte /Trou du Diable) finished just under two seconds back followed by Audrée Vaillancourt (Kona-Trees-Sports aux Puces).

The men's competition was won by Hugo Langevin (Cycles Performance), with a time of 3:06.59 .  Langevin dons the red and white Canada Cup leader's jersey with his win.  Philippe Ricard (Major Cycles/Devinci) took second, less then three seconds behind, with Jonathan Lefrancois (Independent) in third, a further second back.

Adam Robbins of Ontario was the top rider in the Junior Expert Men's competition, with a time of 3:15.78 .  Robbins' time would have been good enough for fifth in Elite men.

XC results
DH results

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