September 9/24 18:05 pm - Jenn Jackson Wins Third National Title for 2024

Posted by Editoress on 09/9/24
 

The Mountain Bike Marathon (XCM) Championships were held on Saturday, under cool conditions in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Jenn Jackson, already the Elite women's XCC (Short Track) and XCO (Cross-country) national champion, completed a clean sweep of the women's XC titles, while Sean Fincham took the men's.

Jenn Jackson was on a mission to complete a hat trick, a mission she accomplished with ease, completing the 90-kilometre course in four hours, 40 minutes and 47 seconds, more than 10 minutes ahead of second-place Laurie Arseneault. The 2023 Canadian champion in the discipline, Haley Smith, finished third.

"I tried to do it like I was doing three XCO races, taking it one lap at a time, making sure I didn't get in the red and staying on course for refuelling," said Jackson. "I don't have a lot of experience, but I have friends who do, and I did some research. I knew that eating and having fun on the track would minimize suffering."

In the men's race, Sean Fincham captured his first national title, completing the course in three hours, 58 minutes and 32 seconds, just one minute 37 seconds ahead of Andrew L'Esperance, the 2023 Canadian champion. Tyler Orschel completed the podium, two minutes 56 behind the race leader.

"The race was impressive," said Fincham. "I had a good battle, especially with my teammate. This is my first Canadian title and I'm very happy to be wearing the maple leaf next year. I'll definitely be back to defend it. I loved the passion here and everyone was so excited to be here and happy to race, it made the event so special."
The Canadian Marathon Championships will return to Thunder Bay for the 2025 edition.

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