August 5/01 4:46 am - MTB Nationals Report, Bikes Stolen at Nationals

Posted by Editoress on 08/5/01
 

Mountain Bike Nationals


The elite category races are about to start in Kamloops BC. This is probably the best turn out of the top riders seen at a Canadian National Championship (in a non Olympic year) in recent memory. In attendance are all of the top riders. In the Pro-Elite men's field, are (to name few): Roland Green, Geoff Kabush, Seamus McGrath, Andreas Hestler, Chris Sheppard, Peter Wedge, Bill Hurley, Matt Toulouse and defending champion Chad Miles - 58 total starters are listed.. For the Pro-Elite women: Alison Sydor, Chrissy Redden (Defending Champion), Lesley Tomlinson, Marie-Helene Premont, Trish Sinclair, Kiara Bissaro and Melanie McQuaid - 43 total starters listed. Junior Men: Saskatchewan's Adam Coates (who rode a spectacular race at Grouse), and Shawn Bunnin. At total of 48 Junior Expert riders are listed. The Espoir category, lead by Ryder Hesjedal is rounded out by Ricky Federau, Mathieu Darveau and Kris Sneddon - total field is 28 riders. The Junior Women's field is 15 riders.

The course is 6.5 km per lap. The Pro men will do 5 laps, Pro women and Junior men 4 laps. Junior women will do 3 laps. There is high praise for the course from all riders so far interviewed. It is being called the best Nationals course ever.

The weather was sunny earlier in the day, but is now overcast and low 20's.

Bike Stolen at Nationals

Last night the condo of the Nielson family was broken into and 4 Rocky Mountain RM9 bikes were stolen as well as a substantial number of tools.. If you have any knowledge regarding this incident or any suspicious bikes are offered to you please contact Canadian Cyclist (news@canadiancyclist.com).

national, nationals