The 2026 Canadian XCO Championships: A Thrilling Weekend of Mountain Biking
The Canadian cross country championships are back in Vancouver for another action-packed weekend, and the excitement is palpable at Jordie Lunn Bike Park. This year's event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and determination, with a diverse range of races and a challenging course that will test the skills of all participants.
A Challenging Course
The XCO course, a 5km loop with approximately 175m elevation gain and loss per lap, is designed to push riders to their limits. It begins with a steep climb trail, 'Initial Attack', followed by a flow trail called 'Wildcat', leading into the second part of the climb, 'Wonderland'. The first descent is a technical and fast-paced section, 'Peanut Butter Knife Fight', featuring rocky terrain, wood bridges, and large jumps. The course then takes a different route, 'Slow Burn', to the top of the other side of the park, before a thrilling descent down 'Berm Reynolds' with sweeping corners. Finally, a short gravel section connects the last descent back to the start/finish area, providing a challenging final kick.
Elite and Masters Racing
The championships kicked off with the short track cross country (XCC) events on Thursday, where Ella MacPhee and Carter Woods emerged as the elite champions, earning the prestigious maple leaf jerseys. The following day, masters racers had their chance to shine, with Sue Haviland and Kelly Welbourn claiming the women's B and C titles, respectively, while Jimmy Giroux, Tom Skinner, and Bob Welbourn took the men's A, B, and C titles.
Under-17 and Junior Racing
The under-17 category saw intense competition, with Joshua Tyers (Ontario / Hot Tubes) dominating the men's race, securing both the XCO national title and the XCC win from Thursday. Mathis Malois (Club Cycliste de l’Academie) finished second, closely followed by James Pinfold. In the women's race, Hannah Lehmann (Ontario / Collingwood Collective) showcased her skills, crossing the line 1:29 ahead of second place after four laps. Anna Christensen (Ontario / Shredders Race Team) and Nicole Haviland (Shredders Race Team) took second and third places, respectively.
The junior men's race was a thrilling contest, with a large field quickly narrowing down to a leading duo: 2025 junior champ Ethan Wood (BCXC Racing) and Thursday's XCC champion Emilien Belzile (Pittstop Racing). Wood's aggressive attack with two laps to go proved decisive, as he built a significant advantage on the course's steepest section. Belzile followed in second place, while Evan Moore (Collingwood Collective) secured a solid third-place finish.
A Celebration of Canadian Mountain Biking
The 2026 Canadian XCO Championships is a testament to the growth and popularity of mountain biking in Canada. The event brings together riders from across the country, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition. The diverse range of races and categories ensures that there is something for everyone, from elite professionals to masters racers and young up-and-coming talent.
As the sun sets on another successful weekend, the Canadian mountain biking community can take pride in the achievements of its athletes. The championships not only crown national champions but also inspire and motivate riders to strive for excellence. With the sport's continued growth and the support of venues like Jordie Lunn Bike Park, the future of Canadian mountain biking looks bright, promising even more thrilling races and memorable moments in the years to come.
(Note: The results for the U17 Men and U17 Women races are available on the official website, as mentioned in the source material.)
