Cycling BC High Performance Project @ 2024 BAIE-SAINT-PAUL CANADA CUP XCO & XCC [UCI JR SERIES] June 8-9
Submitted by Tara Mowat
The Cycling BC High Performance MTB team concluded the final week of its project to Quebec for the Canada Cup XCO in Baie Saint Paul, QC. The team had plenty of opportunities to analyze and explore the lines of the well-rested track that had not been used for a Canada Cup since 2022—a devastating flood in the region forced organizers to cancel the event in 2023. Nevertheless, the team took advantage of some free time, immersing themselves in the offerings of Charlevoix. A day in town included a leisurely coffee ride, exploring local shops and restaurants, and drawing culinary inspiration for their team meals back at the house.
With the team well-rested, it was time to get to racing bikes. The weekend’s excitement began on Saturday with the XCC (short track) race, a lightning-fast competition that pushed riders to go all out for 20 minutes. Unpredictable weather on the day before left both the track and the riders rather muddy.
On Sunday, riders kitted up once more for the XCO, ready to tackle a challenging, muddy track. Despite encountering several mechanical issues and quite a few bobbles on slick rocks and roots, the Cycling BC team put their best tires forward and delivered outstanding performances in demanding conditions.
XCC Results:
Ellie Winchell: 4th in Jr. Women
Keely Hamilton: DNS, suffered an injury during a training lap on Friday and was not able to start.
Marin Lowe: 2nd Elite Women
Rhett Bates: 7th Jr. Men
Maddox Johnson: 9th Jr. Men
Injae Sol: 25th Elite Men
Ethan Wood: 4th U17 M (not on part of this project)
XCO Results:
Marin Lowe: 1st Elite Women
Ellie Winchell: 6th Jr. Women
Maddox Johnson: DNF (mechanical in lap 1)
Ethan Wood: 4th U17 Men (not part of this project)
Rhett Bates: 15th Jr. Men
Keely Hamilton: DNS, suffered an injury during a training lap on Friday and was not able to start.
Injae Sol: 25th Elite Men
A big congratulations to all the BC riders for showcasing their dedication and skill over the course of two intense weeks of racing and training.
Cycling BC’s High Performance program provides targeted athletes with opportunities for advanced training, skill development (both on and off the bike), and exposure to national-level competitions to help them excel in competitive cycling.
Learn more about the High Performance Program.