Bear Mountain – Russ Hay’s XC Short Track

The 2018 BEAR MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL  is positioned to be the most anticipated and most exciting cycling event on Vancouver Island.  To be held March 31-April 1, 2018 the event is on track to draw 500+ participants and close to 5,000 spectators.  The cycling Festival offers the thrills of X-Country Long Course and Short Track Racing, as well as fun activities for cycling enthusiasts of all ages and abilities:  from young kids to Olympians.

The anchor of this event’s success is the beautiful setting at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort. Nestled in the Victoria BC Highlands, the venue is practically a cycling stadium that is ideally suited to showcase cycling in all its many facets.  The area consists of over 10km of combined single-track/double-track trails, flow trail, pump track and a dirt jump park.

But that is where it starts. Bear Mountain Resort has wonderful amenities, restaurants, spa, recreation center, parking, and easy on-and-off access from Highway 1. The Victoria International  Airport is 30 minutes away to the North. Ferry services make this event easily accessible to cycling fans coming from BC Mainland and US Washington State. Positioned in the Cycling Capital of Canada, Victoria has risen quickly to truly be declared as a world-class cycling destination.

The UCI Bear Mountain Canada Cup XC kicks off the season with its notoriously challenging race course in both a long course and short track version. Racers from various age groups and abilities will test their strength, endurance, and technical abilities on Bear Mountain’s pristine trail system. The highlight of the event will be watching Olympic Bronze Medallist Catharine Pendrel race as defending champion. Other big names attending will include Emily Batty, Raph Gagne, Andrew L’esperance, Haley Smith, and Evan Guthrie.

April 1 – BC Premier Series Russ Hay’s XC Short Track

SHORT TRACK is a short, dynamic race for about 30 minutes. This discipline was also introduced with a great success in Europe and USA.  The race is held on a shorter and simpler circuit (approx. 2km) with fewer amount of terrain obstacles, which naturally pushes the riders to ride in a group. Point scoring bonuses or prize money during each passage of the finish area provide a hard fight on the finish line of each circuit and also a great show for spectators.

For more information, maps, and to register, go to: https://www.victoriabikerace.com/bear-mountain