Calgary, Alberta (August 30, 2021) – Over 600 riders from all over the country came out for the first Canadian BMX Championships in over two years, which were held in Calgary, Alberta on August 28th. Titles and maple leaf jerseys were awarded in the women’s and men’s categories for Junior (17-18) and Elite (19+) riders, with medals awarded in the Challenge classes for age group racing from as young as 5 years old.
Alberta and British Columbia dominated the titles, with each province winning two national champions jerseys, while Quebec was also represented on the podium. First-year Elite Molly Simpson of Red Deer, AB, took the win in the Elite women’s field, with Olympian Drew Mechielsen unable to defend her title due to a foot injury. In the Junior category, World Championship silver medallist Teigen Pascual of Squamish, BC, dominated the field to earn her first Junior title.
“The Canadian BMX Championships have always been one of my favourite races,” said Simpson. “Racing in front of a home crowd and on Canadian soil makes the race that much more exciting. Receiving the maple leaf sleeve is an honour and this weekend was definitely a memorable moment in my career.”
The men’s Elite title was also up for grabs with Olympian James Palmer unable to compete due to a training injury. The battle for the title played out between brothers Alex and Ryan Tougas of Pitt Meadows, BC, with Ryan ultimately coming out on top to win his first Canadian champion jersey. In the Junior field, Max Ganakovsky of Calgary, AB won all three motos to claim the title.
“It was exciting to be back racing in front of a crowd after a two-year break,” said Tougas. “It means a lot to me to be the new Canadian champion. I have always looked up to older riders who got the chance to wear the sleeve, so I’m super excited to come out with the win. Thank you to everyone at Calgary BMX who had everything running smoothly this weekend.”
Championship Results
Junior Women: 1- Teigen Pascual 2- Isabella Bregliano 3- Céleste Bigras
Junior Men: 1- Max Ganakovsky 2- Dylan Tremel 3- Jacob Shaw
Elite Women: 1- Molly Simpson 2- Brianne Vanderkuip
Elite Men: 1- Ryan Tougas 2- Alex Tougas 3- Edouard Brisebois
Source: Cycling Canada
