The 2025 Canadian Cross Country Mountain Bike Championships concluded Sunday at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park, after four days of intense racing and community celebration. Hosted by Panache Cycling Sports and presented by Kazlaw, the event drew hundreds of riders from across the country to compete in XCO, XCC, and Team Relay disciplines as part of the Langford Bikefest.
Elite & U23 Performances Steal the Show
Jennifer Jackson (Orbea Fox Factory Team) defended her elite women’s XCO title with a dominant ride after an early flat tire during the race that forced her to chase and overtake Emilly Johnston (Scott/SRAM) and clear a lead of almost 3 minutes to take the win.
Cole Punchard (Pivot Cycles OTE) claimed the elite men’s XCO crown in a thrilling finish. It seemed at first that it would be a nail-biter between Punchard and Carter Woods (Giant Factory); however, a 4th lap flat tire pit stop for Woods dropped him to 4th place, with Tyler Orschel (Pan Am Union Racing) and Logan Sedesky (Broad St Off Road) battling for 2nd and 3rd. Punchard took a convincing win as Orschel and Sedesky rounded the podium with 2nd and 3rd respectively.
In the U23 Men’s XCO, Ian Ackert (Trek Future Racing) took a dominant gold with a time of 1:09:43, followed by Zorak Paille and Maxime St. Onge, both riding for Pivot Cycles OTE.
The U19 category at the 2025 Canadian Cross Country Mountain Bike Championships delivered some of the most exciting performances of the weekend, showcasing the next generation of elite Canadian talent.
U19 Women’s XCO Highlights
Rafaelle Carrier (Pivot Cycles – OTE, QC) dominated the field with a blistering time of 1:09:21, leading every lap and finishing with a commanding margin.
Maude Ruelland and Lily Rose Marois, also from Pivot Cycles – OTE, secured second and third respectively, completing a clean sweep for the Quebec-based team.
Ethan Wood (Team Charge), Tristan Taillefer (Siboire QuiRoule), and Evan Moore (Team Ontario) battled fiercely for podium positions, with Wood ultimately taking the win in a nail-biting finish.
The U19 races were a clear indicator that Canada’s mountain biking future is in good hands. With national team scouts in attendance and international race experience already under their belts, many of these athletes are expected to make waves on the UCI Junior World Series and beyond.
Full Results: Click here to view
Photos courtesy of Jay Wallace: View gallery