The 2026 Canadian XCO Championships: A Thrilling Weekend of Mountain Biking
The Canadian cross country championships are back in action at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park in Langford, British Columbia, and it's shaping up to be an exciting event. This year's race is a testament to the sport's growing popularity in Canada, with a diverse range of athletes competing across various categories.
A Challenging Course
The XCO course is a 5km loop with approximately 175m of elevation gain and loss per lap. It's designed to test the endurance and technical skills of the riders. The route begins with a steep climb, known as the Initial Attack, followed by a flow trail called Wildcat. The first descent is a thrilling mix of rocky terrain and fast flow, featuring wood bridges and jumps. The course then takes riders up the Slow Burn climb before a rapid descent down Berm Reynolds, leading back to the start/finish area via a gravel connection.
Elite and Masters Categories
The racing commenced on Thursday with the short track cross country (XCC) championship events, where Ella MacPhee and Carter Woods emerged victorious, claiming the elite maple leaf jerseys. On Friday, the masters category took center stage, with Sue Haviland winning the women's B title, Kelly Welbourn taking the women's C race, and Jimmy Giroux, Tom Skinner, and Bob Welbourn claiming the respective men's titles.
Under-17 and Junior Categories
The under-17 category saw Joshua Tyers (Ontario / Hot Tubes) dominate, securing both the XCO national title and the XCC win from Thursday. Mathis Malois (Club Cycliste de l’Academie) finished second, with James Pinfold close behind. In the women's under-17 race, Hannah Lehmann (Ontario / Collingwood Collective) dominated, 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 close affair, with Ethan Wood (BCXC Racing) and Emilien Belzile (Pittstop Racing) leading the field. Wood, the 2025 junior champion, made a strong move with two laps to go, building a significant advantage. Belzile followed in second place, while Evan Moore (Collingwood Collective) secured third place in a fierce battle.
A Celebration of Canadian Mountain Biking
The Canadian XCO Championships is a celebration of the country's thriving mountain biking community. The event attracts athletes from across the nation, showcasing their skills and passion for the sport. The Jordie Lunn Bike Park provides a challenging and diverse course, testing the riders' abilities and offering an unforgettable experience for spectators and participants alike.
As the sun sets on another successful weekend, the Canadian mountain biking community can take pride in the talent and dedication on display. The championships serve as a reminder of the sport's growth and the exciting future ahead, with young athletes rising to the challenge and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
