07.15.11 - CANMORE NORDIC CENTRE READY FOR CANADIAN MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Fans can follow the races live with live-timing on www.zone4.ca, Twitter and Facebook

(Canmore, AB – July 15, 2011) The 2011 Canadian Cross-Country Mountain Bike Championships hosted by Cyclemeisters are held at the Canmore Nordic Centre in Canmore, Alta, this weekend. Canada’s top cross-country mountain bikers have all settled in the Mountain community, and rode the course today in anticipation for the biggest domestic race for the Canada’s mountain specialists.

Fans from across the globe and follow the times live online, with the live-timing services provided by www.zone4.ca. The timing system will provide real-time lap times and finish results for all championship races. Elite races can be followed in details live via twitter @canMTBcycling, with hashtag #canMTBchamps. For photos and other information, please visit the Canadian Cycling Association Facebook page (search “Canadian Cycling” in Facebook).

Both Geoff Kabush (Team Maxxis-Rocky Mountain) and Catharine Pendrel (Team Luna Pro) are ready and focused on defending their respective Elite titles, but the competition is stiff in both genders. Kabush, on the quest to make mountain bike history, gunning for an eighth Elite title, will have to keep an eye out for Max Plaxton (Specialized Racing USA), notably, the current Pro XCT leader. Pendrel will fight hard to retain her title, racing against Marie-Hélène Prémont (Team Maxxis-Rocky Moutain) who, with a victory, could tie the Canadian mark of seven titles set by Alison Sydor. Emily Batty, a four-time U23 Canadian champion, is also in prime form and will offer an intense challenge to these two ladies.

The Elite races -the marquee events of the Championships- as well as the junior races will be held on Saturday, July 16 while the Masters races will be contested Sunday. New this year will be the Team Relay, to be held Sunday.

In typical Alberta traditions, Saturday will start at 8am with a hot pancake breakfast, a must-do during the Calgary Stampede. The Canmore Nordic Centre will then be transformed in a lively mountain bike festival with full of activities for everyone such as a barbecue for the entire family, kids races, and a chance to see the latest in bike technologies with manufacturers showing off their latest products.

SCHEDULE – CHAMPIONSHIPS RACES

Saturday – July 16, 2011
U17 / Junior Men: 8:45 start
U17 / Junior Women: 8:45 start
Elite / U23 Women: 12:15 start
Elite / U23 Men: 14:30 start

Sunday – July 17, 2011
Team relay: 11:15 start
Masters Men/Women: 13:00 start

* All times Mountain Time