07.25.11 - JUNIOR POSTS FASTEST TIME AT CANADIAN DH CHAMPIONSHIPS AT PANORAMA
Andrew Mitchell and Claire Buchar win titles in Elite category; Lauren Rosser and Kyle Sangers excel in junior races

(Panorama Mountain Village, BC – July 24, 2011) Panorama’s technical course ran fast for racers, under sunny skies and with scorching hot conditions on Sunday at the 2011 Canadian DH Mountain Bike Championships in Panorama Mountain Village in British Columbia.

The best overall time of the day was posted by Junior Expert Men’s rider Kyle Sangers of Kingston, ON coming in at 3:24.58. The crowds cheered him on as he flew down the infamous ‘Cliffs of Insanity’ – the most challenging section of the course, showing technical precision and effortless riding style.

Claire Buchar of Whistler, BC had the best time in the Women’s Elite category of 3:57.90. “I didn’t have my greatest performance and I am really lucky as I just barely took the win,” said Buchar. “I enjoyed it when it was a little more sketchy and wet.” Regarding her plan of attack on the course, the 2009 champion said: “I didn’t change any of my lines it was pretty straightforward and I just stuck to my plan.”

Just behind Buchar, in second was Casey Brown of Revelstoke, BC 3:58.13 and Miranda Miller of Garibaldi Highlands, BC 3:58.38.

In the Elite Men’s category Andrew Mitchell of Victoria, BC lost his chain in the first corner of yesterday’s seeding run, but came back to win with a time of 3:24.80. Only about 3/100 of a second behind Mitchell was Chris Del Bosco, also a ski cross athlete who competed at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, with a second place finish time of 3.25.09. Dean Tennant of Victoria, BC placed third with a time of 3:25.78.

Mitchell said that his biggest challenges were on the pedaling sections, but went on to say that he was feeling pretty confident with his riding. “With all the other big name riders I was just trying to stay in my head and do as good as I can do and stay in that zone because as soon as I start thinking about everyone else’s times I start getting nervous”.

Next weekend Panorama Mountain Village welcomes Canada’s best downhill riders for more fast technical riding at the Canada Cup and BC Cup races.

RESULTS – JULY 24, 2011

ELITE WOMEN

1. Claire BUCHAR (Whistler, BC) 03:57.90
2. Casey BROWN (Revelstoke, BC) 03:58.13
3. Miranda MILLER Garibaldi Highlands, BC 03:58.38

ELITE MEN

1. Andrew MITCHELL (Victoria, BC) 03:24.80
2. Chris DEL BOSCO (Montreal, QC) 03:25.09
3. Dean TENNANT (Victoria, BC) 03:25.78

JUNIOR EXPERT WOMEN

1. Lauren ROSSER (Squamish, BC) 04:09.44
2. Kelsey BEGG (Langley, BC) 04:43.02

JUNIOR EXPERT MEN

1. Kyle SANGERS (Kingston, ON) 03:24.58
2. Riley SUHAN (Golden, BC) 03:29.07
3. Luke STEVENS (Calgary, AB) 03:32.21

ABOUT 2011 CANADIAN DH MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2011 Canadian DH Mountain Bike Championships is Canada’s top domestic mountain bike event. The event annually attracts some of the country’s best downhill mountain bikers challenging for the Red and White Jersey awarded to the Canadian Champions. Organized by the Panorama Mountain Village in British Columbia, the event is governed by the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA), a member of the International Cycling Union (UCI). The event is made possible thanks to the close collaboration between the Canadian Cycling Association, CyclingBC and the Panorama Mountain Village. The 2011 Canadian DH Mountain Bike Championships will be held on July 23-24 at the Panorama Mountain Village, and showcases racing for all categories: U17, Junior, Elite and Masters. For more information, please visit http://www.panoramaresort.com/.

The Canadian Cycling Association is the governing body for competitive cycling in Canada. Founded in 1882, the CCA aims to create and sustain an effective system that develops talented Canadian cyclists to achieve Olympic, Paralympic and World Championship medal performances. With the vision to be a leading competitive cycling nation by 2020 celebrating enhanced international success, increased a participation and world class event hosting, the CCA manages the National teams, hosts national and international events, and administers community programs to promote Cycling in Canada. For more information, please visit: www.canadian-cycling.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Jamie Hurschler
Marketing Coordinator - Media Relations and Promotions
Panorama Mountain Village
250.341.4194
jamie.hurschler@panoramaresort.com

Guy Napert-Frenette
Manager, Communications
Canadian Cycling Association
(403) 614-4275