The 2026 Canadian XCO Championships: A Thrilling Weekend of Mountain Bike Racing
The Canadian cross country championships are back in Vancouver, and what a thrilling weekend it's turned out to be! As an avid mountain biker and sports enthusiast, I was thrilled to witness the intense competition and stunning course at Jordie Lunn Bike Park. The event, which ran from Thursday to Sunday, showcased the very best of Canadian mountain biking, with a mix of short track cross country (XCC) and long-distance XCO races.
One thing that immediately stands out is the diversity of the course. The Jordie Lunn Bike Park is a newer trail centre with a pump track, dirt jump lines, and a dense network of purpose-built single tracks. The XCO course, which follows the same route as the Canada Cup earlier this spring, is a 5km loop with approximately 175m of elevation gain and loss per lap. The course is a true test of endurance and skill, with a mix of technical sections and fast flow trails.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the variety of disciplines on offer. The XCC events, which took place on Thursday, were a thrilling display of speed and agility. Ella MacPhee and Carter Woods earned the elite maple leaf jerseys, with MacPhee dominating the women's race and Woods taking the men's title. The XCC events are a great way to get a taste of the action and excitement of mountain biking.
On Friday, the masters championships added another layer of excitement to the event. Sue Haviland won the master's women's B title, while Kelly Welbourn took the master women's C race. Jimmy Giroux, Tom Skinner, and Bob Welbourn claimed the master men's titles in their respective categories. The masters championships are a testament to the enduring spirit and passion of Canadian mountain bikers, with riders of all ages and abilities coming together to compete and celebrate.
The under-17 men's and women's races were also a highlight of the event. Joshua Tyers (Ontario / Hot Tubes) doubled up, winning both the XCO national title and the XCC race on Thursday. Mathis Malois (Club Cycliste de l’Academie) finished 21 seconds behind Tyers, with James Pinfold in third place. In the under-17 women's race, Hannah Lehmann (Ontario / Collingwood Collective) took a solid win, crossing the line 1:29 ahead of second place. Anna Christensen (Ontario / Shredders Race Team) earned second place, with teammate Nicole Haviland (Shredders Race Team) in third place.
The junior men's race was a thrilling display of skill and determination. Ethan Wood (BCXC Racing), the 2025 junior champ, attacked with two laps to go and quickly built an advantage on the course's steepest section. Emilien Belzile (Pittstop Racing), Thursday's XCC champion, followed across the line in second place, with Evan Moore (Collingwood Collective) winning a solid fight for third place. The junior men's race was a true test of endurance and skill, with the riders pushing themselves to the limit.
In my opinion, the 2026 Canadian XCO Championships were a resounding success. The event showcased the very best of Canadian mountain biking, with a mix of disciplines, stunning courses, and thrilling competition. The event was well-organized, with smooth transitions between races and a friendly atmosphere. The Jordie Lunn Bike Park is a fantastic venue, with a diverse range of trails and a challenging course that tested the riders to the limit.
One thing that many people don't realize is the importance of events like the Canadian XCO Championships. These events are not just about winning medals and titles; they are about building a community, fostering a love of the sport, and inspiring the next generation of mountain bikers. The event brought together riders from across Canada, with a mix of experienced veterans and up-and-coming young talent. The event was a true celebration of the sport and a testament to the passion and dedication of Canadian mountain bikers.
If you take a step back and think about it, the Canadian XCO Championships are a microcosm of the sport itself. They are a place where riders can push themselves to the limit, test their skills, and celebrate their achievements. They are a place where the community comes together, where riders from all walks of life can connect and share their love of the sport. The event is a true testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of mountain biking.
In conclusion, the 2026 Canadian XCO Championships were a thrilling and memorable event. The competition was intense, the courses were challenging, and the atmosphere was electric. The event showcased the very best of Canadian mountain biking, with a mix of disciplines, stunning courses, and thrilling competition. The event was a true celebration of the sport and a testament to the passion and dedication of Canadian mountain bikers. As an avid mountain biker, I was honored to witness the event and to be a part of the community. The Canadian XCO Championships are a must-see event for anyone who loves mountain biking, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this exciting sport.
