It’s been a pretty good year for the Rundle Mountain Cycling Club.
Liah Harvie was the top junior Canadian at the UCI World Championships, the club’s teenage riders were dominant in provincial action and the old guard proved they’ve still got the ability to win titles on the road and dirt track.
But the club still has one more provincial title to chase, and it’s on their home turf.
The Alberta Provincial Cyclo-cross Championship comes to Canmore on (Oct. 11) at the Three Sisters Disc Golf Course.
Cyclo-cross racing is relatively new to Canmore, as this is only the second consecutive year for the event in the Bow Valley. It combines cross-country riding with several obstacles that force the rider to either challenge on their bike, or dismount and climb over in order to advance.
The race acts as a stepping stone for many of Canada’s top cyclo-cross racers, as winners can earn a trip to Canadian nationals in Winnipeg at the end of October. Several young riders have earned spots on the provincial team from the event, and there’s no reason to believe similar opportunities won’t present themselves this year.
“Of the seven Canadians that went to cyclo-cross world championships, five were from Alberta. It’s a meaningful race as far as cyclo-cross goes,” said organizer Mike Macklem.
Following UCI rules, Macklem said the event will run as a prep for nationals, complete with starting boxes and tire measurements; however, sport and novice categories will have much more lax standards.
“Last year we ran it as a regular Alberta Bicycle Association race and top riders required proper cyclo-cross bikes. You can still race on a mountain bike for the sport men and novice categories, but after that, it’s all on cyclo-cross bikes.
The course will open on Friday (Oct. 10) at 3 p.m. and racers can pre-ride the route from 5-7 p.m. Of the 200 expected riders, Macklem expects several local racers to participate in the event and reminds everyone day licences can be purchased to participate.
“We have a very athletic course. It’s technical, it’s at elevation, so it’s tough. We forced the dismount of the bike in several spots, and last year, it made the best riders shine,” he said. “Locally, guys who are racing the mountain bike and road races should sign up.”
The sport is quickly growing in Banff and Canmore and across Alberta race numbers are growing.
“Over 200 are racing weekly in Calgary and Edmonton. It’s definitely growing quickly,” Macklem said.
The course is very spectator friendly, and the public is encouraged to watch the top riders head out at noon.
Macklem said a kids’ scavenger hunt has been planned for the day as well, as he wants to promote a family-friendly event. The Iron Goat will supply food. Race entry is $30 for youth and $45 for adults.
“Last year, this cross race was one the Alberta racers said was their favourite. This year we want to go a step above,” Macklem said.
