First Mountain Biking Canada Cup Event

The first Mountain Biking Canada Cup event takes place this week in Quebec.  To qualify, riders had to compete at two Ontario Cup races held in late April and early May.  The riders' results determined whether they would be invited to compete in the Canada Cup.

The races provide exposure for young athletes to move onto the circuit.  In mountain biking, athletes have a longer "shelf-life" with some Olympians competing in their 30's and 40's.

Kyle Fry, who is 19, started biking when he was 12. He qualified for the Canada Cup placing eleventh and ninth overall at the Ontario Cup qualifiers and fourth in his age group. “I’m going for a positive presence. It’s not too hefty of a goal, but I don’t know who will be there.”

Riders from all over Canada will be competing in Quebec. The rugged terrain makes for more technical riding with the riders with better technical skills conserving more energy for the rest of the ride. Most riders will use full suspension bikes at the races due to the technicality instead of their hard tails (no shocks on the back).