2010 Western Open at Kicking Horse Recap

The Western Open held at the Kicking Horse Bike Park was both a dousing experience and a rousing success. This event - a combined BC Cup Final and an Alberta Cup race - drew the largest crowd of bikers to Kicking Horse ever. After a Saturday of training on the superbly tacky course, the racers got the opportunity to test their mettle when the skies opened up and greased the trail.

Results and photos inside.
Almost 280 racers showed up from across BC and Alberta, many of them first-timers to Kicking Horse. We were as happy to see them as they appeared to be with the course. It was a feel-good event all around. To give a nod to local efforts, current Golden local Mel Rawson ate up the women's competition in a class of her own, while long-time Goldenizen and Psychosis veteran Alexander Schmidt scored the 4th fastest speed of all the men.

The full results are available on the Cycling BC website at www.cyclingbc.net

The organizers want to send a huge thanks out to all the volunteers, supporters, racers and spectators. And from what I could tell from talking with the racers, they throw out a lot of gratitude as well for the chance to participate in such a challenging race.

It was such a great event that there is already talk about doing it again next year. In the meantime, have a look at some photos courtesy of Clayton Racicot. More can be seen at sexley.pinkbike.com/album/BC-Cup-Finals











Official press from the race organizer here:

On August 28th & 29th Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in partnership with SE Racing hosted the Western Open Downhill Mountain Bike Race in the Kicking Horse Mountain Bike Park. The event was officially sanctioned by Cycling BC as the BC Cup Finals and combined Alberta Cup point’s race. Over 240 racers from Alberta and BC came out to take part in the race.

“The Western Open was extremely successful event weekend for Kicking Horse Mountain Resort,” states Steve Paccagnan, President and CEO of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. “The big mountain environment tossed numerous challenges at the racers and provided sporty conditions for all the participants. Despite the changing weather conditions the race team pulled off a flawless event. Planning for next year’s event is already underway, including the addition of other cycling disciplines like a cross country race.”

The fastest time of the day was set by Elite Male, Jeff Hunter from North Vancouver racing for Cove Bikes running the course in 4:03:86. Fastest female rider of the day was set by Junior Female (15-18 ) racer Holly Feniak racing for Cove Bikes from Sechelt BC 4:48:67. Full event results are attached.

The Pioneer Race Course provided no shortage of challenges and rewards to the participants. Mother Nature also played a huge role testing the versatility and limits of every racer with continuous changes to the course conditions. Racers were faced with everything from sunny dry conditions, rain causing tacky single track along with slippery root sections and the unexpected alpine snowfall combined with strong winds, the weekend truly lived up to its original event name ‘The Terminator Downhill’.

The plaza at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort was home to an animated race expo and technical support area. The patios were packed with spectators and racers who enjoyed a rocking outdoor performance by Urban Divide on Saturday afternoon.

Huge thanks are extended to all the event volunteers and sponsors who helped bring the Western Open life. Over 35 volunteers from Golden and Calgary joined forces to brave the elements and execute the event. Bryson Racing Clan, Cycle Path Calgary, Louis Garneau, Loeka Clothing, Pinkbike.com, Kicking Horse Ford, Big Rock Brewery, Spank, Uriedog, Kali, Elka Suspension, Gamut, Base Mountain Bike Camps, Loaded, Shaw TV and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

Proceeds from the Western Open go to the Love for Lola Foundation, assisting with the Stephen Exley’s daughter’s rehabilitation. A healthy, active two year old who was stricken with a rare virus, which attacked her brain, leaving her with lifelong disabilities. One year ago, Lola was unable to hold her head up, and now she’s running and playing. Over $5,000 was raised for this great cause during the Western Open weekend.