Joyride Bikercross 2002

Joyride Bikercross is on track and some of the world's best are coming.

After last week's cancellation of the Grouse Mountain World Cup downhill and 4X, the Western Canadian mountain bike scene was once again under heavy scrutiny from the worldwide industry, athletes and media. Rumors flew and fingers pointed, but in the end it was Mother Nature who was to blame for the heavy snowpack on Vancouver's North Shore. Up in Whistler, the organizers of the Joyride Bikercross were bummed for the WC scene but stoked to have the big name athletes on the West Coast with time on their hands. "We were definitely disappointed to hear that Grouse was cancelled," says Chris Winter of Joyride Productions, "but after the dust settled, we realized that Joyride Bikercross is going to go off huge no matter what."As of today, an impressive list of heavy hitting downhillers from the World Cup have confirmed their entry in Joyride Bikercross. Cedric Gracia (FR), Kirt Vories (USA), Scott Beaumont (UK), Will Longden (UK) and 19 year-old Australian sensation Mick Hannah will be racing down Whistler's bikercross track in head to head competition. On the woman's side, World Cup Downhill dominator Anne-Caroline Chausson of France has confirmed her start at Joyride Bikercross. Of course Dave Watson (CAN) will be back in the start gate to defend his last year's win. Also on the start list are renowned freeriders like Richie Schley (CAN) and a host of lesser-known speed freeks and locals ready to explode and sprint the distance.


This year's course has been getting rave reviews from riders. It's more technical than last year's bikercross course with more passing opportunities and off-camber airs. " We'll do a few modifications to the track to add more elements for the racers and eye candy for the spectators," says Paddy K from Joyride.


Joyride Bikercross is the biggest DH style event in Western Canada this summer and it promises to showcase some of the wildest and most entertaining head to head mountain bike action out there. Don't miss the mountain bike event of the year. Stay tuned to www.worldfreeride.com for updates, accommodation packages and event details.


Editors Note:In addition to those already mentioned, I have it on good authority you'll see the likes of Shaums March, Gareth Dyer, Kyle Strait and Robbie Bourdon at the event. Bring your camera, bring your bike, I know I will!