Canada Cup Series Champions Crowned

FERNIE ALPINE RESORT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The top mountain bikers from across North America competed this weekend in the Kokanee Canada Cup Mountain Bike Series Final at Fernie Alpine Resort. The Canada Cup Mountain Bike Series represents the highest caliber of cycling competition in Canada with venues across the country. As the final event of the series, elite mountain bikers were competing not only for cash prizes, but for the 2002 Overall Canada Cup Series Champion title.The weekend of excitement began with the Kerrin Lee-Gartner’s Snow Creek Lodge Downhill event. A total of 150 racers competed in 15 different race categories. Winners of the Senior Elite Men’s and Women’s categories were Geoff Pendrel (North Vancouver, BC) and Claire Buchar (Whistler, BC). Overall Canada Cup Downhill Champions for the Senior Elite category were Mathieu Laurin (Ste-Adèle, QC) and Michelle Dumaresq (Vancouver, BC).

Spectators were treated to a great show on Saturday evening with the Rip & Richard’s Dual Slalom event. The Senior Men’s event was dominated by local Fernie riders, with Martin Chabot placing first, Alan Haley in second, and Serge Chiasson in third place.

Sunday’s races featured the grueling Cross Country event, sponsored by PinkBike.com. Kiara Bisaro (Courtenay, BC) won the event and also took home the 2002 Canada Cup Senior Women’s Champion title. Ricky Federan (Mississauga, ON) took top spot in the Men’s Senior Elite category, and Bill Hurley took home the Canada Cup Series Champion honours.

Fernie was the ideal venue to host this exciting event as the mountain biking in the area is of highest standards. The numerous trails of various levels provide entertainment for both riders and spectators alike. The biking season is open to all levels of riders from June to September 2nd.

For a complete listing of the Kokanee Canada Cup results, log on to www.canadiancyclist.com

Fernie Alpine Resort is located in southeastern British Columbia and is a division of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc., owners of Lake Louise Ski Area, Kimberley Alpine Resort/Trickle Creek Golf Resort, Nakiska, Fortress, Wintergreen, Mont Saint-Anne and Stoneham.

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For more information, media inquiries should be directed to:
Karen Pepper, Special Events Coordinator
Phone: (250) 423-4655 / Fax: (250) 423-6644
Email: [email protected]Website: www.skifernie.com