Race Report from Tuf Rack Ontario Cup DH#2

Jun 18, 2012 at 13:09
by Tuf Rack  
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A World Cup level track was prepared for racers to challenge themselves on for round two of the Tuf Rack Ontario Cup Downhill series which took place at [L=http://www.sirsams.com]Sir Sam’s Ski and Bike[/L] in beautiful Haliburton, Ontario. Summer may not “officially” be here yet but it certainly felt like it under the blazing 30° sun. Blue skies and deer flies set the stage for what may go down at the most epic race ever held in Ontario.

The course at Sir Sam’s continues the theme of top level, high quality courses being built by Tuf Rack and their master trail builder, Shane Joachim. The course was feature-rich with built-up berms that linked the trail together seamlessly. There were no weak spots on this track. Out of the gate and through the tape, riders needed to be on their game if they wanted to prevail here. Only Senior Elite race winner, Rob Fraser (Lapierre/POC), was able to crack the sub one minute barrier. Even despite a wrist injury sustained earlier in the day, Fraser was able to lay down a record time of 59.35.

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Rob Fraser (Lapierre/POC) shredding the loam at Sir Sam’s

"Had yet another great weekend at the second round of the O-Cup series presented by Tuf Rack. The crew delivered another rad track that was challenging and fun! My Lapierre dh team was working on point, with the suspension keeping me stuck to the ground thanks to S4 suspension tuning. The O-Cup series has stepped it up this year offering great courses to train and develop riders for future races."

Tom Kakamousias (Silent Norco Racing) rode strong all weekend and had the ride of his life with an impressive third place finish behind Rocky Mountain Bicycles/Procycle rider Matt Nielsen. Nielsen was one of the only Senior Elite riders to take the far outside line in the rock garden. That line set riders up well for the next section but did it cost Matt the win? Sidney Slotegraaf (Lapierre POC / Tuf Rack Racing) laid it over in an unexpected spot on the course killing any hope of making it onto the podium. Sid is an amazing rider who seemed to have the track dialed and while it’s part of racing, it was a shame to see him go down.

Jenn LeBlanc (Team BTG – Barrie Cycling Club) took top honors in the All Female category with a time of 1:15.38. Tifenn Vialatte (Impala Bicycles) has been very consistent and rode to a second place finish one second behind LeBlanc. Kamikaze Spider Rider, Jennifer Valentine rounded off the women’s podium in third place. Catherine Harnden (Kamikaze Spider Riders) had a nasty crash during practice and was not able to race.

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Jenn LeBlanc (Team BTG – Barrie Cycling Club) on hew way to winning the All Female race at Sir Sam’s

Mike Reid won the fiercely competitive Senior Sport (19-29) class with a narrow 0.700 margin over Eastside Cycle’s Nick Outram. Adam Robins (AdrenalineRacer / ToWheels) continues to dominate the Minime category, posting a time that would have placed him second in the Cadet category and fifth in Senior Sport (19-29). Jonathan Palframan (Impala Bicycles) won the Masters (30-39) race adding to what is already an epic battle. Rob Carmichael (Silent Norco Racing) edged out Mack Thomson by 0.281 for the top spot on the box at Senior Expert (19-29) Both race winner Greg Karges (AdrenalineRacer / ToWheels) and second place finisher John Danyluk (Tuf Rack Racing) learned and excelled on the track quickly despite having missed Saturday’s practice. Their teammates brought them up to speed within a few runs, leading the way down the track to show them the laser lines. Even after a very laborious and exhausting few weeks building the track, Shane Joachim (Silent Norco Racing) rounded of the podium in third.

The tracks in Ontario are incredibly short but racers have learned to appreciate this as part of the challenge. To win a race here, one must be focused, make no mistakes and carry speed through every section – dab and you’re done. The honing of these skills combined with the new level of tracks being built here are what will ensure future champions are developed in the province.

Big thanks to Tuf Rack, Shane and the fine folks at Sir Sam’s for the great weekend of racing. Thanks also to Cous, Al and Swatty for helping everything run smoothly. Also like to say thanks to the marshals who are doing an amazing job keeping the flow on the course and most importantly, everyone safe. Here are a few shots from the great weekend of racing at Sir Sam’s.

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Riders meeting at Sir Sam’s

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Colin MacIntosh (Eastside Cycle Racing) – eyes on the prize.

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Sidney Slotegraaf (Lapierre POC / Tuf Rack Racing) scrubbing the hip and setting her down before the big flat turn

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Never lacking style, Rob Carmichael (Silent Norco Racing), over the long table.

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Tom Kakamousias (Silent Norco Racing) on his way to a third place finish in Senior Elite Men

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All aboard the Eastside train for a scenic look at Eagle lake

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Chris Siren (Tuf Rack Racing) ripping through the steep loamy section. One of the favourite among racers.

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Oskar Andersen (Cycle Solutions) during a little after practice session

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Catherine Harnden (Kamikaze Spider Riders) moments before impact. We’re all very happy that she’s ok, and wish her a speedy recovery.

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Rob Carmichael (Silent Norco Racing) making quick work of the rock garden on his way to a first place finish in Senior Expert (19-29)

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Rocky Mountain Bicycles/Procycle rider Matt Nielsen - ’round the outside.

Senior Elite (19+)

1 Rob Fraser (Lapierre POC) 59.354
2 Matthew Nielsen (Rocky Mountain Bicycles/Procycle) 1:00.802
3 Tom Kakamousias (Silent Norco Racing) 1:01.284



All Female

1 Jenn LeBlanc (Team BTG : Barrie Cycling Club) 1:15.382
2 Tifenn Vialatte (Impala Bicycles) 1:16.671
3 Jennifer Valentine (Kamikaze Spider Riders) 1:18.646



Complete results can be found here: http://www.ontariocycling.org/web_pages/results/20120617-195803-32-All-2012.htm

Words and Photos courtesy of Marc Landry

Author Info:
tufrack avatar

Member since Jan 14, 2011
12 articles

32 Comments
  • 9 0
 This was my first race and I have to say that it was an amazing weekend. The track, sir sam's staff, and all the riders made for a great environment. Now that my first race is done all I can think about is blue mountain! Incredible job tuf rack and all those involved.
  • 5 0
 damn, her eyes are like "f*ck! SHIT! FUUUUCK!"
  • 12 0
 Naming a team 'Kamikaze' may not be a good idea?
  • 2 1
 Unbelievable Hospitality from Chris and his sister from Sir Sam's. Super cool vibe with riders discussing lines and mechanics from other teams helping everyone out. Even the write up is outstanding with a bunch of bangers courtesy of Marc. I have one beef with the write up though. there was not a single mention of the epic sax solos playing in the Time Tunnel that riders were treated to every ride up. If I didn't have the solo from never surrender rattling around in my head for the downs I doubt I would have done nearly as well. Quick recoveries to all who fell. Hope to see you all at Blue. cheers
  • 4 0
 Best O-cup course yet! Such a sick weekend, hope all the riders that went down are doing well.
  • 5 4
 59 second track... Message to all O-Cup riders, come to MSA for the Canadian open, it's more manly and lasts a bit longer (around 4 minutes 30)
  • 1 0
 Yo, don'y hate! WE make the best of what we have over here in ontario, its not our fault that our province is flat. This course was great and took advantage of the topography of the hill, so don't tease us please.
  • 2 0
 May have been raced in 59 seconds by national racer Rob Fraser, but it was full of technical sections that I'm more than sure would give riders from more geographically inclined places a challenge.
  • 2 0
 @rejean > canadian open is during crankworx in WHISTLER! Without a doubt Ontario will be storming the top 10 at Nationals..
  • 1 0
 sorry canadian champs
  • 2 1
 This race was fantastic, it took out alot of riders due to its steep and techy sections. It maybe Ontario, but we build fast courses and create alot of number one DH racers,,,,Rob Fraser, Kyle Sangers, Sidney Slotegraaf, Jeff faulds just to name a few...there is no better traing ground than Ontario. See you all in MSA in a couple weeks...Ontario will represent well
  • 1 0
 First race here and it was awesome! I love riding DH. Everyone was so helpful and awesome. Hopefully I'll make it out to Blue! I just wanna keep riding! If anyone wants to ride send me a PM.

Did anyone else do photos other than Marc? Unfortunately he didn't get one of me.
  • 1 0
 ive been there its sick and snowboarding in the winter the dirt jumps are sweet, bet anyone I could win easily just give me a dh bike
  • 1 0
 looks like i missed a great race. i'll be sure to make it out next year for sure
  • 1 0
 There's the Tuf Rack Fall Classic held at Sir Sam's this fall...
  • 1 0
 if i'm thinking about it. it will depend on if i have the cash or not. september is a tough month to afford the trip for a student lol
  • 2 0
 here's my crash vid courtesy of ry:
www.pinkbike.com/video/263668
  • 2 0
 Nice to see your ok Catherine. Must have been a real adrenaline moment there. I decided to slow the video down and notice that your rear was on the back tire on the ramp off the Tabletop. It must have been a split second decision to slow down and get into position before the ramp or go for it. To bad that going for it did not work out. Happens to the best of us. We all have gone through the front door at one time or another. Sadly, I speak from too much front door experience, hehehe.

Keep on riding Smile
  • 1 0
 For those of us who could not make the race, will the track stay open for the remainder of the season at Sir Sam's?
  • 2 0
 Yup went there the sunday after the race. Exact same course is open, they didnt make any changes to it. Its awsome btw. (i didnt race either).
  • 1 0
 Wish I could have been there!!!! It only takes one crash. What a sport.
  • 1 0
 @insainee - Its Ontario, its all they got
  • 1 0
 Wish the bc cups would get coverage...
  • 1 0
 where is this?
  • 1 0
 Sir Sam's in Haliburton
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