The 2026 Canadian XCO Championships: A Thrilling Weekend of Mountain Biking
The Canadian cross country championships are back in action at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park in Langford, B.C., for another exciting weekend of XCC and XCO racing. This year's event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a diverse range of riders showcasing their skills on the challenging course.
A Course Like No Other
The XCO course is a 5km loop with approximately 175m of elevation gain and loss per lap, designed to test the endurance and technical prowess of the riders. The route takes competitors through a variety of terrain, including the initial climb trail (Initial Attack), the Wildcat downhill flow trail, and the second climb trail (Wonderland). The first descent features the Peanut Butter Knife Fight, a technical and fast-paced section with wooden bridges and jumps, followed by the Slow Burn climb and the Berm Reynolds descent.
Thursday's Action
Racing commenced on Thursday with the short track cross country (XCC) championship events. Ella MacPhee and Carter Woods emerged as the elite winners, claiming the maple leaf jerseys. The XCC races provided a thrilling start to the weekend, with intense competition and fast-paced action.
Masters Championships
On Friday, the masters racers took center stage. Sue Haviland dominated the women's B category, while Kelly Welbourn secured the women's C title. Jimmy Giroux, Tom Skinner, and Bob Welbourn claimed the respective men's categories, showcasing their experience and skill on the course.
Under-17 Excellence
The under-17 category witnessed exceptional talent. Joshua Tyers (Ontario / Hot Tubes) dominated the men's race, securing the XCO national title and matching his XCC win from Thursday. Mathis Malois (Club Cycliste de l’Academie) finished second, closely followed by James Pinfold. In the women's race, Hannah Lehmann (Ontario / Collingwood Collective) took a commanding lead, crossing the line 1:29 ahead of second place after four laps at JLBP. Anna Christensen (Ontario / Shredders Race Team) and Nicole Haviland (Shredders Race Team) secured second and third places, respectively.
Junior Men's Showdown
The junior men's race was a closely contested affair. Ethan Wood (BCXC Racing), the 2025 junior champion, and Emilien Belzile (Pittstop Racing), Thursday's XCC winner, battled for the top spot. Wood's aggressive attack with two laps to go proved decisive, allowing him to build a significant lead. Belzile followed in second place, while Evan Moore (Collingwood Collective) secured a solid third-place finish.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 Canadian XCO Championships draw to a close, the event has showcased the talent and determination of Canadian mountain bikers. The Jordie Lunn Bike Park provided a challenging yet exhilarating course, testing the riders' skills and endurance. With the masters, under-17, and junior categories all producing exciting results, the future of Canadian mountain biking looks bright. The championship weekend has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on spectators and riders alike, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next edition of this thrilling event.
