(Duncan, BC) The 2026 Felt Canadian Gravel Championships / Burnt Bridge Classic that took place on Sunday, June 14, in the heart of the Cowichan Valley, saw record-breaking heat with temperatures over 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit), including air quality issues, that forced organizers to cancel the event mid-race.

Top racers such as former pro, Michael Woods, were competing in the 123km race with 2,000 meters of climbing, and apparently Woods had already finished the men’s race as the “unofficial” winner. He was followed by defending champ Benjamin Perry and Andrew “Lespy” L’Esperance. It’s unclear what the status of the women’s race was, which included top riders such as Hailey Smith and Lucy Hempstead, at the time that it was cancelled.

The event was run in tandem with the recreational Burnt Bridge Classic, and the status of the championship race results and titles will be reviewed by Cycling Canada and organizer Panache Cycling Sports Ltd. who issued the following statement.

Statement from Panache Cycling Sports Ltd.
On Sunday, June 14, the decision was made to cancel the 2026 Canadian Gravel Championships. This decision was not made lightly. During the event, an assessment was made, that the on-course conditions did not meet the safety standards required for participants to continue racing.

Going into the event, additional precautionary measures had been put in place and communicated at the riders/managers meeting based on weather conditions to be expected at that time.  These included offering a bottle drop at aid stations, adding more water and ice resources, and introducing a mandatory cut off time at 1:30pm for riders at aid station 2.

As the event progressed, we monitored the situation referencing the Cycling BC Air Quality and Extreme Weather Safety Guidelines. Over the course of the day, medical resources began to reach their capacity, creating a vulnerable situation for riders on course.  On course race temperatures of greater than 34+ degrees Celsius were measured, and it became clear that proceeding with the event would not meet the safety standards required for every participant.

We recognize this decision was met with disappointment, and we understand the time, training, and commitment you have invested in participating in the Canadian Gravel Championships event. Panache Cycling Sports is working diligently with Cycling Canada to determine the fairest possible outcome regarding results and titles. We expect to provide an update by the end of the week. 

Your safety is, and will always remain, our highest priority. Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and your continued support of gravel racing in Canada. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or Cycling Canada directly for clarification. 

Sincerely, 
Jon Watkin
Panache Cycling Sports Ltd.

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