(Duncan, B.C.) Panache Cycling Sports, the organizer of the 2026 Felt Canadian Gravel Championships held on June 14 in Duncan, B.C., has released an updated statement regarding the unfortunate extreme heat conditions, near 40°C in some race sections, that forced the cancellation of the event mid-race.

“Since releasing our original statement on the unfortunate cancellation of the Canadian Gravel Championships, we were heartbroken to see disinformation and misguided rhetoric posted online that completely mischaracterized what happened and how the extremely difficult decision was reached. It is important to us that people take time to get the facts before reaching their respective conclusions,” wrote Jon Watkin, President and CEO of Panache Cycling Sports.   

While high temperatures were expected in the weather forecast that day, conditions were much worse than anticipated. “However, race day conditions rose far beyond what we and the majority of racers predicted. While regional and start/finish air temperatures reached 35°C, riders were experiencing recorded peak temperatures near 40°C on the steepest and exposed parts of the course where the radiant heat was almost unbearable.” 

“The event team reviewed conditions against UCI Extreme Weather Protocol criteria where on course measurements and medical reports confirmed air temperatures ≥ 35°C, heat‑related medical cases were rising, medical teams were overloaded, response times were delayed, and water supplies were depleting faster than expected. These conditions met the threshold requiring race cancellation.”

Former to pro, Michael Woods, had apparently already finished the men’s race as the “unofficial” winner when the announcement was made. Woods had broken away from defending champ Benjamin Perry and Andrew “Lespy” L’Esperance who also finished the 123km race.

The women’s race included top riders such as Hailey Smith, Lucy Hempstead and Kaitlyn Rauwerda, who were leading at the time that the event was cancelled.

Despite the disappointment felt by riders, teams and fans, the safety of all competitors took precedence. The entire situation and the status of the championship race results and titles is being reviewed by Cycling Canada and organizer Panache Cycling Sports Ltd.

“We are deeply disappointed that we could not properly recognize on race day the incredible effort and dedication so many athletes brought to this championship. No one is more devastated than we are. But your safety will always come before results, podiums, or expectations and that is a principle we will never compromise,” wrote Jon Watkin, President and CEO of Panache Cycling Sports.

“Panache Cycling Sports has always taken pride in an impeccable safety record, built over years of careful planning, professional standards, and respect for every rider who lines up at our events. That commitment guided us here as well,” wrote Jon Watkin, President and CEO of Panache Cycling Sports – read the full statement below.

Updated Statement on the 2026 Canadian Gravel Championships
Since releasing our original statement on the unfortunate cancellation of the Canadian Gravel Championships, we were heartbroken to see disinformation and misguided rhetoric posted online that completely mischaracterized what happened and how the extremely difficult decision was reached. It is important to us that people take time to get the facts before reaching their respective conclusions.

The event team spent the entire week preparing for a forecast of 28-30°C, following all UCI Extreme Weather Protocol requirements. Prior to race day, we made every effort to notify and warn participants through email communications as well as the riders/managers meeting on June 13. In that meeting (which was in person and available to watch online), we clearly communicated that high temps of up to 30°C were expected on race day and that participants plan accordingly. Safety protocols were also communicated which included how to handle any emergency situation, locations of radio relay points/medical/food stations/on the course, and explaining the emergency evacuation protocol for fire/heat/air quality. A 1:30pm mandatory cutoff mid way at aid station 2 / course lap junction was also highlighted and explained. Further Details of the bottle drop were provided that allowed Championship racers to arrange to have their own feed bag/bottles dropped off on race day early morning and taken to any of the aid stations for them to access. From that point, we were comfortable that the event could proceed as planned.

However, race day conditions rose far beyond what we and the majority of racers predicted. While regional and start/finish air temperatures reached 35°C, riders were experiencing recorded peak temperatures near 40°C on the steepest and exposed parts of the course where the radiant heat was almost unbearable. Water stations were depleting quickly from participants of all ability levels underestimating their respective consumption rates and were experiencing obvious heat related distress. Medical teams reached capacity while responding to multiple incidents and could no longer guarantee safe response times in the very remote areas of the course. Numerous calls for numerous racers requiring pick up and transportation mid-race reached a critical point, adding a new risk situation where introducing more vehicles on course would pose a further risk to racers, especially on the steep downhill gravel sections.

The event team reviewed conditions against UCI Extreme Weather Protocol criteria where on course measurements and medical reports confirmed air temperatures ≥ 35°C, heat related medical cases were rising, medical teams were overloaded, response times were delayed, and water supplies were depleting faster than expected.

These conditions met the threshold requiring race cancellation. The collective decision was made to cancel the event in the interest of rider safety. Radio operators activated the emergency evacuation protocol and instructed riders to return to the start/finish via the shortest route. A coordinated pickup caravan was deployed to retrieve riders who were unable to return on their own due to heat distress.
At the end of the day, the decision to cancel was the only responsible choice. When temperatures spiked far beyond all forecasts and the majority of riders of every ability level began experiencing heat related distress, our duty was clear……protect the athletes. We stand by that decision wholeheartedly.

Panache Cycling Sports has always taken pride in an impeccable safety record, built over years of careful planning, professional standards, and respect for every rider who lines up at our events. That commitment guided us here as well.

We are deeply disappointed that we could not properly recognize on race day the incredible effort and dedication so many athletes brought to this championship. No one is more devastated than we are. But your safety will always come before results, podiums, or expectations and that is a principle we will never compromise.

Jon Watkin
President and CEO
Panache Cycling Sports Ltd.

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