The top Canuck was Michael Woods (Team Canada) in 18^th as Del Toro seemed to sound the alarm that he’ll be a force to be reckoned with the upcoming UCI Road World Championships – time will tell.

Under overcast skies with the threat of rain, the pro peloton kicked off the 15th annual World Tour race to a packed crowd of fans. A group of nine riders including Canadian national champion Jérôme Gauthier got away on the first lap and soon had a minute lead that swelled to over three minutes. But they were reeled in 10 to go of the 16-lap race on the 13.4km Mont Royal circuit.

Canada’s Derek Gee-West (Lidl-Trek) led a group of four to the front but they were shut down as two EF Education-EasyPost riders broke away with two more bridging to them but once again they were chased down, only to see seven riders peel away led by Ben Healy (Irl) Bahrain-Victorious.

Behind the pack had dwindled as attrition set in and then a crash took out more riders including Canadian Gee-West. The juggling at the front continued with Healey leading but on the final lap with Seixas and Del Toro pulling away and gaining almost 30 seconds on the chasers that included Grand Prix de Québec winner Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe.

The duo now had 45-second lead, and Seixas tried to shed Del Toro, but they came to the finish together. With 500m to go Del Toro was just behind Seixas and then burst into his sprint catching his rival off guard.

Results
1. Isaac Del Toro (Mex)       UAE Team Emirates-XRG               5:13:16
2. Paul Seixas (Fra)                Decathlon CMA CGM Team          st
3. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Team Emirates-XRG               at 0:27
4. Quinn Simmons (USA)    Lidl-Trek               0:30
5. Remco Evenepoel (Bel)  Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe            0:35
6. Tom Pidcock (GBR)          Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team              0:36
7. Giulio Ciccone (Ita)          Lidl-Trek               st
8. Afonso Eulálio (Por)         EF Education-EasyPost   st
9. Ben Healy (Irl)    Bahrain-Victorious           0:39
10. Lennert Van Eetvelt (Bel)              Lotto Intermarché            st

18. Michael Woods (Can)     Canada 1:27

An early break of six riders initiated by Storm Ingebrigtsen (Nor) Uno-X Mobility gained over three minutes on the chasing peloton that whittled down their lead with various teams including Canada’s Nickolas Zukowsky (Pinarello-Q36.5) taking turns at the front to reel them in.

With six laps to go they were caught and a new group of about a dozen riders took to the front as Alberto Bettiol (Ita) XDS-Astana escaped in a solo attempt with 40km to go gaining a 15s lead.

Not long after Evenepoel, Ciccone and Charmig bridged to him with two and a half laps to go, and it was game on as Tom Pidcock (Gbr) Pinarello-Q36.5 led the chase group behind in vain.

Bettiol could not keep pace, and on the final climb Charmig also got dropped, with Evenepoel taking Ciccone at the finish line for his first North American victory at the GPC de Quebec.

Results
1. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, 4:40:21
2. Giulio Ciccone (Ita) Lidl-Trek, s.t.
3. Anthon Charmig (Den) Uno-X Mobility, 0:15

Full results here.

It’s in this season of transition that the e-bike proves to be the perfect travel companion: it makes it possible to climb without effort, stop whenever a fresco, a bell tower or a view catches the eye, and rediscover the pleasure of slow travel, able to tell the story and soul of these valleys through five itineraries designed for pedaling among villages, ancient churches and unforgettable landscapes.

Along the Adda River, through history and frescoes in Valdisotto
The first route follows the course of the Adda River between Bormio and Valdisotto, alternating cycle paths and quiet side roads: a loop of roughly 30 kilometers that takes about four hours, with a modest elevation gain of just over 500 meters – enough to justify a few stops, but never enough to leave you out of breath.

From Bormio’s historic center, the route reaches Cepina, where the Ossuary is well worth a stop, with its elegant wrought-iron gate, fantastical figures decorating the pediment, and 17th-century frescoes weaving together the themes of life’s transience and hope. Continuing south, the Church of San Bartolomeo holds fresco cycles from the 14th to the 16th century and, almost miraculously, survived the 1987 Val Pola landslide.

The return to Bormio runs almost entirely along the Sentiero Valtellina cycle path, through meadows and river views that for centuries formed the natural link between the villages of Alta Valtellina.

The thread connecting Bormio and Valfurva
Just 8.3 kilometers and an hour and a half of riding, with only 175 meters of elevation gain, make up the easiest and most accessible of the five itineraries, suitable even for first-time e-bikers: it crosses the medieval historic center of Bormio, through alleys, squares and historic palazzi, before following the valley floor toward Valfurva.

Along the way are the charming Church of San Nicolò, small chapels surrounded by greenery, and historic buildings that for centuries welcomed pilgrims and merchants heading toward the great alpine passes. This isn’t a ride for athletes, but an invitation to slow down: take in the baitelli, the old hay barns, the stone walls, the facades of traditional houses, and perhaps stop for a break at one of the spots along the way, in an area that for centuries has been a crossroads between Italy, Switzerland and Tyrol.

Villages, churches and ironworks in the heart of Valdidentro
Heading from Bormio toward Isolaccia, this route of about 23 kilometers and 365 meters of elevation gain tells the story of authentic Valdidentro, where history, art and memory intertwine along the Adda. Highlights include the Church of San Gallo, documented as far back as the 13th century, the Soldiers’ Cemetery, where the First World War fallen were once buried, the Prato della Giustizia (Field of Justice), linked to witchcraft trials between the 16th and 17th centuries, and the Ferriere Corneliane, one of the valley’s most significant industrial archaeology sites, where water power once drove ironworking for centuries.

The route continues through Premadio, dominated by the fortress-church of Santi Martino e Urbano, with its rare coffered wooden ceiling and frescoed presbytery, and the villages of Turripiano and Pedenosso, where stone-and-timber architecture still speaks to the charm of the old alpine communities, before arriving in Isolaccia.

The Cancano Lakes circuit, among the waters of Stelvio National Park
Nestled within Stelvio National Park, the Cancano lakes circuit starts from the Torri di Fraele and skirts the Cancano and San Giacomo di Fraele dams, built respectively between 1953 and 1956 and between 1940 and 1950, the latter completed behind schedule due to the war.

The 19.3-kilometer route, with just 164 meters of elevation gain, traces the perimeter of the San Giacomo reservoir, crosses the dam, and returns to the starting point. Best tackled by e-bike, available for hire at the lakeside, though it can equally be walked.

To Forte Venini, between first world war history and views over the Bormio basin
The last itinerary climbs from Bormio toward Oga, passing along the way the Salacrist Mill, a reminder of the area’s rural past, before reaching the small, characterful village of Oga with its little church.

The route, about 24 kilometers long with 631 meters of elevation gain, culminates at Forte Venini, at 1,700 meters above sea level: one of the best-preserved fortifications in Alta Valtellina, built in the early 20th century to control access to the alpine passes and now transformed into one of the most spectacular scenic balconies over the Bormio basin, Valdisotto and the peaks of Stelvio National Park. The way back follows the Levissima springs dirt road through the woods, before descending toward Bormio along the quiet Strada dell’Alute.

For further information visit here.

“Canada is a market that lives and breathes cycling, and we’re excited to be back,” said Shannon Leonard, Account Executive, Key Accounts, Pentland Canada. “Whether riders are tackling technical trails, exploring gravel roads, or training through unpredictable weather, Endura delivers the performance and protection they need to stay focused on the ride.”

As part of its renewed commitment to the Canadian cycling community, Endura is proud to support the Team Canada U23 XCO National Team, helping equip the next generation of Canadian athletes as they compete and develop on the world stage.

The move to direct distribution will strengthen retailer partnerships, improve inventory support, and create a closer connection between Canadian cyclists and the global Endura brand.

Founded in Scotland in 1993, Endura has built a global reputation for innovation, durability, and engineering excellence, helping riders stay outside longer and ride further, regardless of the forecast.

About Endura
Founded in Scotland in 1993, Endura designs technically advanced cycling apparel, protection, luggage, and accessories for mountain bike, gravel, road, and urban riders. Known for durability, innovation, and weather protection, Endura products are trusted by cyclists worldwide.

Sales Contact:
Bryan Menard (Endura Sales Rep) bryan@trailheadaxis.ca 1-604-809-6928

Today’s headline events, Air DH presented by Velosolutions Canada and the first-ever Crankworx Mont-Sainte-Anne Dual Slalom, both raced on courses being built as permanent additions to the mountain – a lasting legacy for the local riding community long after the festival packs up, before the inaugural Slopestyle Super League Finals take the stage.

Jordy Scott Secures Queen of Crankworx crown with Air DH Gold
Reigning Queen of Crankworx Jordy Scott took the win in a tight Air DH race against newly-crowned Crankworx Mont-Sainte-Anne Downhill champion Mille Johnset. The victory was Scott’s first-ever Air DH podium, and it secured her the Queen of Crankworx title for the second year in a row. Taylor Ostgaard rounded out the podium, just 0.183 seconds ahead of O’Connor, who narrowly missed the top three.

Crankworx MSA Air DH presented by Velosolutions Canada – Top 3 Women

1. Jordy Scott (USA) – 2:45.942
2. Mille Johnset (NOR) – 2:46.649⁠
3. Taylor Ostgaard (USA) – 2:50.525

Speed King Ryan Gilchrist Clinches Air DH Gold
On the brand-new track, Ryan Gilchrist and Tegan Cruz were separated by less than a second, the two King of Crankworx contenders trading the tightest of margins all the way down. Gilchrist ultimately took the win and the 100 points that came with it, stretching his King of Crankworx lead out slightly further ahead of Cruz. Tristan Lemire rounded out the podium, edging out Bas Van Steenbergen, who’s spent this week not just racing but also being involved in the the Dual Slalom and Slopestyle course build.

Crankworx MSA Air DH presented by Velosolutions Canada – Top 3 Men

1. Ryan Gilchrist (AUS) – 2:24.036
2. Tegan Cruz (CAN) – 2:25.011
3. Tristan Lemire (CAN) – 2:28.759

Full results across all categories are available here.

Jordy Scott Doubles Up In Dual Slalom
Jordy Scott put the cherry on top of her day, already sitting on Air DH gold and the Queen of Crankworx title, with another win over Mille Johnset in the gold medal match-up. Dual Slalom specialist Martha Gill landed on the podium in third after advancing through the quarterfinals when Scott moved on. Just missing the podium for the second time today was Isla O’Connor, continuing an incredible debut Elite season on the Crankworx World Tour. Today’s results move O’Connor into second in the Queen of Crankworx standings, with Johnset now third.

Crankworx Mont-Sainte-Anne Dual Slalom – Top 3 Women

1. Jordy Scott (USA)
2. Mille Johnset (NOR)
3. Martha Gill (GBR)

Ryan Gilchrist’s Third Crown
The men’s semifinals delivered heated head-to-head battles, with Tegan Cruz facing off against Bas Van Steenbergen while Ryan Gilchrist met Tristan Lemire. Cruz and Gilchrist both advanced, setting up a final between the two top King of Crankworx contenders who’ve faced off like this many times over the years – but never with stakes quite this high. A crash on Gilchrist’s first run of the gold-medal matchup put the result out of reach early, and Cruz took the Dual Slalom gold. Even with the loss, Gilchrist’s silver was enough to secure the King of Crankworx title for the third year in a row, with Cruz closing to within 62 points. In the small final, Tristan Lemire pushed Bas Van Steenbergen off the podium to claim bronze.

Crankworx Mont-Sainte-Anne Dual Slalom – Top 3 Men

1. Tegan Cruz (CAN)
2. Ryan Gilchrist (AUS)
3. Tristan Lemire (CAN)

Full results across all categories are available here.

The racing was tight all day and made for a nailbiter to watch for the crowds on site at this very first Crankworx Mont-Sainte-Anne Dual Slalom – and they’re in for more as the Slopestyle Super League Finals descend on Mont-Sainte-Anne later this afternoon.

With the track running fast and firm compared to Friday’s mud, riders found creative lines all the way down an unforgiving track that kept them on their toes right through a full-pedal final stretch to the finish through the crowds. 

Mille Johnset Secures Back-to-Back Overall 

Mille Johnset topped the women’s field on a track she’s been looking forward to returning to. The win also locks up the Crankworx DH Series Championship title for her for the second year in a row. Taylor Ostgaard held onto second, 14.204 seconds back, with Isla O’Connor rounding out the podium in third, still chasing Queen of Crankworx points down the stretch of the season. 

Crankworx MSA Downhill – Top 3 Women 

1. Mille Johnset (NOR) – 4:08.232 
2. Taylor Ostgaard (USA) – 4:22.436 
3. Isla O’Connor (CAN) – 4:33.840 

Tegan Cruz’s Statement Run 

The men’s race came down to a wild run order. Jake Polito, nursing a big crash from Friday’s practice and starting from a low position, held the provisional hot seat for most of the field before Henry Sherry – slower through the top section but faster where it counted at the bottom – bumped him off top spot. Nicolas Brochet crashed hard mid-run but still salvaged a time good enough for a brief spell in third. Then Tegan Cruz dropped in and changed the conversation, putting down a smooth, powerful run built on pedal strength to take over the hot seat for good. Local hero Tristan Lemire came within 3.758 seconds but couldn’t get by. Dane Jewett, still to come, threaded a run that looked almost effortless despite the mud, ruts, and loose rock, edging into second by just 0.084 seconds and bumping Lemire to third. Top seed Kasper Woolley carried a strong top section into the rock garden, where a slip ended his podium hopes and dropped him to 12th. 

Crankworx MSA Downhill – Top 3 Men 

1. Tegan Cruz (CAN) – 3:26.220 
2. Dane Jewett (CAN) – 3:26.304 
3. Tristan Lemire (CAN) – 3:29.978 

Full results across all categories are available at crankworx.com/results 

By the time the last riders crossed the line, the crowd lining that final full-pedal stretch hadn’t thinned a bit, capping a fast, hard-fought day of racing at the first-ever Crankworx Mont-Sainte-Anne. 

First Official North American Whip-Off Champions 

Crankworx also crowned the winners of the inaugural Official North American Whip-Off Championships presented by RAG today. In front of an electric crowd, Mille Johnset took another gold medal in her first-ever Whip-Off competition, with Chase Riggs took the men’s title, with Chase Riggs winning on the men’s side.

More Racing Ahead 

Downhill and the inaugural North American Whip-Off Championships presented by RAG are in the books, but Sunday brings a triple-header: Dual Slalom, Air DH presented by Velosolutions Canada on the brand-new Air Québec track, and the first-ever Slopestyle Super League Finals will take over the iconic venue. 

While the action is best experienced on site, today’s Downhill racing is available as a full broadcast replay on the Crankworx YouTube channel, and tomorrow’s Slopestyle Super League Finals will stream live there too. Or better yet, come see it in person – the action continues on site tomorrow. 

Results

Schedule

A packed competition schedule: key moments to watch
The inaugural edition gets underway Thursday evening with a Pump Track competition, followed Friday by the Air DH presented by Velosolutions Canada, bringing together nearly 200 elite and amateur athletes on the new AirQuébec jump line. The day will culminate with the North American Whip-Off Championships presented by RAG, an invitation-only competition where athletes throw whips over a massive jump.

On Saturday, the spotlight turns to the Slopestyle Super League Final, featuring the discipline’s top 15 athletes, along with the Canada Cup Short Track Cross-Country Final and Elite Dual Slalom. Sunday brings the legendary Mont-Sainte-Anne Downhill, a UCI HC-sanctioned event and Canada Cup Final, while Monday is dedicated to Olympic cross-country, also UCI HC-sanctioned and a Canada Cup Final.

Young riders will also be part of the weekend with Kidsworx Dual Slalom and Kidsworx XC presented by Mon Vélo. Registration for the kids’ races remains open until race day.

Canadian athletes at the heart of the action
Several Canadian athletes will be ones to watch throughout the weekend, including brothers Tegan and Lucas Cruz, who are entered in multiple disciplines; Léandre Bouchard in cross-country; and 19-year-old Quebec twins Charlie and Camille Bernard. At just 16, Cap-Rouge native Théo Bédard will also be one to watch as he competes in several events. Quebec downhill champion Nicolas Brochet and Bromont’s Tristan Lemire will also line up in multiple disciplines. In Slopestyle, Canada will be well represented by qualified riders Chance Moore, Ben Thompson, Ayden Siebenaler and Jack Feick. Finally, the highly anticipated battle for the King & Queen of Crankworx titles will conclude at Mont-Sainte-Anne on Sunday evening, with Bas van Steenbergen, Niels Bensink, Daniel Butterworth, Martha Gill and Jordy Scott among the athletes to watch.

Festive programming and practical information
True to the Crankworx spirit and Mont-Sainte-Anne’s long history of major mountain bike events, the tradition continues: competition and celebration go hand in hand. The Boréale after-race parties will keep the energy going, while the oxio village will bring together more than 55 exhibitors and feature a range of activities.

For fans looking to experience the competitions as close to the action as possible, the Fan Zone will offer prime viewing points for the events, while a VIP package on the Canac Terrace will place guests right at the heart of the courses.

Quotes
“For us, hosting the Crankworx World Tour is a tremendous honour and a great source of pride. For decades, our mountain has welcomed the world’s best athletes and brought together a passionate community that keeps this tradition alive. Crankworx now gives us the opportunity to continue that story while taking another step forward. We want to deliver a world-class event, but also leave something tangible and lasting for our community,” commented Maxime Cretin, Executive Vice-President and General Manager, Mont-Sainte-Anne

“Hosting an international event provides significant exposure for the region and generates major economic, media and sporting benefits. Making it happen relies on the remarkable commitment of our partners, the local community and hundreds of volunteers. We are especially proud of the new courses created for the event, which represent a lasting legacy for the destination, and proud to see Mont-Sainte-Anne continue writing the history of major international mountain bike events,” said Marie-France Couture, Executive Producer, Crankworx Mont-Sainte-Anne  Corporation Événements d’été de Québec

Thank you to our partners
Corporation Événements d’été de Québec (CEEQ) wishes to acknowledge the support of its principal public partners: the Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport, the Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale, the Ministère du Tourisme, Sport Canada, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Destination Québec cité, the MRC de La Côte-de-Beaupré, Développement Côte-de-Beaupré, Mouvement Mont-Sainte-Anne, the Ville de Beaupré and the Municipalité de Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges.

CEEQ also thanks Delta Marriott Mont-Sainte-Anne (official accommodation partner), Caisse Desjardins de la Côte-de-Beaupré (sustainable experience partner), Rec4Box (official television production provider for the event), CTAQ (official ambulance services provider), and Mont-Sainte-Anne

Campagnolo, the Italian manufacturer of high-performance drivetrains and wheels for road and gravel cycling since 1933, today announces that SPAC – as a result of the execution of an investment agreement with Campagnolos’ existing quotaholder – will acquire a minority stake in the company through a strategic investment. Closing is expected to occur within the next month and is subject to conditions precedent customary for this kind of transaction.

The investment represents an important step in Campagnolo’s evolution and will bring additional resources and strategic expertise to accelerate the company’s transformation and further strengthen its position for the future.

The Campagnolo family will remain the majority shareholder and retain control of the company, continuing a family-owned entrepreneurial legacy that began more than 90 years ago, when Tullio Campagnolo founded the company in Vicenza in 1933.

The Next Chapter for Campagnolo
The cycling industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Technology, electronics and connectivity are playing an increasingly important role in product performance, while the expectations of riders, bicycle manufacturers and commercial partners continue to evolve.

Campagnolo has been investing in this transition for several years. The launch of the wireless Super Record 12V in 2023 was followed by a complete redesign of the company’s groupset architecture, with Super Record 13V in 2025 and the new Record in 2026.

The partnership with SPAC will enable Campagnolo to accelerate this journey and invest further in the areas that are strategic to its future.

The company will continue to strengthen its technological and product capabilities while building an increasingly agile, performance-driven organization. It will deepen relationships with the world’s leading bicycle manufacturers and commercial partners, continue to modernise its operations, and invest in the development of the Campagnolo and Fulcrum brands.

At the same time, Campagnolo intends to strengthen its connection with elite cycling and professional racing, which have always been central to the brand’s identity, innovation and credibility.

The ambition is clear: to combine Campagnolo’s extraordinary Italian engineering heritage with the technology, performance and capabilities required to play a leading role in the next generation of premium cycling.

Campagnolo remains fully committed to both drivetrains and wheels, continuing to develop high-performance products through Campagnolo and Fulcrum.

Independance and Continuity of Partnerships
Campagnolo will continue to operate entirely independently from SPAC’s other investments in the cycling industry, including Pinarello.

Relationships with bicycle manufacturers and commercial partners will continue on an independent basis, with the objective of building strong and sustainable long-term partnerships.

Looking Ahead
For more than 90 years, Campagnolo has stood for innovation, engineering excellence, Italian design and some of the greatest achievements in the history of cycling. This partnership is designed to build on these strengths and carry them into the future.

With the continued commitment of the Campagnolo family and the support of SPAC as a minority shareholder, Campagnolo is opening a new chapter in its history, with greater resources, a clear direction and renewed ambition to compete at the highest levels of global cycling.

The objective is simple: to make Campagnolo stronger, more innovative and more competitive, while remaining true to what has made the brand unique since 1933.

Quotes
“We are delighted and proud to enter into this partnership with SPAC, a strong and experienced partner that shares our vision for Campagnolo’s future. Their investment gives us additional strength to accelerate the company’s evolution while preserving the values, engineering culture and Italian identity that have always defined us. Our family remains firmly committed to Campagnolo’s future and looks to this new chapter in our history with great confidence.” – Campagnolo family

“Campagnolo is one of the great names in cycling, with an engineering heritage and a record of victories that few companies in any industry can match. We were drawn to this investment by the quality of the underlying business and the clarity of the transformation plan the Campagnolo family and management have put in place. We are pleased to support them as a minority partner, and confident this is the beginning of a strong next chapter for the brand.” – SPAC SA

“Campagnolo has exceptional products, unique engineering capabilities and an extraordinary brand heritage. Our focus now is on translating these strengths into an even stronger company: more innovative, more agile, closer to our customers and partners, and increasingly competitive at the highest levels of cycling. This investment gives us additional resources and stability to accelerate that journey.” – Matteo Cassina, Board member of Directors, Campagnolo S.r.l.

About Campagnolo
Founded in Vicenza in 1933, Campagnolo is one of the most iconic historic brands in world cycling. For more than ninety years, the Italian company has been synonymous with innovation, quality and passion, with numerous patents that have shaped the evolution of road drivetrains and wheel systems. With a strong focus on research and development, Campagnolo continues to design and manufacture in Italy cutting-edge technological solutions for professionals and enthusiasts alike, carrying forward a unique tradition of performance, design and cycling culture.

Escape the cold and kick off your cycling season with breathtaking views in the Southern Peloponesse, Greece. Ride along the turquoise sea, through ancient villages and olive groves, with daily customized ride options for all levels, support van and plenty of time to relax and enjoy the delicious local food.

Dates: April 20-26, 2027
Hotels: TBA in Kalamata & Areopoli
Meals included: all breakfast buffets, dinners
Cycling skills development
Stretch, meditation and Mindfitness sessions
Daily GPX ride files for your bike computer
Daily guided ride support

What’s not included:
Airfare, airport transfers, post-ride lunches, drinks, day-trip excursions

Early Bird Pricing – Save $500 USD
Ends November 1, 2026

Double Room (shared with another person)
$3,600 USD per person + GST
(Early Bird: $1,500 USD non-refundable deposit paid by November 1 to hold your spot & remainder paid by January 15, 2027)

Double Room after November 1, 2026
$4,100 USD per person + GST
(pay 50% by December 15 non-refundable, remainder by February 15, 2027)

Add $800 USD + GST for a Single Room
Upgrades available at an additional cost

Alex’s virtual indoor cycling training included, starting January 1, 2027

Looking for authentic Greece without the tourist crowds? The Southern Peloponnese is where raw beauty, ancient wonders, and mouthwatering flavors come together in a region that feels both timeless and undiscovered. A land of endless olive groves, dramatic mountain roads, and coastal villages where life moves to the rhythm of the sea.

Explore ancient ruins and medieval castles. Swim in crystal-clear waters on secluded beaches. Hike and cycle dramatic coastlines and dine in seaside tavernas where the seafood is fresh-caught, the olive oil is local, and the flavors are unforgettable. Whether you’re chasing history, hungry for authentic Greek cuisine, or simply craving beauty and peace, the Southern Peloponnese is a destination that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Untouched. Underrated. Unforgettable.

For more information or to reserve space please visit here.

Starting at the front of the field, Punchard showcased remarkable determination and resilience throughout the race. Charging to the front of the race during lap 1, Cole established himself in the lead group of 8. Slipping back from the leading group mid-race, he fought his way back into the front, powering to a bronze-medal finish. His third-place result marks a milestone in his transition from a standout U23 rider to a world-class Elite competitor. Punchard’s strong 2026 season included a seventh-place finish at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in YongPyong, a ninth place in Les Gets, and a silver-medal performance in the Elite Men’s XCO race at the Canadian National Championships.

Before stepping onto the Elite podium, Punchard had a successful U23 career highlighted by a silver medal in the U23 XCO race and a bronze medal in the U23 XCC race at the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. A multiple time Canadian champion and World Cup podium finisher, the 22-year-old Cannondale Factory Racing athlete from Novar, Ontario has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of Canada’s leading mountain bike competitors. 

Reflecting on his decision in 2025 to race in the Elite category at Canadian Championships while still eligible for U23 competition, Punchard said in an interview, “It was a bit scary, because I mean, you’re just gonna get the crap kicked out of you for an entire year. But I thought that in the long term, this would be better for me. So I just committed to it.” After racing the 2025 season as Elite, despite returning to U23 for World Championships, that commitment has paid off, crossing the worlds line in a time of 1:25:57, just 31 seconds behind gold medalist Thomas Pidcock. 

His bronze medal marks a career highlight for Punchard, making him the first Elite Male to win an XCO medal at the Mountain Bike World Championships since Roland Green in 2002. Cycling Canada congratulates Punchard on this outstanding result and celebrates his continued success on the international stage.

For full results, please visit the official UCI website here.