Defending Champions, Olympians and World-Class Riders, All set for a Battle Royale
The “The Ultimate Singletrack Experience,” returns for its 19th year, bringing together Olympians, world-cup riders, national champions, and passionate amateurs to ride British Columbia’s legendary trails. What many have called “the best week on a bike” or “summer camp for adults.”
From June 30 – July 6th, 450 riders from 37 countries will roll into BC’s mountain biking mecca to take on handcrafted singletrack, breathtaking terrain, and the unmatched stoke that defines the BC Bike Race experience. While some arrive with podium ambitions, the majority come in search of a life-changing journey.
The racers are ready. It’s GO TIME!!
At the front of the pack, past champions and rising stars will line up in both the men’s and women’s pro fields. Throughout the week, BC Bike Race will spotlight stories from across the peloton—pros, amateurs, first-timers, and veterans alike—stay tuned on the BCBR blog and BCBR social media channels.
Follow the action and get inspired.
Men’s Race Preview
Returning to defend his 2024 title is Sean Fincham, Canada’s top XC talent and a World Cup-caliber athlete with multiple national championship podiums. Last year, Fincham clinched victory in a dramatic showdown with his teammate Andrew L’Esperance, a Tokyo 2020 Olympian and long-time World Cup competitor. Both riders return in top form—setting the stage for another battle royale.
Also lining up are some of the sport’s most iconic names:
• Geoff Kabush – Olympic veteran, multi-time Canadian National Champion, and a past BC Bike Race winner with a legendary resume that includes World Cup wins, podiums and NORBA titles.
• Quinton & Peter Disera – Canadian powerhouses with deep World Cup experience; Quinton is a national champion, and Peter has been a consistent top North American performer.
• Rob Britton – Former road pro and winner of the Tour of Utah, now forging a reputation as a gravel and MTB force.
• Cory Wallace – 4x 24-Hour Solo World Champion and multi-time Canadian Marathon Champion known for his resilience and love of epic stage races.
Adding international flair to the front of the pack:
• Matthew Wilson – New Zealand’s 2023 XCO Elite National Champion with a powerful all-round skill set.
• Matthew Bird (Australia) – A fast-rising talent with an appetite for stage racing.
• Evan Gertsch (Switzerland) – A dual-discipline threat in cross-country skiing and MTB, bringing both fitness and finesse to the field.
Everyone is primed and ready. Who will be on the podium this year?
Women’s Race Preview
The women’s race promises fireworks once again.
Maghalie Rochette, last year’s champion, returns to defend her title after overcoming late-race mechanical setbacks to seal a dramatic victory in 2024. A Canadian cyclocross national champion and World Cup podium finisher, she brings speed, heart, and huge fan appeal.
Joining her are several heavy hitters:
• Katerina Nash – Olympic icon, multi-discipline legend, and arguably the most decorated BC Bike Race champion in history. Her return adds significant firepower to the field.
• Sandra Walter – World Cup veteran and perennial top Canadian finisher who is carving out space in her international calendar to return to the singletrack she loves.
• Maja Wloszczowska – Two-time Olympic silver medalist (2008, 2016), multiple-time World Champion medalist, and a true legend of the sport.
• Nathalie Schneitter – Former XC World Cup winner and eMTB World Champion (2019, 2023), racing alongside Maja and bringing depth to the field.
• Usha Khanal – Is a certified MTB and trekking guide and is the Nepal 2023 Downhill and XC National Champion.
Thanks to the Communities and Clubs, whose support make this event possible:
Cowichan Valley, Crofton – CTSS (Cowichan Trail Stewardship Society)
Nanaimo – NMBC (Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club)
Cumberland (Comox Valley) – UROC (United Riders of Cumberland)
Campbell River – RCCC (River City Cycle Club)