The 2025 BC Bike Race kicked off in spectacular style today as 450 racers from 37 countries descended on North Cowichan for the start of a week-long adventure through British Columbia’s legendary trails.
This year, we’re thrilled to have the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds (CowEx) as a brand new basecamp location. With Mount Prevost and Mount Sicker standing tall in the background and Maple Mountain and Mount Tzouhalem trail networks promising epic rides, the stage is set for an unforgettable few days.
The pastoral Cowichan Exhibition Grounds, our basecamp for the first three days of BCBR 2025.
A Warm Welcome
The energy was electric at the Day 1 racer meeting, where the legend, Brett Tippie, got racers pumped for the week with his signature humor and infectious laugh. BCBR Co-founders Andreas Hestler and Dean Payne officially welcomed the riders and introduced the incredible team that makes this race world-class, from our always smiling red shirt army of staff and volunteers to our world class medical crew.
As he has for many years, medical team veteran Brooks Hogya once again delivered the most entertaining safety talk in mountain biking—if you know, you know—reminding everyone to take care of each other, stay hydrated and be wildlife aware.
Brett Tippie opened the racer meeting with high vibe fun (left) and medical team veteran Brooks Hogya reprised his fan-favourite safety talk, demonstrating here how to stave off hypothermia (right).
Stage 1: Maple Mountain Warmup presented by Pearl Izumi
With temperatures hitting 31°C, racers tackled a 33 km stage on Maple Mountain that tested legs, lungs and fuelling strategies. Some exhausted but exhilarated faces crossed the finish line, already swapping trail stories.
For a full breakdown of the race results and highlights, check out the race report by Terry McKall.
Brent Martin, founder of Ryder’s Eyewear, one of BC Bike Race’s first sponsors, rolls out of the start chute.
With temperatures hitting 31 degrees celcius for day 1, racers took full advantage of today’s Aid Station and the Shimano Tech Station.
Reunions, Legends & Firsts
This year marks the highest number of returning racers ever, with 185 alumni coming back for more. The morning registration was a heartwarming scene of hugs, high fives and the rekindling of trail friendships.
Among the familiar faces was Graham Fitch, proudly sporting a vintage 2007 BCBR jersey. Graham has ridden every single stage in the race’s 19-year history and is already planning to return for the big 2-0 next year!
We also celebrated a special moment as Moniera Khan, a huge part of our Racer Relations team over the past 10 years, stepped out from behind the scenes to race. The room erupted in cheers as she was recognized by President Dean Payne. After finishing the Prologue, she shared, “The BCBR racing community is so special. I felt so loved and supported today and it helped so much on the tough climbs.”
Left: The Ironman, Graham Fitch, gets ready for another 7 days of BC Bike Race.
Right: Plenty of vintage BCBR jerseys were on display as 185 alumni have joined us this year.
Moniera Khan, our Racer Relations lead is on the other side of the race tape this year.
E-BCBR Debut
For the first time ever, BCBR welcomed a small but mighty e-bike category! Among the pioneers were Mauricio Rojas and his son Mauricio Jr., who received a last-minute gift of race entries from a friend.
“We are singletrack lovers and this is a very special race with the most beautiful singletrack, right? We are here to prove it,” said Mauricio Senior.
Let the Adventure Begin
Day 1 set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable week. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned vet, the BC Bike Race is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of mountain biking at its finest.
Stay tuned for more updates, stories, and snapshots from the trail.
Words by Carmel Ecker
Photos by Deniz Merdano, Dave Silver and Petri