2025 Canada and Missoula
Canmore Continental Series 2025 - River Valdez
Canmore and Missoula Racing Block Recap
The Canmore and Missoula races have been my most successful of the season so far, both physically and mentally. I came away with three podiums, including one 1st place and two 2nd places, and gained a ton of valuable experience heading into Nationals.
Canmore
Canmore was an epic event on a gnarly, technical race track. I had two races that week: the first was a Junior race on Wednesday, worth 20 UCI points, and the main event was the Continental Series race on Saturday, worth 90 UCI points.
I've been taking a different approach to racing during this past block, one that's been both refreshing and surprisingly effective. I heard a pro once say (Kate Courtney, I think) bike racing is like holding a handful of sand: grip it too tightly, and it slips through your fingers; hold it too loosely, and it falls away just the same. The key is finding the sweet spot, which I've been doing more effectively lately.
In the past, my racing and training style has been incredibly focused and intense, often leaving little room for anything else. However, I've recently allowed myself to let go of that rigidity. I've realized it's okay to be a little more free. For example, if a group is heading into town for a walk or getting ice cream two days before a race, I'll go without worry. That might not sound extreme to some, but for me, it's a shift that's made a real difference.
Giving myself the space to enjoy the incredible locations I'm lucky enough to visit has taken the pressure off. It creates a more sustainable environment where I perform well and genuinely enjoy the process and racing.
Junior Race (Wednesday)
I flew in on Tuesday with just enough time to assemble my bike and take a short spin on the course. I didn't have enough time to fully dial in the course, but I didn't let that stress me; I wasn't nervous at the start - I was just excited. I went hard from the start, reaching the singletrack in 9th place. That was not ideal, especially when the group bunched up around a switchback and the leaders opened a gap. However, once things settled down, I bridged back to the front group and broke away from it. Unfortunately, I made some fueling mistakes and a few technical errors, which cost me. I got caught halfway through the final lap by a Canadian rider and couldn't hang with him on the last few climbs. While I wanted more than P2, I was fired up from the knowledge I’d gained and ready to go full gas on Saturday.
Continental Series (Saturday)
This particular race is one of the most prestigious on the calendar, drawing top riders from across the continent. A strong result here is crucial for World Cup eligibility and can open doors with professional teams.
Earlier in the week, the course was dry and dusty, but after several days of rain, the conditions turned ideal - tacky, fast, and perfect for racing.
I knew from Wednesday’s race that getting to the singletrack first would be critical. I pushed significantly harder off the line than two days before and didn't let anyone pass. About three minutes in, I broke away with one other rider. On the technical section of the first full lap, I opened a gap and continued to build it as the race progressed. I felt composed and in control, making very few mistakes. I never had a clear sense of the time gap behind, but I wasn't going to risk being caught. I stayed on the gas to the finish and took the win with a gap of 1 minute and 30 seconds.
I raced nationally and internationally for the past three years. I've been very close to victory so many times. Sometimes losing by a spit second. This win was different. It was a true breakaway, but more importantly, it was a breakthrough. One that I'll carry with me and look back on with pride.
Missoula
A week later, in Missoula, I had another strong result to close out the block. It's one of the most unique XCO courses I've ever raced, starting with a brutal 10-minute climb right out of the gate. I knew I needed to hit it hard and try to break away early.
I rode a solid tempo that dropped everyone except two riders. By the time we hit the descent, only one rider remained with me. We rode together for the remainder of the race, but I couldn't shake him. On the final climb he attacked, I tried to match his pace, but lost his wheel before the top. I hoped to pull him back on the downhill but wasn’t able to and crossed the line in 2nd.
That result gave me enough UCI points to move into 3rd in the world rankings late in the season, which is especially difficult. I'm pumped about that.
Now, I'll be taking a short three-week break from racing to reset and refocus. Next up: the National Championships in Roanoke, Virginia, where I'll be competing in both the Marathon and Cross-Country disciplines. I can't wait.
Jr 17-18 -Canmore Podium - 2025
