The highly anticipated Canadian Open Enduro race took center stage as grand finale of Crankworx Whistler, captivating riders and spectators alike. Co-produced by Crankworx and the Canadian Enduro League and sanctioned by Cycling Canada, this prestigious event saw elite riders from across the globe competing for the sought-after Canadian Championship titles.
The atmosphere was one of electricity as riders gathered to take on the challenging and newly unveiled Canadian Enduro MTB Championship track.
Several classic stages from the event’s past returned this year. Racers got to challenge themselves from summit to valley, racing the iconic Top of the World trail. Former Enduro World Series stages and notorious Blackcomb tech trails Crazy Train and Hey Bud were back on the menu after several years away. While Whistler Mountain Bike Park added more race stages, on the main mountain and in the newer Creekside area, including new trails Odessa and Call Me Maybe, before finally finishing below in Skiers Plaza in Whistler Village.
As the afternoon progressed, it became evident that this would be a day to remember in the Canadian mountain biking community, as Jesse Melamed and Brittany Phelan emerged triumphant as Canadian Open Enduro champions claiming their coveted maple leaf sleeves. Additionally, the hard-charging Canucks ended up dominating five of the six total tspots across the Elite Men’s and Women’s podiums. The strong Canadian contingency showcased their skills, resilience and determination on the physically demanding track.
Sea-to-Sky local, and last year’s EWS Whistler Champion, Jesse Melamed expressed a mixture of elation and relief following his big win on home soil.
He acknowledged the tough competition posed by Rhys Verner, (who currently leads Melamed by 79 pts in the Enduro World Cup standings) and the pressure to perform well.
Brittany Phelan, beaming with joy, expressed her satisfaction with the day’s races. Her familiarity with the first two stages helped her secure a good lead, and she reveled in the opportunity to ride well and hit her lines perfectly.
The men’s category saw Rhys Verner put up a spirited fight, winning stage four and earning himself a well-deserved second-place finish. Meanwhile, in the women’s category, Miranda Miller demonstrated her veteran prowess on short-notice as she also dug deep to clinch the third spot on the podium.
Rhys Verner, who pushed Jesse Melamed to his limits, spoke of the tough battles they fought on several stages.
Miranda Miller, who made a last-minute decision to race, embraced the challenges of enduro racing. She found joy and fulfillment in the day’s events, particularly relishing the technical and fun trails.
The Canadian Open Enduro race at Crankworx Whistler lived up to its reputation as a premier event in the mountain biking world. The thrilling races, heartening performances, and emotional quotes from the champions showcased the spirit of camaraderie and passion that unite riders from around the globe.
As the dust settled on the thrilling final day of another unforgettable festival, the mountain biking community celebrated the triumphs of the champions and the indomitable spirit of all the riders who took part. The thrilling races, heartening performances, and emotional moments from the champions showcased the spirit of camaraderie and passion that unite riders from around the globe.
Canadian Open Enduro Results:
- Jesse MELAMED (CAN) / Brittany PHALEN (CAN) – 45:54.6
- Rhys VERNER (CAN)– 38:11.6 / Miranda MILLER (CAN) – 46:31.4
- Remi GAUVIN (CAN) – 38:41.5 / Florencia ESPINEIRA HERREROS (CHI) – 48:32.4
Full results: crankworx.com/results
About Crankworx World Tour
Crankworx is the ultimate experience in mountain biking. Born in Whistler, B.C. in 2004, Crankworx has evolved into a multi-stop international festival series. The Crankworx World Tour brings together the best mountain bike athletes to compete in elite-level competitions in a variety of disciplines. Crankworx World Tour festivals also host races for amateurs, Kidsworx contests for young riders, participatory events, and celebrations of mountain bike culture, all while showcasing amazing destinations.
Official website: crankworx.com
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