07.18.07 - Prémont, Pendrel headline 2007 Tim Hortons Mountain Bike Nationals

Montreal, July 18, 2007 (Sportcom) – Mount Washington, B.C., on Vancouver Island is ready to host the 2007 Tim Hortons Mountain Bike Nationals July 19-22.

Marie-Hélène Prémont, a three-time World Cup medallist this season, is the heavy favourite in the women’s cross country competition scheduled for Saturday. Her top challengers include Kiara Bisaro (B.C.,) and Catherine Pendrel of Kamloops. Pendrel, originally from Fredericton, won the cross country gold medal at the Pan Am Games this week.

‘’Marie-Hélène is a notch ahead of everybody but Kiara consistently provides strong performances. Catherine has had time to rest since the Pan Ams and she’ll be ready for nationals,’’ said Kris Westwood, the high performance program director for the Canadian Cycling Association.

In men’s competition, Geoff Kabush is the favorite. Seamus McGrath and Max Plaxton are his top challengers. All three riders are from B.C. ‘’Seamus can deliver strong performances and Max can keep close to other two, although his main focus is the under-23 title,’’ said Westwood. ‘’Mathieu Toulouse, sixth at the Pan Am Games, is another one to watch.’’

In the women’s downhill, a new champion will be crowned with the absence of last year’s victor Michelle Dumaresq. On the men’s side, Tyler Morland seek to successfully defend his title.