07.21.07 - 2007 Tim Hortons Mountain Bike Nationals - Prémont and Kabush win cross country titles

July 22, 2007 (Sportcom) – Marie-Hélène Prémont and Geoff Kabush of B.C., overcame poor weather conditions to successfully defend their elite cross country titles on Saturday at the Tim Hortons Mountain Bike Nationals being held at Mt. Washington, B.C.

‘’It was a difficult race with the mud, wind, rain and the fact it was only 5 C. There was a lot of running on the course, still I’m pleased with my race,’’ said Prémont, now with five straight national titles. ‘’I didn’t have any mechanical problems and it went well for me on the difficult parts of the course. I managed my race well and I felt in control.’’

Last week’s Pan American Games champion Catharine Pendrel of Kamloops finished second 4:45 behind Prémont. Kiara Bisaro, also from B.C., was third.

In the men’s race, Geoff Kabush finished ahead of Max Plaxton of B.C., by just under 30 seconds. Derek Zandstra of Ontario won the bronze.

‘’The weather caused a lot of trouble because it rained here all week,’’ said Kabush. ‘’It’s hard on the body and the bike. It was an exciting race and I focused on staying in control. I can tell you I’ll be sore tonight. This is my hometown and I adored racing here. It was really important for me.’’

In the under 23 races, Emily Batty of Ontario and Neal Kindree of B.C., were the winners.

July 21st results

Elite W
1- Marie-Helene Premont (QC) Rocky Mountain / Haywood 1h 50min 44.075
2- Catharine Pendrel (BC) Norco Factory Team 1h 55min 30.651
3- Kiara Bisaro (BC) Opus Bikes 1h 57min 24.501
4- Amanda Sin (ON) 3 Rox Racing 1h 58min 44.851
5- Wendy Simms (BC) Kona Les Gets 1h 59min 57.818

U23 W
1- Emily Batty (ON) Team R.A.C.E 2h 12min 58.718
2- Meghan Kindree (BC) Team Squamish 2h 17min 02.906
3- Catherine Vipond (ON) Team Trek Store 2h 19min 50.606

Elite M
1- Geoff Kabush (BC) Maxxis 1h 58min 51.678
2- Max Plaxton (BC) Rocky Mountain / Haywood 1h 59min 14.440
3- Derek Zandstra (ON) 3 Rox Racing / Scott 2h 00min 25.347
4- Seamus McGrath (BC) Rocky Mountain / Haywood 2h 02min 24.016
5- Kris Sneddon (BC) Kona Les Gets 2h 06min 32.532

U23 M
1- Neal Kindree (BC) Kona/Les Gets Factory Team 2h 07min 54.103
2- Raphaël Gagné (QC) Équipe Quebec/Rocky Mtn Haywood 2h 10min 42.102
3- Daniel Sessford (YT) Team Yukon - Everti/Schwalbe 2h 14min 38.49