Canadian
Cyclist Association - Hill and Ryckman Crowned Canadian
BMX
Champions
The cruiser event (on which riders compete on 24-inch wheels)
concluded the Tim Hortons BMX Nationals cycling competition
on Sunday at Bromont, Que. Lee Ryckman of Ontario
and Kevin Hill of B.C., were crowned the Canadian
elite champions.
There were five entries in the men’s elite race. ‘’With
less than eight entries each rider raced three times and
an overall standing was based on those performances,’’
said Chantal Philie, the BMX technical director for
the Quebec Cycling Federation.
Hill clinched the title with the victories in the opening
two races then sideswiped a crash to complete the sweep.
The battle for silver was fierce and Karsten Millman,
third in Saturday’s junior elite race (20-inch wheels),
prevailed for second overall and Christopher DaSilva
of Ontario was third.
There were two entries in the women’s competition won
by Ryckman. Junior-aged Karin Newcombe of Ontario
still competed despite injuries said Philie.
Paul-Émile Doucet of Pointe-du Lac, Que.,
was the under-12 winner while Hunter Foster of Ontario
took the 13-14 age group. Kyle Pearson of Ontario
was tops in the 15-16 age group.
The difficult Bromont course didn’t deter the competitors.
‘’The course is very challenging with several
jumps. However most of the riders competed in the 20-inch
tire races on Friday and Saturday and where familiar with
the course. As well the weather was ideal with less wind
than on Saturday,’’ said Philie.
While the cruiser event is not on the Olympic menue, it
will be on the program at the world championships in Victoria
July 26-29. Canadians have a final opportunity to qualify
for the worlds at the ICU Crabtree International July 7
in Crabtree, Que.
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