Squamish’s Neal Kindree was one of 13 athletes named to the Canadian team for the 2007 Mountain Bike World Championships in Fort William, Scotland. The competition runs from Sept. 4 to 9, and includes World Cup cross-country, downhill, four-cross, and dual slalom races.
Because the cross-country event is the only discipline in the Olympics, the Canadian Cycling Association only provides funding for cross-country racers.
Kindree will be on the Under 23 team, along with Victoria’s Max Plaxtgon, and Raphael Gagne of Quebec. Emily Batty of Ontario is the only female Under 23 race.
In the Elite category, Canada will be represented by Geoff Kabush of Victoria, Duncan’s Seamus McGrath, and Abbotsford’s Ricky Federau.
On the women’s side, the team includes Marie-Helene Premont of Quebec, Kiara Bisaro of Courtenay, and Catharine Pendrel of Kamloops.
The junior men will be represented by Jeff Clarkson of Victoria and Francis Morin and Andreanne Pichette of Quebec.
The downhill team has yet to be announced, but Whistler’s Jeff Beatty and Claire Buchar are likely candidates for the team.
Swimmers take to Kits Beach
Several athletes from Whistler took part in the annual Kits Open Water Swim on Saturday at Kits Beach.
In the 3,000 metre swim, Whistler’s David Higgins placed fourth overall with a time of 37 minutes and 23 seconds. Trent Argent placed eighth overall in 40:31. Samantha Ellis was 11 th overall and second among women in 42:29.
In the 1,500 metre race, Sherri Fleck was 19 th overall in 25:51.
Seymour hosts 5 Peaks series
Mount Seymour hosted the third race in the B.C. 5 Peaks series this past Saturday.
On the 9.5 km course, Richard Potter placed 16 th overall and fourth in the men’s 40 to 49 category in 51:53.
Walter Wallgram, who raced the Knee Knacker two weeks before, finished 23 rd overall and third in the men’s 50 to 59 category in 56:01.
Robert Tan was 133 rd overall and 31 st in the men’s 40 to 49 race in 1:11:17.
Running in the Clydesdale category for runners over 200 pounds, Whistler’s Kevin Creery placed second in the men’s 30 to 39 category in 41:48.
There was also a 6 km sport race.
Tory Younger placed second in the women’s 20 to 29 category in 41:38.
Caroline L’Heureux was sixth in the same category in 43:17.
Tracy Jackson was fifth in women’s 40 to 49 in 45:54.
Anik Champoux was 12 th in 20 to 29 in 49:07.
Leslie Garbutt ws 22 nd in women’s 30 to 39 in 50:48.
Whistler will host the fourth race in the 5 Peaks series on Aug. 25. As in recent years the course will follow high alpine trails on Whistler Mountain, starting and finishing at the Roundhouse Lodge. Last year more than 400 people took part.
To register, visit www.5peaks.com.
