Yukon cyclists compete at B.C. championships

Four Yukon cyclists were in Mission, B.C., for the B.C. Provincial Road Championships on Aug. 15, 2021.

Representing U Kon Echelon Bike Club at the event were Alex LeBarge, Mack Jenner, James McCann and Ava Irving-Staley in the first Outside trip for Yukon cyclists since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

LeBarge, Jenner and McCann competed in the men’s Category 4/5 grouping – the largest in the race with 79 men registered to compete. A total of 62 riders started the race, although more than 20 did not finish due to time cuts put in place to ensure adequate time for the elite races to start on time.

McCann had the fastest time of the Yukon male riders, with the 14-year-old impressing the men he rode with.

None of the three finished the race.

Despite being forced to race against men, coach Trena Irving said the trio had fun, learned a lot, and enjoyed the experience with attention now turned to the Canada Summer Games next year.

In women’s competition, Irving-Staley entered with nagging injuries and rode a strong race to finish fifth in the junior women’s category, and it is important to note the top two finishers are heading to Europe for the junior world championships and third place is heading to Spain to race.

During the race, the junior women raced alongside the masters women to form a large peloton, providing valuable race experience.

Next up on the schedule for Yukon cyclists is the Royalty of the Canyon on Aug. 21, and the GRMB race on Aug. 28.

Team Yukon’s, from left to right, Mack Jenner, Alex Lebarge, Ava Irving-Staley, and James McCann. (Submitted/U Kon Echelon Bike Club)