Sun Peaks gears up for National Downhill Championships

The highly anticipated Sun Peaks National Downhill (DH) Championships are back from July 25 to July 27 and this year the excitement is at an all-time high.

With all 350 racing spots sold out and a growing waitlist of over 100 riders, the event is set to bring the best downhill mountain bikers from across the country, all vying for a chance to represent Canada at the World Championships.

“We are sold out,” Stephen Exley, race director & event specialist, said. “Three hundred and fifty racers from all over Canada are attending and competing to make it to the World Championships. The best riders from this event will get selected to go and represent Canada at Worlds.”

Sun Peaks, already a hotspot for outdoor adventure, will transform into a competitive arena filled with adrenaline, skill and pride, and it’s not only the athletes who will be benefiting from this event.

“It ends up being anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 people at a resort at any given time and staying in the local hotels, eating at the local restaurants, both in Kamloops and up at the resort,” Exley said.

A key advantage to using Sun Peaks Resort is the high-speed lift system, which can transport multiple bikes per chair, allowing for smooth and efficient rider flow.

“The number of racers per hour that we can get from the base to the start of the course is very proficient,” Exley said.

While the race format will remain largely the same, riders can expect some new elements on the course this year.

“The course changes each year, but the race will be as proficient and similar to the previous year.”