August 11/25 11:33 am - 4th Edition of Rockies 24 Draws 90 Teams & Solo Riders

Posted by Editoress on 08/11/25
 

The fourth Edition of the Rockies 24 took place on the last weekend of July in Canmore, Alberta. A total of 49 Teams, of comprised of teams of 2-10 riders in different categories, as well as 41 Solo riders, took on the flowing 13 kilometre course in the Rockies. Riders came from across Canada, as well as a few from the USA, UK, Australia and even Nepal, took part.

The conditions had been perfect on Friday, but Saturday rain showers turned the course into a slippery and muddy challenge. This year, the course had some added singletrack to enhance the great riding experience for riders of all levels at the world class Canmore Nordic Center.

Julie Kelly from Fernie, BC, claimed the Solo Female overall title, while Frank Charest from nearby Dead Mans Flats claimed it on the men's side; both defending their titles from 2024. The Men's battle was exceptionally tight between Frank and second place finisher Magnus Stenlund, a local from Jasper, Alberta, as well as past winner Nicholas Emsley from Haliburton, Ontario. After 24 hours of racing it came down to just over two minutes between the top two men, with Nicholas another 11 minutes back.

On the Teams side there was good competition throughout the categories, with the "Ascent Cycle I'm not Old Haha" squad from Lethbridge taking the overall title and the large Nepali Khukuri trophy knife home after completing 23 laps. The Corporate category (teams of 6-10) saw the deepest field, with Team McElhanney Moonlighters from Canmore taking the top step after completing 22 laps. Young ripper Connor Duell from Lethbridge took home the fastest Male lap, while Usha Khanal from Nepal took home the fastest Female lap, with both of them receiving Julbo Fury Sunglasses as the reward.

Full Results can be found HERE

Highlights of the weekend were the growing expo area, complete with a Kuma Chill lounge, live music Saturday night, dry conditions for last 18 hours of the race, and the festivities around the race hub. Being able to camp at the Canmore Nordic Center throughout the weekend with the towering Rocky Mountains above and the luxuries of the 1988 Olympic host site on hand is a unique experience.

The goal of the Rockies 24 is to provide a professional race experience with a welcoming atmosphere for riders of all abilities to get out and enjoy some of the best mountain biking Canada has to offer. Whether it's a life changing Solo 24hr ride, or a team building get together with the crew, the Rockies 24 leaves its rider with a weekend to remember. The bike party in the Rockies is growing and we can't wait for edition Number 5 coming up next July!

Huge shout out to all the volunteers and supporters and, of course, our great sponsors:  F2C Nutrition, Squirt Cycling Products, Full on Lighting, Ghostrider Equipment, Kona bikes, Julbo, 4iiii, The Bicycle Cafe, Pink Weasel Coffee and Kuma Outdoors. Without the huge team effort the Rockies 24 would not be possible.

Stay tuned for details on next years edition on the race website at www.rockies24.com

Report courtesy Cory Wallace