Catharine Pendrel

7 Months later, this time wearing the rainbow stripes around my chest rather than racing to gain them, it felt like things were starting up where they left off. Maja and I were battling it out at the front of a race. This weekend however, one of the best women in the world was also my Canadian teammate Emily Batty, who showed she is not only aiming to make the Olympic team, but can go to London and perform. It’s always exciting when new riders reach the podium, and in such a convincing fashion, as it raises the bar for all of us. I couldn’t help feeling proud mid-race at the level and depth of the women’s field. The racing was tight, fast and covered some pretty gnarly sections. It was awesome. Photo By Rob Jones And the race breakdown? I had one of my best starts ever, only to get caught behind a crash about 150 m in and ended up way back watching the girls in front of me snake up the switch back climb with no passing opportunities. But yes, I have lots of experience comi

Well there is really no better way for the season to start than with reuniting with the team for a fun weekend in Texas, not to mention having good legs and feeling sharp technically. It was my first time to Texas and there were quickly some cool things to note When you say “Have a good ride” to some one they may respond “Yes mam” People write yall in emails I saw a live camel being transported along the highway.   Yup that was a double take Happening downtown in Austin Fun fans with lots of young girls taking up our sport Cool trails to ride                                           Our future national team riders came out to race and watch                                                               Photo: Dave McElwaine In the past, the race has been held on the infamous (lance) Armstrong ranch.   That property being sold we now ironically raced at the Ullrich family ranch. The race was going to be fast, sub 1hr 20 with only 4 laps and the field wa