Season Kick Off Announcement
Attention all mountain biking enthusiasts! The much-awaited Ontario Cup (OCup) Mountain Bike Series is back in action and is set to kick off on May 6th-7th, 2023. This year, the OCup MTB Series promises an even more exciting experience for riders and fans alike. Ontario Cycling has partnered with local clubs and venues to bring you three thrilling OCups and the Provincial Championships.
The 2023 OCup MTB Series features three new courses to test riders’ skills. The courses will be held at Mansfield Outdoor Centre, Sudbury’s Walden Trails, and Kelso Conservation Area. In addition, the series will also return to Hardwood Ski & Bike for another joint national and provincially sanctioned Canada Cup/OCup weekend. Riders will have the chance to compete against the best of the best and showcase their skills in these top-notch venues.
Registration is now open for all events! Enjoy the series registration package and discounted rates for all three OCup events. The package is available until Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023, so make sure to register before the deadline. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of the 2023 OCup MTB Series and experience the thrill of mountain biking at its finest. We hope to see you all there!
Get back into the saddle with MTB OCup #1 at Mansfield.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre (MOC). Conveniently located only an hour north of the GTA and just north of the charming village of Mansfield, MOC is thrilled to return to the Ontario Cup MTB series in partnership with Ontario Cycling and the Collingwood Collective cycling club. This dynamic collaboration ensures that riders can expect a top-notch racing experience.
Located in the picturesque Mulmur Hills, MOC is a full-service, four-season property that offers access to an extensive network of single and doubletrack trails. Riders of all levels can enjoy these trails year-round thanks to the dedicated team of experienced trail builders who work tirelessly to maintain the trails and ensure that visitors have an exceptional experience.
MOC’s naturally hilly sand-based course is the perfect challenge for riders looking to test their climbing skills early in the racing season. This year, the OCup season starts a little later on May 7th, giving riders time to prepare for the exciting event. With its breathtaking scenery and thrilling terrain, MOC is a must-visit destination for any mountain biking enthusiast. Don’t miss your chance to experience the beauty and excitement of the Ontario Cup MTB series at Mansfield Outdoor Centre.
For more information on Mansfield Outdoor Centre, click here.
Making a return to Hardwood Ski & Bike for OCup #2.
Get ready for a weekend of intense racing action! The second race of the OCup MTB Series is set to return to the world-renowned Hardwood Ski & Bike venue, where riders will compete in another joint Canada Cup-OCup weekend. Hardwood Ski & Bike is a proven international race venue, having hosted multiple national championship events and the Pan Am Games in previous years. This iconic venue is known for its challenging trails, including the infamous “boneshaker” section that tests riders’ skills and endurance.
With over 50km of technical singletrack and 34km of rolling doubletrack, riders of all levels can find their perfect challenge. From beginner to elite, Hardwood’s trails offer endless opportunities for passing and riding. Located just 15 minutes north of Barrie, Hardwood is open year-round for riding, making it the perfect training ground for riders to hone their skills.
What sets Hardwood apart from other MTB venues is its unparalleled on-site facilities, including showers, a bike wash, and a fully stocked bike shop.
The dedicated staff also ensures that trail operations are in top-notch condition, providing riders with a seamless experience. We have no doubt that Hardwood’s Canada Cup/OCup weekend will once again be a hit in 2023, providing riders with a challenging and entertaining racing experience. Don’t miss out on this exciting event. Register now and join us at Hardwood Ski & Bike for an unforgettable weekend of mountain biking!
For more information on Hardwood Ski & Bike, click here. To see more information about the event and learn more about the lead organizer Pulse Racing click here.
Second new course is returning to the series.
Nestled amidst the rugged landscape of Northern Ontario, Sudbury is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking natural beauty and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Sudbury is a mountain biker’s paradise with over 300 freshwater lakes, sprawling forests, and stunning rock formations.
The second new course returning this season is the picturesque Walden Trails Park, less than 20min outside of downtown Sudbury. Taking in the beautiful Canadian Shield on and off the race course, this won’t be an event you will want to miss. Utilizing the naturally rocky terrain to its fullest advantage when designing the course, the Walden Mountain Bike Club is excited to return to the Ontario Cup calendar since running back-to-back Canada Cup events in 2013 & 14. The third and final round of the MTB OCup series will be a test of technical ability and endurance, where riders with strong technical prowess and who can ride the critical rocky sections lap after lap consistently will shine.
For riders who dabble in both MTB and Road cycling, consider spending the week in Northeastern Ontario and participating in the North Bay Road Provincial Championships, which happens just five days later and creates an amazing weeklong cycling adventure exploring the beautiful but mostly untapped cycling routes throughout the region.
For more information on Walden Trails and the Walden Mountain Bike Club click here.
Closing the season with a highlight at Kelso.
The 2023 Provincial Championships will return to Kelso Conservation Area to cap off the end of a great summer of racing. Kelso Conservation Area is a playground for outdoor adventure. In the spring, summer and fall, Kelso has an extensive network of trails that can be used for hiking or mountain biking, and a Challenge Course that provides an opportunity for visitors to push their limits and reach new heights. Kelso is also home to a community of both beginner and expert cyclists who participate in local events, mountain bike lessons, and summer camps. The park is accommodating to all skill levels; new and seasoned mountain bikers of all kinds are sure to find their favourite trail at Conservation Halton. Reservations are required to access the park outside of race day.
Come participate in what will surely be a memorable weekend of racing at Kelso once again. Located in the GTA within a 35min drive from downtown Toronto and the majority of cyclists within the province, we hope to see one of the biggest fields of the season come out to celebrate the conclusion of the MTB season and the many provincial champions that will be crowned. Kelso has an extensive network of trails that is open to the public season-long and a wide range of trails for every ability level. Characterized by its steep climb up the escarpment/ski slopes during the winter and its dusty conditions, it was a war of attrition when provincial championships were last held at Kelso in 2018. Maintaining a big cardio engine up until this point in the season and being able to capitalize on the flowing descents will pay dividends for what is sure to be a test for all participants.
For more information on
Kelso Conservation Area, click here.
Be part of the OCup Series.
With registration open now, we encourage everyone to take advantage of the series registration, as the series registration offer expires on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023.
However, please note that in order to sign up for the 2023 Mountain Bike Provincial Championships, a rider has to have participated in at least one of the 2023 Ontario Cup MTB series events. In addition, an exemption application form has been created for anyone who requires an exemption due to injury, illness or any other extenuating circumstances. To be linked in the Provincial Championships tech guide closer to the event.