Jenn Jackson didn’t really change her training in 2025. The big change was that the racing changed for her.
“I realized the racing was way more fun when you’re at the pointy end. The racing is way more engaging,” she said.
Jackson snagged third in short track at world championships: Canada’s first elite short track medal. Then she doubled up on national titles and lived inside the fight week after week.
“My worst days were still some of my best days career-wise.”
Why Orbea fit like a switch flicking on
Jackson’s engine didn’t suddenly grow. The platform around it finally matched.
“I wouldn’t say I did anything drastically different with my training or physical preparation this year. Riding with Orbea has been an incredibly positive change for me. As well as the bike,” she said. “From the time I got the bike it just fit me so much better… just a very intuitive, easy fit.”
For years, Jackson managed persistent SI joint pain. That disappeared.
“I was having SI nerve pain in my back,” she said. “The sizing and the geo of the bike was just way easier for me to ride and just put power down consistently so I think I was just not fighting the bike.”
There was a tech jump, too.
“We got a new fork this year from Fox. How much stiffer and smoother the fork is is quite cool actually.” She also switched to Shimano’s new electronic setup. And yes, she’s been on prototype Maxxis compounds: “In wet or damp slippery conditions… this new stuff is gonna make a big difference.”
Worlds bronze, and a little Canadian history
The high point hit in Switzerland.
“It’s the first medal we’ve ever had in short track for Canada in the elite category. It was honestly a really good race for me,” Jackson said. “If there was one day that it could happen, that was the most meaningful one.”
Worlds distilled how she’s learned to race at the front: use information, manage the chaos, act decisively.
“Getting information on how the people around you are doing gives you motivation in the front of the race. It’s easier to act on those things.”
National colours still matter
In an era where some gravity stars skip nationals, Jackson is clear on why she shows up.
“It’s super important for me being a national champion. It means a lot. It means a lot to my sponsors and the team as well,” she said. “I’ll ride in my national champ jersey every day I can.”
This summer she wore both: XCO and…
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