Lenzerheide is not only an iconic venue, but it’s also the first combined XCO and DH World Cup of 2023. With the expanded coverage that Warner Bros Discovery is promising this year and the new race format for downhill, it is promising to be a busy weekend for racers and for fans at home.
Here’s the top Canadians to watch when racing starts in Lenzerheide and a look at who their facing from around the globe.
Canadians to watch
Elite downhill
2023 is poised to be a big year for Canada, with juniors Gracey Hemstreet and Jackson Goldstone both moving into the elite ranks after dominant junior careers. They’ll have to get used to the higher level of competition and a completely new race format, with the addition of semi-finals to finals day, but both have strong teams to help them along.
RELATED: How to watch 2023 World Cup XCO and DH in Canada
Finn Iles landed his first elite World Cup in 2022, at home in Canada no less, and finished third overall in the series. That will give him the confidence to take on the French fortress of downhill champs. Lucas Cruz also ended 2022 with his career-best result and first elite top-10. The Norco rider is now teammates with Mark Wallace and Gracey Hemstreet as they look to keep Norco on the downhill scene.
Junior downhill
Tegan Cruz wears the maple leaf and, after some very strong results last year, will be hunting for more in 2023. Bodhi Kuhn (Trek Factory Racing) also earned podiums in 2022. With the full support of Trek Factory Racing this year, the Rossland, B.C. racer will try make an impression in his final junior year.
Three Canadians are on the startline for the junior women’s race, looking to step into Hemstreet’s shoes. Joy Attalla, Sophia Ervington and Emma Wilson will take on a junor women’s field that has seen a lot of turnover this year.
Cross Country
When XC World Cup racing kicked off this year in Nove Mesto, it was Canada’s next generation leading the charge. Emilly Johnston earned her first under-23 World Cup podium. Carter Woods and Cole Punchard pushed into 10th and 11th in the men’s u23 race.
In the elite ranks, it’s Gunnar Holmgren, Leandré Bouchard, Jenn Jackson and Sean Fincham leading the charge. Emily Batty recently joined Catharine Pendrel on the retired list, opening the door for more younger riders to step into the spotlight. It will be…
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