Logan Sadesky, the 24-year-old cross-country mountain biking star from Canmore, achieved a career milestone on July 12, clinching his first major victory in the elite men’s XCC (Cross-Country Short Course) category at the Canada Cup.
Facing a competitive field, Sadesky’s performance was nothing short of spectacular as he sprinted to victory in a nail-biting finish. The race, a grueling 1.25-kilometer lap completed five times, saw Sadesky push his limits, reaching speeds of up to 55 km/h in the final dash. He crossed the line a mere 0.37 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Carter Woods and 0.60 seconds in front of Ian Ackert, who took third.
“The decisive moment came on that final approach to the finish line,” Sadesky reflected. “Over the years, I’ve learned that being the second wheel heading into the final sprint is crucial. I managed to position myself perfectly and overtook the rider ahead of me.”
Historically, short races have not always played to Sadesky’s strengths, but his familiarity with the Dieppe course provided him with a distinct advantage this time. “The course has some technical features, but it’s mostly about positioning and preparing for the final lap showdown,” he explained.
As one of Canada’s top-ranked mountain bikers, Sadesky is now gearing up for the Canadian Championships, taking place from July 18-21 in Kentville, Nova Scotia. With his recent victory and in peak condition, Sadesky is eager to challenge himself further. “I’m not the fastest rider in Canada, but in mountain bike racing, anything can happen,” he said.
Joining Sadesky at the nationals will be two more Canmore riders: teenagers Larix Hallett and Charlie Pittard, both competing for Team Alberta.
Hallett, 16, showcased a strong performance in Dieppe, finishing eighth in the 15km XCO among U17 boys with a time of 48:09.18. After adjusting his strategy following an 18th-place finish in the XCC, Hallett led much of the short track race but lacked the stamina to secure a top position. “The competition this year is exceptionally fast, so tactics are crucial,” he noted. Hallett, known for his strong starts and descent skills, is optimistic about his chances at the upcoming nationals.
Pittard, 14, is the youngest competitor in the U17 girls’ category but remains undeterred by her age. Representing Team Alberta, Pittard finished 23rd in the XCO and 24th in the XCC at Dieppe. “Competing against older riders has been challenging, but it’s given me insight into the speeds I need to compete at higher levels,” Pittard commented.
With promising performances from Canmore’s rising stars, the Canadian Championships are set to be an exciting showcase of mountain biking talent.
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