It’s about finding the speed when nobody else can.
For Squamish mountain biker Lacey Dennis, a sharp curve in the track or an unexpected decline poses an opportunity for velocity—which she’s been taking advantage of during races all over the continent. The 16-year-old, who has just entered her first year in the junior (U19) category, has been making a name for herself in both cross-country Olympic and cross-country short-track races.
“I’ve started to get more used to the pressure now that I’ve done it for quite a few years,” Dennis told The Squamish Chief, after returning from the Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, where she represented Team B.C.
Dennis is coming off an incredibly successful season, which included being named the B.C. provincial champion for the third year in a row. She travelled to the U.S. Pro Cup and Canada Cup races, becoming a regular fixture on the podium.
To prepare for these competitions, Dennis trained six times a week in the Highlands of Squamish, using the Diamond Head and Mashiter trails.
“Two of those days are work days where I’m doing intervals and pushing at race pace, getting my heart rate up, and the rest of those are endurance days,” she said.
“Those trails I started out riding on are what made me love riding my bike.”
RESULTS
(XCC = short track, XCO = Olympic)
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Temecula, California Pro Cup:
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XCC = 14th
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XCC = 10th
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Arkansas Pro cup:
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XCO #1 = 14th
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XCC = 10th
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XCO #2 = 13th
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School provincials (Powell River):
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Enduro = 9th
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XCO = 1st
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BC provincials:
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XCO = 1st
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Canmore (Canada Cup):
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XCO #1 = 7th
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XCC = 5th
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XCO #2 = 13th
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Utah (Soho) US Pro Cup:
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XCO #1 = 2nd
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XCC = 2nd
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XCO #2 = 3rd
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Whistler (Canada Cup):
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XCC = 7th
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XCO = 9th
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Canada Summer Games (TEAM BC):
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XCO = 3rd
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Team Relay = 3rd
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XCC = 5th
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