Sixty-three cyclists took part in the Vortex Cyclocross race at Munson Mountain Sunday.
Among the riders was Olympian and current world champion Catherine Pendrel, who lives in Kamloops.
“It’s really exciting,” said Harp. “We were quite excited to have her.”
Harp said that Pendrel spearheaded the series, which has grown from two to eight races, which includes Big White, Vernon, Kelowna 1, Revelstoke, Kamloops, Salmon Arm and Kelowna 2.
The Penticton event attracted riders from Revelstoke, Kamloops, Vernon and Kelowna. While the numbers were similar to last year, there was an increase in kids, 20, as a course was created for them to have a mini race. They will continue to have a kids course for that development.
Harp said they always receive strong feedback about the event.
“It’s a small circuit maze people enjoy,” she said. “People find that a lot of fun. The young kids were out with push bikes. We are just excited to see the series is growing so much.”
On their Facebook page, BC Interior Cyclocross thanked PACA for putting on an “amazing race.”
“This years vortex was awesome! We though the Elite/Sport race was going to whip up a tornado as they went around! The specially designed mini kids cross course was a huge hit! Wicked job guys and gals!”
Harp added they are working on changing the location of the event to tie in with a vineyard.
On Saturday, PACA hosted their 11th annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking event. They had 32 kids sign up.
