The first ever Canadian snow bike motocross race was a big success, with more than 40 racers taking part, including the X-Games gold and bronze medallists, and hundreds coming out to watch.
Cody Matechuk, who won bronze at the inaugural X-Games snow bike race last month, took the win in the pro class, winning the first race and finishing fourth in the second.
Brock Hoyer, who won gold at the X-Games, finished second. He won the second race, but a stall in race one knocked him down to fifth spot, costing him the chance at adding the MCQMX Canada Snow Bike MX title to his trophy case.
“It’s been pretty phenomenal and been a great time,” said Hoyer between races. “It’s cool to see the snow bike sport grow like this and hopefully it’s around for a long time.”
The races took place at the Revy Riders dirt bike track at the end of Westside Road on Saturday, Feb. 4. Forty people took part in the race over four categories — pro, mod, intermediate and sportsman – and at least 100 people came out to watch the races.
The star of the mod and intermediate classes was Revelstoke’s Seth Chevrier, who won all four races on a borrowed Dirt Lump snow bike.
Photo: Seth Chevrier crosses the finishing line after winning the second men’s intermediate race of the day.
Chevrier said the conditions were challenging, with about 10 centimetres of fresh snow overlying a hard and icy surface.
“You definitely have to be on edge a bit and be careful where you’re choosing your lines,” he said.
Chevrier, who races on dirt bikes the rest of the year, said racing snow bikes was a challenge.
“You have a track on the back and with the snow always changing, compared to dirt which is more hard packed, it’s different every lap,” he said. “You have to be on your toes and always pay attention.”
Hoyer praised the Revy Riders track and the work of the groomers to keep it in good shape.
“We’ve been racing on some tracks that are pretty low key,” he said. “This is longer, a little bit more technical.”
Photo: Spectators stay warm by the fire while watching the race.
Organizer Stuart McQueen was happy with the race. He thanked the sponsors, Revy Riders, Revelstoke Snowmobile Club, City of Revelstoke, Tourism Revelstoke and the community for their support.
“It’s a really fast growing sport and I know we’ll be over 100 (racers) next year. It’s encouraging for all the work,” he said.
At night the fans were treated to a big show where Brett Turcotte put on a freestyle demonstration complete with pyrotechnics.
Full results from the race are availaible here.
The next race is on Saturday, Feb. 25, in Revelstoke.
Photo: Jayden Luhning leads Mike Horsefield through the berm during the second sportsman class race.
