Top Canadian Pros to Headline the 2026 Burnt Bridge Classic / Canadian Gravel Championships

Cowichan Valley, BC — June 14, 2026 — The 2026 Burnt Bridge Classic / Felt Canadian Gravel Championships is set to deliver the deepest and most competitive field in the event’s history, with a powerhouse lineup of Canada’s top gravel and off‑road athletes confirmed to race.

This year’s Championships will feature Adam Roberge, Mike Woods, Rob Britton, Andrew L'Esperance, Ben Perry, Hailey Smith, and Lucy Hempstead—a collection of national champions, World Tour veterans, and rising stars who collectively represent the pinnacle of Canadian endurance sport.

Their presence signals a major step forward for the Burnt Bridge Classic as it continues its rapid ascent as one of the country’s premier gravel events.

Featured Riders & Recent Results

Adam Roberge - Prevost, Quebec

One of North America’s most dominant gravel specialists, as a Felt Bicycles Sponsored athlete, Roberge enters 2026 with a string of marquee results:

• Multiple podiums in the Life Time Grand Prix

• The Mid South Gravel (5th Place)

• Valley of Tears Gravel (3rd Place)

• The Traka 200 (Top 40)

• Consistent top‑five finishes across major U.S. and Canadian gravel events His blend of power, aerodynamics, and race‑craft makes him a favourite on the fast, rolling terrain of the Cowichan Valley.

Mike Woods - Ottawa, Ontario

The Olympian and Grand Tour stage winner continues to make waves in gravel after transitioning from the WorldTour:

• UCI Gravel World Series - The Gralloch (7th Place)

• 2026 Levi’s Gran Fondo "Growler" road race 6th place in the elite men's division

• Strong early‑season form in 2026 with podiums in mixed‑terrain events Woods’ explosive climbing and tactical depth make him a threat on the Burnt Bridge climbs.

Rob Britton - Victoria, BC

A former WorldTour pro turned gravel powerhouse, Britton remains one of Canada’s most consistent endurance athletes:

• 2025 Unbound Gravel XL (1st Place)

• 2024 Shasta Gravel Hugger (1st Place)

• Winner of BWR BC Canada (2023)

• Podiums at Unbound 100 and Gravel Worlds age‑group categories

• Multiple top‑five finishes in Canadian gravel events His diesel engine and experience on long, punishing courses align perfectly with the Championship route.

Benjamin Perry - St. Catharines, Ontario

A dynamic and aggressive racer with deep professional experience:

• 4th-place finish at the gruelling Traka 360 in Spain

• 5th-place result at the UCI Gravel World Series event in Scotland

• Multiple podiums in Canadian gravel and mixed‑terrain events

• Strong showings in European and North American road races Perry’s punchy accelerations and race‑sharp instincts add another layer of unpredictability to the men’s field.

Andrew L'Esperance - Halifax, Nova Scotia

A standout in cross‑country MTB and mixed‑terrain racing:

• 2026 Sea Otter Classic Fuego XL (1st Place)

• 2026 Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) Arizona (2nd Place)

• Strong gravel crossover results, including top‑10s at major Canadian events L’Esperance’s technical handling will shine on the Burnt Bridge descents and forestry‑road transitions.

Hailey Smith - Uxbridge, Ontario

One of Canada’s most decorated off‑road athletes and a force in both MTB and gravel:

• Absa Cape Epic (2nd Place Overall)

• 5th-place finish at the gruelling Traka 360 in Spain

• Winner of Paris to Ancaster (2025)

• Multiple UCI MTB podiums

• Top‑10 finishes in elite women’s gravel races across North America Smith brings tactical intelligence and world‑class endurance to the women’s field.

Lucy Hempstead - Ottawa, Ontario

A rising star with a rapidly growing reputation in endurance cycling:

• UCI Gravel World Series Monaco (7th Place)

• Gravel Desert by The Traka (9th Place)

• The Traka 360 (16th Place)

• Record‑setting performances in long‑distance challenges Her ability to sustain high power for hours makes her a compelling contender on the Championship course.

Overview of the 2026 Burnt Bridge Classic

The 2026 Burnt Bridge Classic / Felt Canadian Gravel Championships brings national‑level gravel racing to the heart of the Cowichan Valley on Sunday, June 14, 2026. Hosted from the scenic grounds of Cowichan Camp, the event showcases Vancouver Island’s signature mix of fast forestry roads, punchy climbs, and rugged river‑valley terrain.

Designed to challenge Canada’s strongest gravel athletes, the Championship course blends long power sections with technical descents and sustained climbing through the Burnt Bridge network. Riders can expect a route that rewards fitness, handling, and tactical depth—true to the spirit of modern gravel racing.

The 2026 edition features the deepest elite field in event history, with top Canadian professionals headlining both the men’s and women’s races. Alongside the Championship categories, the Burnt Bridge Classic also offers mass‑participation Fondo distances, giving riders of all levels the chance to experience the same world‑class terrain as the pros.

With its combination of competitive prestige, community participation, and spectacular Vancouver Island scenery, the Burnt Bridge Classic continues to establish itself as one of Canada’s premier gravel events.

Visit www.bcgravelseries.com/burntbridgeclassic

Contact: info@panachecyclingsports.com

Follow us on social media: @bcgravelseries