- Peter Disera leads Nino in the dense forrest of Vancouver Island.
The 20th edition of BC Bike Race delivered everything we've come to expect from one of mountain biking's most iconic stage races: world-class competition, legendary singletrack, unpredictable conditions, and plenty of memorable battles across Vancouver Island. From Cumberland's slick roots to Nanaimo's fast-flowing trails, the week showcased some of the best riders in the sport and Race Face athletes were right in the mix from start to finish.
- Hannah Simms crushed the miles on board her Kona HEI HEI built up with ERA SL wheels, cranks, and bars. Simms was at the pointy end of the field all week.
Leading the charge was Canadian XC standout Hannah Simms, who put together an incredibly consistent week against one of the deepest women's fields BCBR has seen in years. Simms steadily climbed the leaderboard throughout the seven-day event, earning a strong second-place overall finish in the Open Women's category. Her week was highlighted by multiple podium performances, including a thrilling battle with race winner Ruth Holcomb during Stage 6 in Nanaimo, where the pair traded attacks all day before settling the stage in a sprint finish. Simms ultimately finished less than ten minutes off the overall lead after more than 14 hours of racing.
- Photo finish Disera edges out 10x World Champion Nino at the finish.
On the men's side, Peter Disera once again proved why he's one of Canada's most versatile mountain bike racers. Disera spent the entire week locked in a battle with mountain bike legend Nino Schurter, with several stages coming down to mere seconds or fractions of a second. After narrowly missing victory on Stage 2 by just one second, Disera answered back with an impressive win on the muddy Queen Stage in Cumberland, edging Schurter by only two-tenths of a second. He ultimately secured second place overall in the men's classification while also finishing second in the week-long FOX Timed Downhill competition.
Beyond the podium results, what stood out throughout the week was the consistency and reliabilityrequired to race at the front of a demanding seven-day stage race. BCBR is notoriously tough on equipment, with riders facing everything from wet roots and rock slabs to high-speed descents and endless punchy climbs. Having confidence in your setup becomes just as important as fitness.
- Simm’s race build!
That's where the Race Face ERA SL platform continued to prove itself. Designed for riders who want lightweight efficiency without sacrificing durability, ERA SL wheels, cranks, and bars are built for exactly the kind of terrain and racing conditions BCBR throws at competitors.&
Whether it was Simms pushing for stage wins, Disera trading blows with one of the greatest mountain bikers of all time, or other Race Face athletes tackling some of British Columbia's best trails, BCBR 2026 was another reminder of what makes this event so special. Seven days of racing, countless kilometers of singletrack, and a week full of stories that will be talked about long after the finish line.
- RF Ambassador Celeste Pomerantz enjoys her first multiday race. All miles and smiles on her side!
For Race Face athletes, it was a week defined by grit, consistency, and podium-worthy performances, and another strong showing for the ERA SL platform under the toughest conditions Vancouver Island could deliver.
Images Provided by BCBR.