A young, local mountain biker has been charging ahead in several recent competitions showcasing the up-and-coming talent in Squamish.
Don Ross Middle School student, Lacey Dennis, represented the school at the BC School Sports Mountain Bike Championships at Red Mountain Resort in Rossland on May 27.
While there, the 14-year-old earned first place in cross country, finishing with a time of 30:51 and placed sixth in a two-stage enduro race, her mother, Amy Dennis, told The Squamish Chief in an email.
But, Lacey didn’t stop there.
The following weekend they travelled to Glenridge Acres in Abbotsford to compete in the 2023 BC XCO Provincial Championship on June 3.
Lacey finished first in the U17 Women category with her two laps, coming in with a time of 57:52:1, the only rider in her category to finish with a time under an hour.
The first-place finish was deemed a huge comeback for Lacey, said Amy, as last year Lacey had to drop out of the race after being overwhelmed after the first lap.
“To come back this year and win it was huge,” said Amy, who said the support of Lacey’s team members and coaches at Charge BC aided the young rider throughout. “She has worked so hard on her physical and mental health to be the strongest she possibly can.”
Most recently, she placed fifth in Whistler on June 24 in the U17 Expert Women Canada Cup.
For her hard work, Lacey earned the “Athlete of the Year” award from Don Ross Middle School upon her graduation from the school.
This summer, she’ll be practicing for the fall start of cyclocross season.
