Teigen Pascual has had bumps, bruises and more than her fair share of broken bones. She soldiers on regardless, and an inaugural Canadian BMX Championship is fuel for her engine.
Pascual got it done on July 6 in Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Que. She was the only elite woman in the field, with Alberta's Molly Simpson saving herself for the imminent Paris Olympics. As a result, Pascual took gold among a number of junior and U23 girls in a mixed contest.
Thessalie Bruneau struck silver and Victoria Dube went home with bronze.
"Obviously pretty happy," said Pascual about her triumph. "Last year I wasn't able to race because of my long list of injuries, but finally got to go this time. [Nationals] was one of my first races back from my broken collarbone, so just getting back into the racing scene was mainly the goal: have fun and be smooth on the bike.
"[The younger girls] definitely put some pressure on me. It wasn't an easy win."
Pascual currently lives and trains in Switzerland under Twan van Gendt, the 2019 BMX world champion. Her multiple surgeries and rounds of rehab have been tough and she's still not back at 100 per cent physically, but every milestone helps.
"I really like being in Switzerland," she said. "The people are good. The training is obviously what I need right now. Technical, bigger tracks are helpful for me with everything, mentally and physically."
Although she'll be forced to cheer Simpson and company on from her couch this summer, Pascual still aims to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Results roundup
More than 600 riders saw action at Nationals.
Ryan Tougas of Pitt Meadows, B.C. was the only athlete to retain the Canadian Elite Men's title he won in 2023, with other divisions all ushering in a fresh titleholder.
That includes Dylan Tremel and Abygale Reeve, two Albertans who made their presence felt as new U23 champs.
“Out of the gate I was nervous,” said Tremel in a press release. “I knew I had to stay calm and confident. It was crazy to cross the finish line, with all my family and friends there. I have wanted to get the sleeve for the past four years and it means the absolute world to me.”
Reeve told reporters: “I was crying tears of joy. It just means a lot to represent this country and to represent my club in Airdrie and all the kids that I coach back there.”
Despite finishing second behind Pascual, Bruneau earned a ladies' junior title opposite Andrew Colling on the men's side.
Full results are available here.
