Holmgren Captures Another Title with Ontario Athletes Showing their Strength at MTB World Championships

Canadian athletes had an outstanding 2024 Mountain Bike World Championships in Andorra, where the track is known for steep climbs and high altitude, with six medals – a Canadian record at a single mountain bike world championships.  

The biggest highlight being Isabella Holmgren winning two world titles; U23 Women’s XCO and XCC.  In the XCC category, her sister Ava joined her on the podium by claiming the bronze medal.  While capturing the U23 World Title was impressive on its own, the race was even more impressive as Isabella finished in 5th place in the Elite division [the U23/Elite race was combined due to weather issues] despite starting from the 44th spot.  She was joined on the podium by fellow Canadian and bronze medallist Emilly Johnston (BC) showing the strength and depth of the current Canadian U23 female cohort with three athletes in the top 10 [Ava Holmgren 7th].   

On the men’s side there were a number of personal best finishes at a World Championships.  Cole Punchard had an incredible championship finishing 5th in the U23 Men’s XCC with teammate Owen Clark a few spots back in 8th before following up that performance with a 6th place in the XCO.  A full list of Ontario results can be found below.  

Results

Men Elite XCO

Gunnar Holmgren – 36th
Tyler Orschel – 44th

Men U23 XCO

Cole Punchard – 6th
Owen Clark – 30th
Noah Ramsay – 35th
Ian Ackert – 43rd

Women Elite XCO

Jennifer Jackson – 24th

Women U23 XCO

Isabella Holmgren – 1st
Ava Holmgren – 7th

Women Junior XCO

Aislin Hallahan – 25th

Men Elite XCC

Gunnar Holmgren – 19th
Tyler Orschel – 36th

Men U23 XCC

Cole Punchard – 5th
Owen Clark – 8th
Ian Ackert – 18th
Noah Ramsay – 19th

Women Elite XCC

Isabella Holmgren – 5th
Jennifer Jackson – 14th

Women U23 – XCC

Isabella Holmgren – 1st
Ava Holmgren – 3rd

Mixed Elite XCO Team Relay

Canada – 4th
(Ontario Riders: Ian Ackert, Jennifer Jackson, Isabella Holmgren, Gunnar Holmgren)