It was a bit of a surprise for the Jasper Source for Sports team when they ended up on the podium in third place at last years 24 Hours of Adrenalin race in Canmore, but this year they have their eyes and hopes on first or second place.

“We were really surprised to come third last year,” said Matt Staneland. “Because we don’t know what to expect and we hadn’t done it before,” added Victor Vassallo.

Last year, the team had a good start and were “quite far ahead” according to Jason Backman. With the nickname ‘Woody’ and the job of leading off this year’s race, Backman said the night portion of the 24 hours was the hardest.

“As the night came, things got rougher and our goal was just to finish and then we actually finished well,” he said, with Staneland quick to add “everybody had issues on the night ride.”

However, this year, the five man team hopes they’re a little better prepared, aiming to do just that little bit better and make it to first or second spot.

“You do have that goal (to be on the podium again) because we did get the podium last year, and you always want to strive to be a little better, and a little better means second or first,” said Vassallo.

The group agreed that they’d be disappointed, at least at the time, if they can’t make it on the podium.

“I think it’s acceptable to say we’d be disappointed if we don’t make the podium,” said Vassallo. “There’s certain expectations,” added Staneland.

“At the time probably,” said Sean Smith, “it’d be hard not be.”

For Woody though, “I don’t care... seriously, I just love being there,” he chuckled.

“I’d be disappointed – I spent a lot of time on my bike,” said Manu Lori-Mongazon.

“If it’s three teams from Canmore on the podium I’d be disappointed,” he added with Backman quick to add, “it’s in Canmore too, we’re in their house.”

Never mind who their competition is, the five Jasperites have trained extra -hard and worked on their night riding, where Vassallo said the race is won and lost.

“Everyone’s trained a little harder this year to be better than they were last year,” said Backman. “My biking this year has been more focused on this race than in the past when it’s been more focused on just having fun and playing. And, I’ve been running more and training more and eating different.”

“Last year, I think we did two night rides before the race... so that’s one of our things is that we’re trying to ride more at night,” said Vassallo.

“We’ve been doing a couple (night rides) in the last couple weeks just to get used to it,” he added, “if you can keep your laps consistent and you’re comfortable and confident riding in the night – that’s where there’s a lot of time to be made or lost.”

According to the team, the main reason they, and the various other Jasperite competitors, do so well in competitions like this is the intricate and varied trail network that surrounds Jasper. 

Staneland, who is contemplating a solo-ride next year, said the strong Jasper representation is a testament to the trail network.

“All these Jasper teams (and soloists) represent Jasper, to show how wicked our trails are to thousands and thousands of people, yet they still want to close bike trails down here,” he said, referring to the possibility of Parks prohibiting bikers on particular trails.

“The riders that come out of here are good climbers and technically skilled and it shows when you put them to the test,” said Staneland.

“Trail variation is a big part of why we can do this stuff,” said Vassallo.

“It will affect how many people are riding... if you have 100 people riding and five people make the podium, if you take away trails then all of a sudden that’s going to produce less people riding and less people doing well,” added Backman.

“I think the more people we can get out there doing that and enjoying these trails, the more people we’re going to have at events like 24 hours and representing,” he continued.

“Every time the names and the numbers come up on the board, the Jasper name comes up a lot.”

While the debate continues, the five Jasperites will ride their hearts out over the weekend in Canmore to represent Jasper. 

“We’re just a close group of friends that like to bike. You’re with each other for 24 hours, whether you’re all hanging out at the same time, you’re pushing each other and motivating each other and that’s how we work well as a team.”