Geoff Kabush is off to merry old England for the 2012 Olympic Games.
The Courtenay athlete is one of four mountain bikers nominated to the Canadian Olympic Team. Cycling Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Olympic Committee, announced the selections of Kabush, Catharine Pendrel, Emily Batty and Max Plaxton on Wednesday.
The Olympic nomination for Kabush (Scott-3RoxRacing) comes with no surprise, said Cycling Canada in a press release. The seven-time Canadian champion is by far the most experienced Canadian mountain biker, and has always risen to the occasion at major events.
“The Olympic Games stands out above all events in the sporting world," Kabush said in the press release. "This will be my third opportunity to proudly represent Canada and I feel uniquely prepared for the challenge in 2012.
"I'm extremely motivated and focused and I'm heading to London with a lot of confidence. With my experience and the support behind me I am ready to perform in the spotlight of the Olympic Games. The Canadian MTB team is the strongest I've ever seen and I'm really excited to be part of it."
Kabush has been to two past Olympic Games. He finished ninth in Sydney and 20th in Beijing. This year's mountain bike races will be held on the last two days of the Olympic Games, with the men's race on Aug. 12.
Nationals
Meanwhile, at the Canadian MTB cross-country championships June 16 in St. Félicien, QC, Plaxton edged Kabush for top spot.
After an early attack by Kabush, Plaxton charged to the front on the fourth lap to successfully defend his Canadian title.
Plaxton (Victoria) finished in 1:32.48 while Kabush clocked 1:33.30. Derek Zandstra (Toronto) came on strong on the final lap to take third.