Bosch eMTB Challenge Marks Successful Return to Crankworx Whistler

August 18, 2026

Deep fields & strong community at 2nd North American edition

• 9th season of international event
• Three categories for all eMTB riding levels: Amateur, Advanced and Pro
• European pros made the journey to Canada, faced strong North American talent

Foothills Ranch, CA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – On July 31, the Bosch eMTB Challenge celebrated the second North American edition of this unique sporting event that blends eMTB racing and adventure. Almost 100 professional and amateur racers took advantage of the series’ return to the legendary Crankworx festival, including Yoann Barelli and Flo Espinera, members of the mountain-bike media, and legends like Jill Kintner and Hans Rey.

“I really enjoy the energy and passion that Canadian riders bring to the Bosch eMTB Challenge,” said Jocelyn Vande Velde, Bosch eBike Systems Marketing Director. “Whistler’s legendary terrain is the ultimate playground to showcase what eMTB riding is all about – pushing limits and having fun, both uphill and down. We’re so proud of every rider who geared up, braved the trails, and conquered such a challenging course.”

“We were extremely proud to welcome back the eMTB Challenge to Crankworx Whistler,” said Managing Director of Crankworx Darren Kinnaird. “The eMTB Challenge is a perfect extension of the spirit of progression and competition that drives Crankworx. We continue to see increased growth of interest in eMTB and relish the opportunity to work with Bosch to keep developing this new Crankworx Whistler tradition.”

“I was really looking forward to the Challenge this year, and it did not disappoint – I was so proud to repeat my win against a really tough field,” said Pro Women Champion Kera Linn. “The ‘No-Dab’ sections were super-challenging and I was stoked I had dialed in the settings on my Cannondale’s Bosch motor to take advantage of the latest updates. Plus including a run like Dark Crystal as the Pro Stage was a great opportunity to really let it rip!” (continued)

eMTB Challenge participants covered around 35 kilometers and 1,000 metres of elevation in a race that required not only riding technique but also a sense of direction, fitness and intelligent battery management. The timed stages, which offer a mix of uphill and downhill sections, are ridden against the clock without any prior training runs. In the transfer stages, on the other hand, the focus is on navigation and camaraderie–even a creek-side coffee and snack break. Riders can navigate using a GPX file that can be imported onto a smartphone, compatible eBike displays or a bike computer.

Prize money of $800, $400 and $200 was awarded for the first three places in the Pro Category, with equal prizes for men and women. The 2026 eMTB Challenge concluded 15 August in Verbier, Switzerland, after the series visited Italy, Germany, and France in addition to Canada. Whistler’s Pro Men winner Emmanuel Pombo repeated his success in Verbier, while Anna Spielman won the Women’s event in Switzerland and clinched her Overall Series title.

Media Assets (credit Sterling Lorence)

Media contact:

Peter Nicholson

Principal, Double Digit Communications

Telephone: +1 415-717-9220

Peter@doubledigitcommunications.com

Bosch Contact:

Kurt.Hoy@us.Bosch.com

Bosch eBike Systems are shaping the future of eBike mobility with innovative products and digital services; ranging from highly efficient drive systems, to the first production-ready ABS for eBikes and Connected Biking solutions. Bosch eBike Systems offers eBikers the best drive system (drive unit, battery, display, and app) for every requirement and every area of use, ensuring a unique riding sensation: Whether it’s for daily trips around the city, enjoyable rides in the countryside or for sporty adventures in the mountains. Today more than 100 of the world’s leading bicycle brands trust the perfectly coordinated, modular product portfolio. As an independent

division within the Bosch Group, Bosch eBike Systems also makes use of the Group’s technology and manufacturing expertise. For fun, healthy, sustainable and safe mobility.

More information at www.bosch-ebike.com.