GOLDEN WEEKEND FOR MACPHEE—XCO AND XCC PAN-AMERICAN CHAMPION!

It’s a day of celebration for the Wilier-Vittoria MTB Factory Team at Finca La Lucha in Costa Rica. Racing in the colors of the Canadian National Team, Ella MacPhee claimed the Pan American titles—covering both North and South America—in both the U23 XCO and XCC events, delivering two perfectly executed performances.

In the XCO, the young Wilier-Vittoria rider crossed the line 19 seconds ahead of fellow Canadian Marin Lowe, and 2’49” clear of American Makena Kellerman, once again showing the full extent of her talent. Just recently, in the opening rounds of the World Cup in Araxá, MacPhee had finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.

“I couldn’t wait to race here, but I was also nervous because this was a title I had really dreamed of," said Ella. "I got off to a strong start, and the lead group kept getting smaller lap after lap until it was just me and Lowe. In the final stretch, I gave it everything and managed to take this beautiful win, even though the course was pretty simple and not exactly suited to my strengths. I'm heading back to Italy with a special jersey—it’s been a perfect weekend.”

To cap it all off, MacPhee also helped her national teammates win the Team Relay, making it a continental championship to remember. For the next 12 months, she’ll proudly wear the Pan-American Champion’s jersey.