Grouse Mtn. Bike VIP





SHIMANO changer, Marzocchi forks, Specialized frame? If the words sound strange then chances are you missed out of some of this weekend's action atop Grouse Mountain. The Tissot-UCI Mountainbike World Cup 2001 attracted athletes, media and visitors from all over the world. Competition took place in the downhill, cross-country and dual events bringing to western Canada one of the most exciting sports ever. Last Friday, it was the VIP party in Lupins Cafe. Dignitaries welcomed guests as everyone sipped wine and sampled food. It was a great beginning to a world-class weekend that people on the North Shore can be proud of.


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Grouse Mountain president, and West Vancouver resident, Stuart McLaughlin had reason to be proud. His mountain was the toast of all involved.

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North Vancouver chamber execs enjoyed the view from the balcony. From left: chairman Debbie Tardiff, husband Don, president Judi Ainsworth and admin assistant Yvonne Perrault.

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Fourteen-year-old Hunter Slade, seen here with step-dad and West Vancouver councillor Bill Soprovich, is a big mountainbike fan. He has been racing moto-cross for two years but just got a new mountainbike last week.

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Checking out the action was (from left), Michelle Gross, CFOX radio's Graham Tutti, Lonnie Almond and husband John.

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North Van's Maggie Pearce, who works at CFOX (from left) joined Mike Falcon and CFOX's Heidi Koenig for some fun.

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Patrice Drouin (left), president of event sponsor Gestev, was happy to hear Mountain Bike Commission-UCI president Marc Lemay forecast three more years of events for western Canada.

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Ole Sorensen is the director of International relations for Sport Canada. He travelled in from Ottawa for the event.

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Tournament announcer Peter Graves (left) and world cup consultant John Johnston were very pleased with the response from the crowds.

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Representing Volvo Canada was North Vancouver manager Christopher Sage (left) and Richmond's Jim Rybachuk.

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North Van District mayor Don Bell (left) showed off his honourary gold medal to Grouse Mountain's Josie Heisig and sales and marketing director Rick Graham. Mayor Bell gave a welcoming speech.

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Banquet manager Mario Laudisio (left) has no problems with his staff. Yasha Rabbani (centre) and Justin Wyllie are happy to serve.

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Filling the lounge with the sweet sounds of strings was quartet members Martina Smazal (from left), Beth Schaufele, Ruth Huang and Natalie Williams.


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Page created by Catherine Barr on 9/07/2001