Robin Horsfield enjoyed a career-best performance competing in the final of the Canada Cup in Canmore, Alberta, at the weekend.

Despite a reduced field because of Covid-19 regulations and the race being held late in the calendar, the majority of Canada's top riders were still in attendance, including national champion and Olympian Leandre Bouchard.

Despite facing the nation’s elite riders and a challenging rocky mountain course, Horsfield battled his way to an impressive fourteenth place overall.

"I was pleased with my start today as well as the opportunity to compete alongside riders we typically only see on TV," said Horsfield. "I have some midterm exams this week at school and then I will start preparing to represent Bermuda later this year."

While conceding there is still work to do, coach Mark Brown hailed Horsfield’s overall development this season, which saw him finish the year ranked fourth in Ontario. National rankings are still being tabulated after the Canmore race.

"Robin has worked throughout this season to gain strength at international level starts,“ Brown said. "The last race was an example of him taking another step in that development. There is still work to do, but the progress that Robin is making is undeniable.

“Robin was in sixth position at the top of the first climb; ultimately he faded, but he was within sight of the leaders for the longest we've seen from him since his World Cup debut in 2018 at Mont Saint Anne.

"Robin is on track with his long-range plan despite Covid-19. This year saw him consistently among the top riders at provincial level races and he is dominating domestic races.

“It is always a slow and steady climb, but we will transition focus next year to the national-level series."