Jon Watkin can’t help but laugh when he describes cyclocross.

“You’re going to see people on bikes that look like road bikes, sliding through mud and carrying them up stairs, it’s almost comical,” he said.

That organized chaos will take over Layritz Park on Nov. 9 for the B.C. Cyclocross Championships.

The Bear Crossing Grand Prix, organized by Panache Cycling Sports, is expected to draw between 250 and 300 riders from across the province.

Cyclists of all ages will line up for a day of racing through the park’s 3.1-kilometre loop, with categories ranging from youth divisions to masters 65-plus and open classes.

For Watkin, bringing the championships back to Saanich feels like a natural fit.

His company has staged several national-level cycling events, including the 2022 and 2023 Cana

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