This weekend will mark the kick-off of the 2009 University Cup mountain bike race series. Student-athletes from universities across Ontario will be competing in races that take place at four different venues across Southern Ontario.

This year’s captain, second-year student Chris Wedeles will lead the Blues. Last year's champions, University of Guelph, despite re-building after the loss of team captain Arron Rahim to graduation, will still be a dominant group. The powerhouse teams from the University of Toronto and Queen's University are no doubt anxious to bring the U-Cup back to their respective campuses.

U-Cup race #1 will take place at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre and will see the men's and women's teams competing in a two-day, three-event schedule that includes a criterion, time-trial and cross country race.

If you are interested in joining the mountain bike team, there is a meeting at7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10 in room 307 in the Athletic Centre. New members welcome, just show up: e-mail mountainbiking@utoronto.ca