Mountain biker dies after crash at Big White

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A mountain biker has died after a crash at Big White over the weekend.

Kelowna RCMP confirmed the death in an email to CTV News, but said the incident "is not criminal in nature" and referred further questions to the BC Coroners Service.

The coroners service also confirmed the death, but said it is "very early" in its investigation and no further information was available.

The crash occurred during a BC Cup race on Sunday afternoon, according to statements from Big White and Cycling BC, which organized the competition.

Big White president and CEO Peter Plimmer's comments were posted on Facebook Tuesday afternoon. 

"My family and the entire team at Big White Ski Resort have been absolutely devastated by the tragic event on Sunday at Big White Mountain during the BC Cup downhill race," Plimmer's statement reads.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young athlete involved; and further to the entire community of riders that make up the sport of mountain biking. Our sincerest thanks go out to the patrollers, first responders and volunteers that were on scene."

Cycling BC CEO Erin Waugh issued a similar statement on Wednesday, offering condolences to the family of the deceased and describing the B.C. cycling community as "shaken and saddened." 

"As the sanctioning body, Cycling BC is working in close collaboration with event organizers at Big White and the local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation of the accident," the statement reads. 

The BC Cup is a series of downhill mountain bike races held across the province. Racers accumulate points for their performance in each race, and an overall winner is crowned based on total points.