While the long and winding road to the 28th edition of the prestigious $1.5 ­million Pepsi North America Cup began back in 2008 when this year’s glamour boys took their first steps, the week leading up to the event is arguably the most crucial in shaping the final ­outcome. Trot Magazine caught a glimpse of the action following some Canadian contenders one week out from the biggest race of their lives.

Photography by Matt Waples