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LUCA BENEDETTI WINS OPENING STAGE AT TOUR DE BEAUCE

LUCA BENEDETTI WINS OPENING STAGE AT TOUR DE BEAUCE

By Tour de Beauce

SAINTE-JUSTINE – Italian Luca Benedetti, winner of the polka dot jersey at the Grand Prix de Saguenay last week, won Wednesday the first stage of the Tour de Beauce in Sainte-Justine.

 
The Amore & Vita rider edged at the sprint Eric Young (Optum-Kelly Benefits), winner of two stages at the Grand prix cycliste du Saguenay, Asbjorn Kragh (Christina Watches) jersey for the best young keeper in Saguenay, Charles Planet (Novo Nordisk) and Jure Kocjan (Smartstop), winner of the Grand Prix du Saguenay.
 
The race started out with a bang with a breakaway after just five kilometers and a teammate of Benedetti, Leonardo Pinizotto, was there. The group of five riders included Rémi Pelletier-Roy (Garneau-Quebecor). After the first of four loops of 50 km of road racing, the break comprised of 10 riders had a lead of almost 12 minutes on the peloton.
 
As the peloton worked to narrow the gap, team Optum did a lot of work. “We would have liked the other teams to help us,” said Young. “The team rode hard to catch up on the breakaway. Hats off to our riders who have done a great job. This is a big week for us and we are preparing for tomorrow’s Mégantic stage. Our goal is to bring Carter Jones atop the standings.”
 
For Luca Benedetti, the scenario of the race was perfect. “This stage was designed for me,” he indicated through his manager Phil Cortes. “We had a rider in the break (Pinizotto) and we organized to help. Then in turn he tried to help us by slowing down the tempo. It’s just my sixth professional race and I did not expect to win. I am very happy with this victory. I dedicate it to my team, to our sponsors whose Faninni family and my athletic director Phil because he comes from Canada.”
 
As an amateur, the Italian won 11 races last year and four this year. “We had to look for a long time,” says Phil Cortes. “His amateur record speaks, but we did not want to rush to invite him to join us especially since his wife gave birth to a child in March.”
 
Rémi Pelletier-Roy did feature the colors of the Garneau-Quebecor jersey for most of the race part of the breakaway. “It was a tough day at the office and it was expected with one less stage this year at the Tour de Beauce. We did very well in the Saguenay and wanted to continue here. We wanted to have someone in the break. On the last lap, we gambled that if we slowed the pace, the pack would also decrease its speed. That was not the case. Then there were breaks in our group. I am convinced that had we had stayed everyone together, we would have reached the finish line ahead of the peloton. For the following days we will see how everything unfolds. There are seven guys in the team so we can share the workload. I’m happy for the team and for me. That makes me 22 days of racing in 28 days. I’m trying to recover. »
 
The second stage will be spectacular with the departure of the municipality of Lac-Mégantic, where many will present for the first time after the disastrous train derailment. The finish line is at the top of Mount St. Joseph, adjacent to Mont Mégantic.

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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS TOUR DE BEAUCE AND CANADIAN ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS CYCLING EVENTS

Credit to Tour de Beauce

June 10, 2014 – Saint-Georges, Quebec – Canada Economic Development
 
Acting on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism, and Agriculture) announces that the Grand Prix Cycliste de Beauce has been granted financial assistance to promote the Tour de Beauce as well as the Canadian Road Championships on markets outside Quebec.
 
This funding has been awarded in the form of a $60,750 non-repayable authorized contribution through Canada Economic Development’s Quebec Economic Development Program.
 
Quick facts

  • This contribution has allowed      the Grand Prix Cycliste de Beauce to implement a commercialization      strategy for the 2013 and 2014 editions of the Tour and Championships.
  • This strategy includes the      production and dissemination of a television plan via traditional and new      media, hosting foreign journalists, developing promotional tools and      taking out advertising space.
  • The Tour de Beauce is a major      stage of the classification process for aspiring Canadian Road      Championship athletes.
  • Both sport events are excellent      regional economic levers, notably due to the large number of participants      from outside Quebec and cycling enthusiasts come to take in the show.

 
Quote
“By financially supporting the Grand Prix Cycliste de Beauce in their promotional activities outside Quebec, our government is showing once again that it is determined to take the necessary measures to boost the growth potential of our regional economies while also contributing to the development of tourism.”
Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism, and Agriculture)
 
Related links
Tour de Beauce Web site: www.tourdebeauce.com
Canadian Road Championships Web site: www.championnatscanadiensroute.com
 
– 30 –
 
Sources:
Media Relations
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-283-8818
E-mail: media@dec-ced.gc.ca
 
Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-496-1282
E-mail: vincent.rabault@miga-maig.gc.ca

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CANADA TO SEND FIVE RIDERS TO UCI TRACK JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Small Canadian team to focus on Men’s Team Pursuit and Men Omnium

(Ottawa, ON – June 10, 2014) Cycling Canada is pleased to announce its selections for the 2014 UCI Track Junior World Championships, scheduled to take place in Seoul, South Korea, from August 8 to 12 2014.

The main objective of the Junior World Track Championships is to provide a developmental opportunity to a competitive group of identified Canadian track cyclists. The Canadian group has the potential to finish with a Top 8 performance in the Team Pursuit.

As a feeder into the Elite Track Program, these World Championships are a crucial step in an athletes’ developmental pathway. In 2014, the primary focus remains tightly aligned with those of the Elite Track Program, which in this case will be the Team Pursuit and Omnium: the two track endurance presented at the Olympic Games.

TEAM CANADA – 2014 UCI TRACK JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

JUNIOR MEN

  • Evan BURTNIK (17, Edmonton, AB) [Men’s Team Pursuit]
  • Connor BYWAY (16, Ottawa, ON) [Men’s Team Pursuit]
  • Alexander COWAN (17, Calgary, AB) [Men’s Team Pursuit]
  • Adam JAMIESON (18, Barrie, ON) [Men’s Team Pursuit]
  • Bayley SIMPSON (16, Lindsay, ON) [Men’s Team Pursuit]

Follow Cycling Canada on Twitter at @CyclingCanada and on Facebook at @CyclingCanada.

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THE GRAND PRIX CYCLISTE DE SAGUENAY, A SUCCESS ACROSS THE BOARD

Credit to Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay

(Chicoutimi, QC – June 8, 2014) The organizers of the first Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay are delighted with the success event, which marked a major shift this year.
 
The race sanctionned 2.2 by the International Cycling Union (UCI) was once a race of the U23 Nations Cup, and the transition between the two types of event was successful, with more than 125 riders from 18 teams from seven countries taking the start of the four day race on Thursday.
 
“We are extremely pleased with the success of this first edition of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay,” commented Steve Potvin, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “All operations were completed without a hitch, and we had the pleasure to witness racing of the highest caliber, with a standout peloton.”
 
The event would not have been possible without the support and contribution of all partners involved, and without the participation of 250 volunteers.
 
Participating teams, they have enjoyed their first experience in Saguenay. Here are some comments:
 
Gord Fraser, Directeur sportif for Team Silber Pro Cycling:
“UCI races in north America, let alone Canada, are a great opportunity to showcase a team like Silber Pro Cycling. We are ecstatic and we appreciate the opportunity to race at a high level against great competition, close to home. For our sponsors such as Argon18, for Silber Investments, this is what it’s all about. This is the reason we exist. It’s to perform at a high-exposure race like this. We are very happy with the inaugural edition, and partnering up with the Tour de Beauce offers two weeks of great racing for teams.”
 
Michael Creed, Directeur sportif of Team SmartStop:
“It’s been great. I didn’t know much about racing here. Overall, it’s tremendous. Of all the races we’ve done this year, it’s one of the best organized. They have been really accommodating. For me, as a first year director, they have gone out of the way to help me with the logistics. The race itself has been really simple, with no transfers and the courses are really dynamic. It’s been really good, and it seems like they have the support of the community. I certainly hope it can continue.”
 
Eric Wohlberg, Directeur Sportif of Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefits:
“I think the event has gone really well. The courses have been really good and the criterium on Saturday was very hard, and went right through the heart of Chicoutimi and a lot of spectators came out. Having twilight criterium is always good for the crowds. With the UCI sanction, we knew that the race would be very attractive to any teams coming up. I want to support Canadian cycling.”
 
Cameron Watts, Directeur Sportif for Team Budget Forklifts, racing for the first time in North America.
“Our experience here was really good. We like the courses. It was the first time our boys were racing in North America and we are on a steep learning course with a slightly different style of racing from what we are used to. The boys have adapted well and we came close to a stage win on Saturday. The courses offered a little bit for everyone. The depth of field and quality of racing here is a lot better than in Australia.”
 
More information on the race can be found at www.grandprixcyclistesaguenay.com
 
Pour plus d’informations:
Guy Napert-Frenette, Communications, Grand Prix cycliste de Saguenay 2014, guynf@performancepr.ca | 403-669-5015

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16 CYCLISTS TO REPRESENT CANADA AT GLASGOW 2014

Ottawa – Cycling Canada and Commonwealth Games Canada today confirmed the 16 cyclists who will compete at the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 3, 2014.

Cycling Canada has selected a mix of established performers and young up-and-comers with the potential to win as many as 10 medals in track, mountain bike and road events.

These Games also mark the international debut of Canada’s new men’s team pursuit and team sprint programs, which are expected to vie for places in their medal finals and will form the foundation for future Olympic and world championship success. Read more

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THE EXCITING CHALLENGE SPRINT PRO BACK FOR A FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

More Canadians than ever to compete in this exciting elimination-format race featuring top speeds

(Quebec City, QC – June 3, 2014) Returning in 2014 for its fourth edition, the very exciting Challenge Sprint Pro event will once again be featured on the calendar of events of the Grand Prix cycliste de Québec. This year, more Canadians will have the chance to race side-by-side with some of the World’s best sprinters.

During the Challenge Sprint Pro, thousands of spectators will gather along the short course to see the best tactical sprinters go head-to-head in an elimination format race with the two fastest sprinters of each heat advancing to the next round.

The event, which is contested on a 1km course on the streets of Old Québec and through the iconic Grande Allée, features one sprinter representing each of the participating teams of the Grand Prix cycliste de Québec, including the Canadian National Team.

Compared to the 2013 edition, a record number of Canadians will be selected to race the Challenge Sprint Pro event. This competition provides our Canadian athletes with a great opportunity to be exposed to WorldTour level riders and enhance their profiles.

Canadian riders will gain access to this star-studded event through top-two performances in the Criterium and Challenge Sprint events at the 2014 Canadian Road Championships in Lac Mégantic. In addition, a discretionary invitation will be issued from Cycling Canada to one rider.

“The event is without a doubt a fan-favorite, and very TV-friendly for the broadcasters. The ambiance is relaxed, and offers a small taste of what cycling is about. Road races ending with a sprint makes for a great atmosphere, and this Sprint Challenge replicates that feeling in every round,” said Mathieu Boucher, Director of Performance Development at Cycling Canada.

In 2013, Canada’s Zach Bell of North Vancouver, BC and local star Rémi Pelletier-Roy of Québec both advanced to the semi-finals. In 2012, Bell had won the Challenge Sprint Pro, racing with now defunct Team SpiderTech powered by C10, nabbing Pelletier-Roy at the finish line.

The Challenge Sprint Pro, sanctioned by Cycling Canada, is scheduled to be held on Thursday, September 11, in Quebec City, the day prior to the UCI World Tour race.

Follow Cycling Canada on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cyclingcanada and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cyclingcanada.

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BERLIN SUPERCROSS EVENT IS THE FIRST BMX WORLD CUP OF OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION PROCESS

Canada determined to score big qualifying points to bring more riders to Rio 2016

(Ottawa, ON – June 03, 2014) The game is on. Now that the 2016 Olympic Games qualification process for the cycling sport of BMX has begun, Canada is more determined than ever to qualify more than one spot for these upcoming Games in Rio, Brazil.

The UCI World Cup Supercross event to be held in Berlin on June 13-14 will be the first Supercross race of the qualifying process for the 2016 Olympic Games for BMX. Canada will send its largest team so far this season, five men and three women all racing in the elite category, with the objective to collect as many points as possible for the Olympic Qualification process.

Canada’s Head Coach for BMX Ken Cools explains: “Berlin SX will be the first race in which we will compete for qualification points towards the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. With the valuable points available, the size of the team will be the largest to date competing in the 2014 race season, with a full support team to lead the way. The event will showcase one of the most famous tracks from last season – the Berlin Mellowpark – which was the former venue to the Redbull Revolution race, making it an exciting event for the athletes.”

Canada’s Tory Nyhaug of Coquitlam, BC will lead the team at the Berlin event, coming back from a crash during the Time Trials SuperFinals at the last World Cup event in Papendal. Nyhaug did not suffer any serious injury and will be ready to race for a podium performance in Germany.

Jim Brown of Airdrie, AB, James Palmer of North Vancouver, BC and Brandon Reid of Victoria, BC have all raced the UCI Supercross series this year for Canada. Misha Partridge of Duncan, BC will be joining the team travelling to Berlin and will race his first UCI Supercross World Cup of 2014.

In the women’s race, Amelia Walsh of Ayr, ON is the only women who has raced the World Cup series this year. Walsh will be joined by two upcoming stars: Junior Canadian BMX Champion Eliane McAdam and Junior Canadian BMX Time Trial Champion Morgan McAdam, both of Calgary, AB. The twin sisters will compete in their first international event in the Elite category.

The UCI BMX World Cup SuperCross in Berlin begins on June 13 with the qualifying motos and time trials SuperFinals, and ends on June 14 with the elimination motos and Main Events.

TEAM CANADA – 2014 UCI BMX SUPERCROSS – BERLIN, GER

  • Jim BROWN (Airdrie, AB/Surrey, BC) [Elite Men] (@JimBrown94)
  • Tory NYHAUG (Coquitlam, BC) [Elite Men] (@tnyhaug49)
  • James PALMER (North Vancouver, BC) [Elite Men] (@jamespalmer66)
  • Mischa PARTRIDGE (Duncan, BC) [Elite Men] (@MPartridge112)
  • Brandon REID (Victoria, BC) [Elite Men] (@BReid244)
  •  
  • Amelia WALSH (Ayr, ON) [Elite Women] (@walshie802)
  • Eliane McADAM (Calgary, AB) Elite Women
  • Morgan McADAM (Calgary, AB) Elite Women

Coaches/Staff

  • Ken COOLS, Head Coach (@CoachKenCools)
  • Adam MUYS, Development Coach (@AMuys73)
  • Alex ICHÉ, Osteopath
  • Roger FRIESEN, Mental Performance coach

 

Follow Cycling Canada on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cyclingcanada and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cyclingcanada.

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LÉANDRE BOUCHARD CONTINUES STREAK OF EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES

Bouchard finishes in sixth place of cross-country race in Albstadt, Germany

(Albstadt, GER – June 1, 2014) Canadian mountain biker Léandre Bouchard is on fire, currently enjoying a streak of excellent international performances among the world’s best riders.

After earning his career best World Cup result last week in the Czech Republic with a fifth place, and finishing fourth of the Eliminator on Friday, the young rider hailing from Alma, QC rode to the sixth place of the U23 cross-country race on Sunday at the World Cup in Albstadt, Germany.

Thanks to the last two cross-country races, where he finished fifth and sixth, Bouchard is now sitting in ninth place of the U23 World Cup rankings.

Canadian Catharine Pendrel of Kamloops, BC, racing for her private trade team Team Luna Pro, took the fifth place in the Women’s Elite race, while Raphael Gagné of Québec, QC, racing for the National Team, finished in 25th place in the Men’s Elite race.

The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup series will feature downhill events for the next two weekends, while the next cross-country events will be held at Mont-Ste-Anne, QC from July 31 to August 3rd.

The 2014 Canadian Mountain Bike Cross-Country Championships will be held on July 17-20 at Hardwood Ski and Bike, near Barrie, ON.

Follow Cycling Canada on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cyclingcanada and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cyclingcanada.

 

RESULTS – CROSS-COUNTRY – MTB WORLD CUP – ALBSTADT, GER

WOMEN ELITE

1. FERRAND PREVOT, Pauline (FRA] [LIV PRO XC TEAM] 1:30:59

2. DAHLE FLESJAA, Gunn-Rita (NOR) [MULTIVAN MERIDA BIKING TEAM] +2:59

3. NEFF, Jolanda (SUI) [LIV PRO XC TEAM] +3:19

=====

5. PENDREL, Catharine (CAN) [LUNA PRO TEAM] +3:53

13. BATTY, Emily (CAN) [TREK FACTORY RACING] +7:27

33. KOFMAN, Mikaela (CAN) [SCOTT-3ROX RACING] -1LAP

66. MONTAMBAULT, Cindy (CAN) -4LAP

74. PICHETTE, Andréanne (CAN) -4LAP

 

MEN ELITE

1. ABSALON, Julien (FRA) [BMC MOUNTAINBIKE RACING TEAM] 1:29:24

2. SCHURTER, Nino (SUI) [SCOTT-ODLO MTB RACING TEAM] +1:19

3. TEMPIER, Stéphane (FRA) [BH-SUNTOUR-KMC] +1:24

=====

25. GAGNE, Raphael (CAN) +5:21

38. ZANDSTRA, Derek (CAN) [SCOTT-3ROX RACING] +7:06

42. KABUSH, Geoff (CAN) [SCOTT-3ROX RACING] +8:03

115. CADIEUX-DUVAL, Sébastien (CAN) -4LAP

128. L’ESPERANCE, Andrew (CAN) -5LAP

 

WOMEN U23

1. MOSCHETTI, Margot (FRA) [SCOTT – LA CLUSAZ] 1:22:51

2. BELOMOINA, Yana (UKR) [BETCH.NL SUPERIOR BRENTJENS MTB RACING TEAM] +0:35

3. RABENSTEINER, Lisa (ITA) [FOCUS XC ITALY TEAM] +2:13

14. ROCHETTE, Maghalie (CAN) [LUNA PRO TEAM] +7:44

19. SMITH, Haley (CAN) +10:04

29. PAGEAU, Rachel (CAN) +12:26

32. TRUDEL, Frederique (CAN) +13:58

DNF4. BIETOLA, Laura  CAN) DNF4

DNF3. LANTHIER-NADEAU, Andréane (CAN) DNF3

 

MEN U23

1. SARROU, Jordan (FRA) [BH-SUNTOUR-KMC] 1:20:39

2. VAN DER HEIJDEN, Michiel (NED) [GIANT PRO XC TEAM] +0:23

3. GROTTS, Howard (USA) [SPECIALIZED RACING XC] +0:36

=====

6. BOUCHARD, Léandre (CAN) +2:18

19. BAILEY, Mitchell (CAN) +4:41

23. MARTIN, Jeremy (CAN) +5:30

43. CARON, Antoine (CAN) +7:45

66. NOBLE, Steven (CAN) -1LAP

68. DISERA, Peter (CAN) -1LAP

82. MCNEELY, Evan (CAN) -2LAP

 

WOMEN JUNIOR

1. DEGN, Malene [DENMARK] 56:14

2. FREI, Sina [SWITZERLAND] +0:19

3. KELLER, Alessandra (SUI) [STRÜBY-BIXS TEAM] +0:19

=====

30. LEWIS, Marine [CANADA] +9:39

 

MEN JUNIOR

1. ANDREASSEN, Simon [DENMARK] 59:04

2. SCHWARZBAUER, Luca [GERMANY] +0:19

3. PIGEON, Hugo [FRANCE] +1:11

=====

19. FORTIER, Marc Andre [CANADA] +4:16

63. BURKE, Felix [CANADA] +8:14

64. BELHUMEUR, Felix [CANADA] +8:24

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LÉANDRE BOUCHARD STRIKES AGAIN AT MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP IN GERMANY

Bouchard races to fourth place in Eliminator

(Albstadt, GER – May 30, 2014) Less than a week after his fifth place in the cross-country race at the World Cup in Czech Republic, Canadian mountain biker Léandre Bouchard of Alma, QC punched again on Friday. This time, the young rider finished fourth of the Cross Country Eliminator at the World Cup in Albstadt, Germany, his career best result in the event.

Bouchard, the reigning Canadian Champion in the discipline, easily qualified for the elimination rounds finishing with the second fastest time of the qualifying round, and then went on to win the next three rounds to earn his berth into the big final, where he placed fourth.

“I’m really happy to make my first World Cup podium. My physical form is good right now. This is a good sign for the cross country race on Sunday. I’m happy to see I still have good legs from last weekend’s World Cup,” said Bouchard, ecstatic after the award ceremonies.

Canada’s mountain bike head coach Dan Proulx praised the efforts and Bouchard’s progression: “Today’s ride shows, once again, that Léandre is on the right track. He’s competitive in cross country and in the Eliminator at the World level. Léandre is the heart of our team. When he does well, it inspires all of us. Everyone is so happy for him!”

Bouchard will race the U23 cross-country race on Sunday prior to his return to Canada, where he will jump on a road bike to race the Grand Prix cycliste de Saguenay, in his hometown.

Canadians Peter Disera of Barrie, ON, Sebastien Cadieux-Duval of Prévost, QC and Andrew l’Espérance of Halifax, Nova Scotia all qualified for the elimination round, but did advance from the opening round.

The cross-country races will be held Saturday for the junior and U23 women categories, and Sunday for the elite and U23 men categories.

Follow Cycling Canada on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cyclingcanada and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cyclingcanada.

RESULTS – ELIMINATOR – MTB WORLD CUP – ALBSTADT, GER

MEN

1. MELS, Fabrice (BEL) SALCANO ALANYA

2. VAN DER PLOEG, Paul (AUS)

3. LÜTHI, Patrick (SUI)

4. BOUCHARD Leandre (CAN)

=====

20. L’ESPERANCE, Andrew (CAN)

21. DISERA, Peter (CAN)

31. CADIEUX-DUVAL, Sébastien (CAN)

WOMEN

1. STIRNEMANN, Kathrin (SUI) SABINE SPITZ HAIBIKE PRO TEAM

2. ENGEN, Alexandra (SWE) GHOST FACTORY RACING

3. INDERGAND, Linda (SUI) STRÜBY-BIXS TEAM

4. TERPSTRA, Anne (NED) BETCH.NL SUPERIOR BRENTJENS MTB RACING TEAM

=====

17. MONTAMBAULT, Cindy (CAN)

20. PAGEAU, Rachel (CAN)

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CYCLING CANADA AND CYCLING BC HAVE PARTNERED TOGETHER IN THE HIRING OF A BMX COACH

(Ottawa, ON – May 29, 2014) We are happy to announce the hiring of Adam Muys to be the National Development coach for Cycling Canada, as well as the BMX provincial Coach for Cycling BC. 

Muys’ duties for Cycling Canada will include the overseeing of the junior development program as well as supporting the National Team on projects in a support role capacity as team management and mechanical help.  For Cycling BC Muys will Coach the BMX provincial team and support the development Coaches. 

“I’m excited to work with the young athletes and help in their development to get them to the next level,” said Adam Muys.

Muys brings a vast knowledge of experience to the program.  He has been involved in the sport of BMX cycling for the past 20 years, coaching athletes at all levels; from learn to ride to the Olympic Games.

Follow Cycling Canada on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cyclingcanada and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cyclingcanada.

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