News – Page 193 – Cycling Canada Cyclisme

CYCLIST JOELLE NUMAINVILLE ON THE PODIUM AT WEST FLANDERS WOMEN’S WORLD CUP RACE

(Belgium – March 31, 2012) Canadian cyclist Joëlle Numainville of Montréal, QC sprinted to the third place at the famous and coveted West Flanders women’s World Cup race today in Belgium.

Wearing the Team Canada colours, Numainville went on to cross the finish line third in a sprint against Kristen Wild of the Netherlands after 127 kilometers of racing, with long stretches on cobbled streets.

“I’m so stoked to be on the podium. I was so nervous last night because I knew my form is good and my capabilities. It’s also the first race in Europe. It went from the worst night to the best day,” said Numainville. “I was at the front for a long time in the sprint, but I thought it was better to stay there. I was really calm. I saw Kristen Wild beside me and knew we would be pushing the same watts as we had the same fatigue from the race. I just gave it everything I had.”

She then added, speaking of the course: ““I thought it was an easier course than last year plus I felt better. It is a great course for me because there are climbs but they don’t last for 20 km. The Oude-Karemont climb which was second to last was the hardest climb and I rode it quite well.”

Judith Arndt of Germany and Kirsten Armstrong of the United States finished first and second, and managed to separate themselves at the famous Oude-Karemont climb, and rode together to the finish line.

The Canadian team racing in Belgium today was headed by Denise Kelly, the Canadian Cycling Association’s women’s road head coach, and she was proud of the accomplishment by Numainville: “It’s a thrill to be part of Flanders and getting on the podium for Joelle and Canada is amazing. She’s had some good results in the States prior to coming here but it’s completely different racing as all the best in the world were here. It’s fantastic to carry the momentum from UCI Pan-American Championships to Europe for our spring campaign. The entire team is looking strong which bodes well for the rest of the month over here.”

The women’s program will continue its course in Europe until the end of April with a series of races across many European countries, and then will come back to Canada in May for the Chrono Gatineau and the 2012 IMMUNITY-FX Canadian Road Championships in June.

RESULTS – WOMEN – ROAD CYCLING WORLD CUP – WEST FLANDERS, BEL
1. Judith ARNDT (GER) Greenedge-Ais 3:19:05
2. Kristin ARMSTRONG (USA) USA National Team +0:02
3. Joelle NUMAINVILLE (CAN) Canada National Team +0:30
4. Kirsten WILD (NED) AA Drink-Leontien.nl Cycling Team +0:30
5. Adrie VISSER (NED) Skil 1T4I +0:30
=====
26. Denise RAMSDEN (CAN) Canada National Team +0:30
41. Leah KIRCHMANN (CAN) Canada National Team+1:52
45. Clara HUGHES (CAN) Team Specialized-Lululemon +1:52

March 31, 2012/by Communications

TORY NYHAUG STARTS SEASON WITH BACK-TO-BACK TOP 5s IN SUNNY CALIFORNIA

(Chula Vista, CA, USA – March 31, 2012) Canadian BMX superstar Tory Nyhaug of Coquitlam, BC started the season on the right foot this weekend, scoring back-to-back top 5 results in Chula Vista, California, at the opening UCI BMX Supercross contest of the 2012 season.

On Friday in qualifying, Nyhaug went on the post the fourth fastest time of 34.814 in the Super Time Trial Finals race, and qualified for the BMX Supercross showdowns.

On Saturday, Nyhaug then went through the single-elimination rounds all the way to the Supercross finals, where he crossed the finish line in fifth place. Nyhaug was involved in a crash early in the race, but managed to get back up and finish the race among the Top 5.

American rider Connor Fields won both the time Time Trial and the Supercross races.

Complete results can be found at www.bmx-results.com.

The next BMX Supercross race will be held from April 13 to 15 in Randaberg, Norway.

RESULTS – MEN – BMX SUPECROSS
1. FIELDS, Connor (USA)
2. WILLOUGHBY, Sam (AUS)
3. HERMAN, David (USA)
4. WILLERS, Marc (NZL)
5. NYHAUG, Tory (CAN)
6. VAN GENDT, Twan (NED)
7. BRADFORD, Joey (USA)
8. STROMBERGS, Maris (LAT)

RESULTS – MEN – TIME TRIALS
1. FIELDS, Connor (USA) 33.648
2. STROMBERGS, Maris (LAT) 34.413
3. SHARRAH Corben (USA) 34.682
4. NYHAUG, Tory (CAN) 34.814
5. PELLUARD, Vincent (FRA) 34.828
==========
97. SIPKOI, Derek (CAN) 37.339
98. MCCORMACK, Connor (CAN) 37.345
101. PARTRIDGE, Mischa (CAN) 37.508
125. WALSH, Corey (CAN) 39.440
142. TUCHSCHERER, Justin (CAN) 1:07.017
DNF. PALMER, James (CAN)

March 31, 2012/by Communications

IAN HUGHES BECOMES NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COACH

(Ottawa, ON – March 30, 2012) The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) is thrilled to announce the nomination of Ian Hughes as Mountain Bike National Development Coach. From now on, the former Quebec Team Head Mountain Bike Coach will work within the National Team programs.

Hughes will be tasked to develop a national strategy aiming at facilitating the athletes’ arrival on the international scene. This facilitating process will notably be through training camps and competition projects. In addition, Hughes will also have to elaborate talent detection tools, as well as contribute to the expansion of the mountain bike athletes’ pool.

In his new functions, Hughes will work with provincial cycling associations, and in particular with regards to the implantation of the Long Term Athlete Development model (LTAD). In addition, he will pursue his implication in the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and closely collaborate with all provincial and personal coaches. Finally, he will assist the National Team Head Mountain Bike Coach in order to establish fluid transitions between Development and High Performance programs.

“We are very happy to have Ian among us. We are also grateful to the Quebec Cycling Federation (FQSC) for having allowed us to use Ian’s services as Mountain Bike National Development Coach. Because of his experience in mountain bike, his teaching approach and his training methodology, Ian is a great addition to our National Coaches team,” said Jacques Landry, High Performance Director and Head Coach at the Canadian Cycling Association.

“I am extremely happy about the challenges this new job will provide. It was an opportunity I had to seize,“ said Hughes.

Starting April 1st, Hughes will officially become a CCA employee, even though he will continue to work with the FQSC during a short transition period.

March 30, 2012/by Communications

CANADIAN TRACK CYCLING TEAM TO COMPETE ONE FINAL TIME BEFORE LONDON

(Ottawa, ON – March 25, 2012) The Canadian Track Cycling Team will hit the boards one more time before the 2012 Olympic Games as the team makes the long trip down under to compete at the 2012 UCI Track World Championships in Melbourne, Australia, from April 4th to 8th.

The small but powerful team will be hoping to post strong results at this event, sending a strong message that they will be ready to compete for Olympic medals this summer.

Although the 2012 Olympic Test event was the pinnacle event for the Canadian Team in its preparations for the Olympic Games, the World Championships in Melbourne will be another opportunity to gain experience and fine-tune the operations for London 2012.

“The 2012 London Olympic Test event was the big one for us this year. Our key is now is small daily improvements as I am sure they will give us staggering long-term results when we get to London in August. Melbourne will be another test but not the main focus,” said Richard Wooles, head coach of the Canadian Track Cycling Team.

Tara Whitten of Edmonton, AB will be defending her title in the Women’s omnium, a race she won for the last two years at the World Championships. Whitten will certainly be the rider to watch among the group of riders in the omnium as she will sport one more time her famous rainbow jersey this year.

In the men’s omnium, Zach Bell of Watson Lake, Yukon who currently resides in North Vancouver, BC will also be among the top riders. Bell won the 2011 UCI World Cup title in the event, and has stepped on the podium in the two UCI World Cup events in competed in this winter.

The Men’s Team Sprint comprised of Hugo Barrette of Sherbrooke, QC, Travis Smith of Calgary, AB and Joseph Veloce of Fonthill, ON will be laying everything down at the velodrome, hoping to snatch that coveted Olympic spot. The task will not be easy, they will need to have the performance of their lives to beat the United States and Venezuela in the race for the one remaining spot.

Both Smith and Veloce will also take part in the men’s sprint event, still hoping to grab those important UCI Olympic qualifying points available.

The women’s team pursuit, a team that has shown a lot of depth and power this season by grabbing the silver medal at the 2012 London Prepares Olympic Test event earlier in February. This time around, Tara Whitten, Laura Brown of Vancouver, BC, Jasmin Glaesser of Coquitlam, BC and Gillian Carleton of Victoria, BC will be sporting the Maple leaf and add another team pursuit race to their career resumes. The final team selection will be named shortly prior to the event.

Glaesser will also race the women’s Points race, while Whitten will race the individual pursuit in addition to her busy schedule.

Finally, Monique Sullivan of Calgary, AB, who is coming off an exceptional Pan-American Championships with a gold medal in both the women’s sprint and keirin, will be hoping one more time to improve her ranking and gain valuable race experience that will come in handy at the Olympic Games. Sullivan will take part in the sprint and keirin events at these UCI World Championships.

Full details and program can be found at www.uci.ch.

CANADIAN DELEGATION
WOMEN
Laura Brown (Vancouver, BC): Women’s Team Pursuit
Gillian Carleton (Victoria, BC): Women’s Team Pursuit
Jasmin Glaesser (Coquitlam, BC): Women’s Team Pursuit, Points
Monique Sullivan (Calgary, AB): Sprint, Keirin
Tara Whitten (Edmonton, AB): Women’s Team Pursuit, Omnium, Individual Pursuit

MEN
Hugo Barrette (Sherbrooke, QC): Men Team Sprint
Zach Bell (Watson Lake, Yukon/North Vancouver, BC): Omnium
Travis Smith (Calgary, AB): Sprint, Men Team Sprint
Joseph Veloce (Fonthill, ON): Sprint, Men Team Sprint

March 25, 2012/by Communications

STEVE SMITH FIFTH IN DOWNHILL AT UCI WORLD CUP IN SOUTH AFRICA

Smith is Canada’s lone downhiller at the opening UCI World Cup race

(Pietermaritzburg, RSA – March 18, 2012) The 2012 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in South Africa continued today featuring the downhill races, and Steve Smith of Cassidy, British Columbia finished in fifth position to start the 2012 season.

Smith stopped the clock at 4:02.364, showing a deficit of 4.384 seconds over the winning time.

Greg Minnarr of the Republic of South Africa was the fastest of the day, posting a time of 3:57.980, on top of the podium in front of his home crowd.

Tracey Hannah of Australia won the women’s race posting a time of 4:33.806. No Canadian woman competed at this event.

RESULTS – UCI WORLD CUP – MOUNTAIN BIKE – WOMEN ELITE, DOWNHILL
1. HANNAH Tracey (AUS) HUTCHINSON UNITED RIDE 4:33.806
2. CARPENTER Manon (GBR) MADISON SARACEN DOWNHILL TEAM +0.949
3. RAGOT Emmeline (FRA) MS MONDRAKER TEAM +2.810

RESULTS – UCI WORLD CUP – MOUNTAIN BIKE – MEN ELITE, DOWNHILL
1. MINNAAR Greg (RSA) SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE 3:57.980
2. GWIN Aaron (USA) TREK WORLD RACING +0.632
3. HANNAH Michael (AUS) HUTCHINSON UNITED RIDE +0.994
4. ATHERTON Gee (GBR) GT FACTORY RACING +1.303
5. SMITH Steve (CAN) DEVINCI GLOBAL RACING +4.384

Full results from the World Cup races in South Africa can be found here:
http://www.uci.ch/templates/BUILTIN-NOFRAMES/Template1/layout.asp?MenuId=MTYzODg&LangId=1

March 18, 2012/by Communications

EMILY BATTY AND CATHARINE PENDREL START SEASON WITH PODIUM PERFORMANCES

Batty second and Pendrel third as Canada’s women send a clear message

(Pietermaritzburg, RSA – March 17, 2012) The 2012 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Tour kicked off today, and Canada’s women sent a strong and clear message: they are ready.

Ontario’s Emily Batty of Team Subaru-Trek opened the season with her career first World Cup podium in the elite category, finishing in second place. Ranked 8th in the individual UCI World Cup standings in 2011 in her first season as elite, Batty has shown today she is a serious contender, finishing only four seconds behind race winner Maja Wloszczowska of Poland.

2012 World Champion and three-time Canadian Champion Catharine Pendrel, from Kamloops, BC and racing for Team Luna Pro, took the third place of the race.

“Today’s race was very competitive. It was a battle to the end. It definitely showed that we are on the right track. Both Emily and Catharine work well together, in training and in racing. Emily was impressive. She showed a lot of determination today. Catharine’s ride was solid and a good early-season performance. We expect to see the form improve a lot as we enter the next World Cup in Houffalize,” said National Team Head Coach Dan Proulx.

Marie-Hélène Prémontof Chateau Richer, Que., representing Team Rocky Mountain-Maxxis, finished in 21st place, while Amanda Sin of Collingwood, Ontario, racing with Team SCOTT-3Rox Racing, placed 46th.

Canada is ranked at top of the UCI Olympic rankings in women’s cross country. In 2011, three of Canada’s women finished in the Top 8 of the individual World Cup standings.

In the men’s cross-country race, Derek Zansdtra of Trenton, Ontario posted Canada’s top results in 29th place. Olympian and seven-time Canadian Champion Goeff Kabush from Courtenay, BC and racing for SCOTT-3Rox Racing took the 37th place, while Canadian Champion Max Plaxton of Victoria, BC wearing the Team Canada colours placed 43rd.

The UCI World Cup in South Africa continues tomorrow with Canadian Steve Smith of Cassidy, BC, with Team DeVinci Global Racing Team racing in the downhill race.

RESULTS – UCI WORLD CUP – MOUNTAIN BIKE – WOMEN ELITE
1. WLOSZCZOWSKA Maja (CCC POLKOWICE) 1:34:01
2. BATTY Emily (SUBARU – TREK) +0:04
3. PENDREL Catharine (LUNA PRO TEAM) +0:23
=====
21. PREMONT Marie-Helene +6:12
46. SIN Amanda (SCOTT-3ROXRACING) +11:56

RESULTS – UCI WORLD CUP – MOUNTAIN BIKE – MEN ELITE
1. SCHURTER Nino (SCOTT – SWISSPOWER MTB RACING TEAM) 1:30:38
2. STANDER Burry (SPECIALIZED RACING) +0:11
3. FUMIC Manuel (CANNONDALE FACTORY RACING) +0:59
=====
29. ZANDSTRA Derek (SCOTT-3ROXRACING) +6:40
37. KABUSH Geoff (SCOTT-3ROXRACING) +8:06
43. PLAXTON Max (TEAM CANADA) +8:46
92. JETTE Cameron (SCOTT-3ROXRACING) -1LAP
105. MORKA Adam -3LAP

Full results from the World Cup races in South Africa can be found here:
http://www.uci.ch/templates/BUILTIN-NOFRAMES/Template1/layout.asp?MenuId=MTYzODg&LangId=1

March 17, 2012/by Communications

MOUNTAIN BIKING WORLD CUP SERIES BEGIN THIS WEEK IN SOUTH AFRICA

Top Mountain bikers still fighting for their Olympic spot

(Pietermaritzburg, RSA – March 15, 2012) The 2012 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Tour begins this weekend with both cross-country and downhill races in Pietermaritzburg, Republic of South African, and Canada will have its top stars competing either for the Canadian team or for their respective professional cycling teams.

In the women’s cross country race, all eyes will be turned on 2011 UCI World Champion Catharine Pendrel of Kamloops, BC, who will be racing for Team Luna Pro. Pendrel will sport for the first time on the UCI World Cup the coveted Rainbow Jersey, awarded to the World Champion. Pendrel, a two-time defending Canadian Champion and 2010 UCI World Cup Champion, will be looking to start the season with a bang, but she will have stiff competition from other Canadian riders also fighting for an Olympic spot. Emily Batty of Brooklin, Ont. will be racing wearing the colours of Team Subaru-Trek, while Marie-Hélène Prémont of Chateau Richer, Que., will represent Team Rocky Mountain-Maxxis. Amanda Sin of Collingwood, Ontario, will also be in contention at the race with Team SCOTT-3Rox Racing.

Canada is ranked at top of the UCI Olympic rankings in women’s cross country, and ninth in the Men’s rankings. In 2011, three of Canada’s women finished in the Top 8 of the individual World Cup standings as the last season ended.

In the men’s cross-country race, Canada will have current Canadian Champion Max Plaxton of Victoria, BC wearing the Team Canada colours. Olympian and seven-time Canadian Champion Goeff Kabush of Courtenay, BC will race for the first time at a World Cup while representing Canadian-based Team SCOTT-3 Rox Racing, alongside his teammate Derek Zansdtra of Trenton, Ontario. Adam Morka of Toronto, ON will also take part in the South African race, with Team Trek Canada.

The event in South Africa is one of six events on the UCI World Cup calendar, and one of four remaining in the UCI Olympic rankings.

The UCI World Cup in South Africa will showcase the World’s top downhillers, including Canadian Steve Smith of Cassidy, BC, with Team DeVinci Global Racing Team.

The cross-country races will be held on Saturday, March 17, while the downhill races will be held on Sunday March 18.

Full program for the UCI World Cup in South Africa can be found here.

March 15, 2012/by Communications

LEAH KIRCHMANN TAKES SILVER AT PAN-AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Canada ends these Championships with seven medals

(Mar del Plata, ARG – March 11, 2012) Leah Kirchmann of Winnipeg, MB took the silver medal in the women’s road race as the 2012 UCI Pan-American Championships came to an end on Sunday in Mar Del Plata, Argentina.

After 90 kilometers of racing, Kirchmann crossed the finish line in second place of a bunch sprint. In today’s finale, it was Cuban rider Yumari Gonzalez who was the fastest against Kirchmann and Janildes Fernandez of Brazil.

“I’m really excited that I won a silver for Canada. It’s one of my greatest achievements and it was one of my targeted races this season. The team worked really well together. We wanted a break so we played well off each other by continually attacking and putting pressure on the group. The Americans wanted a sprint so they brought back a lot of the attacks. It worked well for us in the end,” said Kirchmann, the 2011 Canadian Criterium Champion and winner of the 2011 Tour of Elk Grove.

“I really enjoyed my time in Argentina. The staff made our time easy as they were so helpful – we were well taken care of,” Kirchmann added.

Denise Kelly, Head coach of the Canadian Road Cycling Team, is happy with this podium performance. “I couldn’t be happier with the overall success of the team. Motivation was high all through the week, and the team cohesion was great and the athletes performed their best. It’s a great start to the season for us.”

Five other Canadians were in the race: Rhae Shaw of Seattle, WA, Denise Ramsden of Yellowknife, NWT, Karol-Ann Canuel of Amos, QC, Heather Logan-Sprenger of Madoc, ON, and Joanie Caron of Québec, QC.

The 12-lap, 90-kilometer race took place on a 7.5 kilometer circuit, which featured a sharp, 200m ascent soon after the start finish line, the biggest challenge for the riders.

Canada ended a very successful 2012 UCI Pan-American Championships, winning five medal on the track and two medals on the road.

March 11, 2012/by Communications

RHAE SHAW CONTINUES MEDAL STREAK FOR CANADA AT PAN-AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Shaw takes the silver medal in the road individual time trial race in Argentina

(Mar del Plata, ARG – March 09, 2012) Rhae Christie-Shaw extended Canada’s success at the 2012 UCI Pan-American Championships in Mar Del Plata, Argentina, winning the silver medal in the road individual time trial race.

Shaw posted a time of 27:47.38 on the 20-km course stretching the Atlantic coast. The riders enjoyed a backwind on the first 10-km stretch, and suffered from a strong headwind on the way back to the finish line.

“I’m really excited to have brought home the silver medal back to Canada. It’s my first International Championship medal, said Rhae Shaw after the race. “It was really windy out on the course, a very difficult ride and I gave it my all. For my first time trial of the year, it’s a good indicator that training is going well and we learned a lot today to continue to improve.”

I’d like to thank the staff for all their help,” added Shaw.

Shaw came in seventh in the individual time trial at the 2011 UCI Road World Championships in Denmark.

American rider Amber Neben took the gold medal race, posting a time of 26:50.86, while Clemencia Da Silva of Brazil took the bronze medal with a time of 27:57.00.

Canadian rider Denise Ramsden of Yellowknife, NWT crossed the finish line with a time 29 :37.94 to take 6th place.

The silver medal by Shaw comes after five medals won at the velodrome by the Canadian Track Cycling Team.

The Pan-American cycling championships end on Sunday with the mass-start road race. Canada will have six riders on the start line.

March 9, 2012/by Communications

MONIQUE SULLIVAN WINS SECOND GOLD MEDAL AT PAN-AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sullivan takes the Pan-American Championships title in the Women’s Keirin in day filled with rain delays

(Mar del Plata, ARG – March 08, 2012) Canada ended the track portion today at the 2012 UCI Pan-American Championships with yet another gold medal, as Monique Sullivan of Calgary, Alberta won her second Gold medal, this time in the women’s keirin.

In a day filled with rain delays, Sullivan made her way to the decisive race, passing through the repechage rounds. In the gold medal race, she edged Daniela Gaxiola of Mexico in second and Jennifer Valente of the United States of America in third. Allison Beveridge, also of Calgary, placed in 9th place

“This was a great test of mental focus with several rain delays and lots of unknowns. I have put a lot of effort into the mental side of racing and it paid off today! I had a simple race plan, I stayed focused, and I executed a good ride. Venezuela and I will have our final face off for the Olympic spot at the World Championships next month. Can’t wait!” said Sullivan.

The women’s keirin title is the second earned by Sullivan at this important event for the Olympic qualification process.

Canada’s Track Cycling Team earned a total of five medals at this event, with Monique Sullivan winning two gold medals in the women’s sprint and keirin, the women’s team pursuit of Laura Brown, Stephanie Roorda and Allison Beveridge taking the Pan-American title, Travis Smith winning the bronze medal in bronze in the men’s kierin. Finally, the men’s team sprint squad of Travis Smith, Joseph Veloce and Hugo Barrette took the silver medal.

The competition also marked the first cycling race for Heather Moyse, who finished fourth in the 500m TT and fifth in the women’s sprint.

The 2012 Pan-American Championships road events will begin tomorrow with the time trial race, and Canada will have two riders on the start list: Rhae Shaw and Denise Ramsden.

March 8, 2012/by Communications