UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships to showcase World’s most versatile cyclists

(Ottawa, ON – January 11, 2011) The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) is pleased to announce the four cyclists who will be representing Canada at the 2012 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, held January 28-29, 2012 in Koksijde, Belgium.

Canada’s team at the 2012 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships has two riders with previous experience at World Championships. Both Craig Richey of Smithers, BC and Yohan Patry of St-Jérome, Québec, participated at the 2011 UCI World Championships held in St-Wendel, Germany. Richey finished 46th in the men’s elite race, while Patry finished 21st in the men’s junior race.

Richey is looking forward to the challenges the course on the west coast of Belgium will provide: “The Koksijde course can be summed up in one word : sand. Koksijde is like nothing we have in North America with deep sand rut riding, lots of running, and at least six dismounts a lap.”

In the men’s U23 race, Félix Bouvette of Chateauguay, QC will be attending his first World Championships. Bouvette along with Richey and Patry will be competing in the final two World Cup rounds to prepare for the event.

In the men’s junior race, Canada will have two riders expected to take the start: Yohan Patry will be joined by Samuel Beaudoin of Edmonton. Beaudoin, who was 4th at Canadian Cyclo-cross Championships, will be competing in his first World Championships.

“My experience from last year helped me a lot in my preparations for this year, I know exactly what I need to do in order to be ready for these Worlds,” said Yohan Patry. “I’m feeling really strong now, both technically and physically and I don’t think that the level I have now would have been possible to reach without the experience I acquired last year.”

Czech rider Zdenek Stybar is the outgoing World Champion in the Elite Men’s race, while Marianne Vos of the Netherlands will be defending her title in the Women’s elite race.

The first Cyclo-cross World Championships were held in 1950.

Belgium has a strong cyclo-cross program, currently with seven riders in the Top 10 of the 2012 UCI World rankings. Canada’s top ranked rider in the World is Geoff Kabush in 63rd place. Kabush will not participate at the World championships in Belgium.

Cyclo-cross races last approximately one hour. Races are held on technical and hilly circuits of 2.5-3.5 km. Cyclocross provides a real education in cycling as it requires accomplished bike handling skills and unfailing physical fitness. Competitors have to carry their bikes over some sections.

For more information on the event, please visit: http://www.koksijde2012.be/cyclocross.html

CANADIAN DELEGATION – 2012 UCI CYCLO-CROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

ELITE MEN

RICHEY, Craig (Smithers, BC) 

U23 MEN

BOUVETTE, Félix (Chateauguay, QC) 

JUNIOR MEN

BEAUDOIN, Samuel (Edmonton, AB)

PATRY, Yohan (St-Jérome, QC) 

SUPPORT STAFF

KNIGHT, Matthew (Ottawa, ON) – Team Manager 

PLEASE MAKE A DONATION

Please make a donation to help support the team and alleviate some of the financial burden on the athletes. Donations forms are available or e-mail Matthew Knight at matthew.knight@canadian-cycling.com for more information. Tax receipts are issued for Donations of $25 or more. All proceeds go directly towards covering the athlete’s expenses.