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MUD AND MOUNTAINS AT THE CANADIAN GRAVEL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Ottawa, ON (June 17, 2024) – The second edition of the Canadian Gravel Championships took place under the majestic scenery of the Rockies on June 16, crowning a host of new Canadian champions in the U17, junior, elite and masters categories.

The 118-kilometer race to the top of the podium began in the rain and athletes had to use their skills and grit to navigate the muddy course.

After nearly four hours, it was Quebec’s Adam Roberge who finally claimed victory in the elite men’s category, having worked with his opponent, and silver medalist, Julien Gagné.  Michael Van den Ham completed the podium, 44.2 seconds behind the race leader.

“It was hard from the beginning and with the weather, it was hard to draft,” said Roberge, who has been focusing on gravel racing for the past few years. “I figured being patient would be better with that type of course. With the help of my friend Julien Gagné we were able to push the pace on every climb until there were only three remaining in the lead. We ended up battling it out on the last climb until the end, and I knew my sprint was a little bit faster.”

In the women’s category, Katja Verkerk took top honours with a time of 4 hours and 37 minutes, just ahead of Olympian Haley Smith (+2:54) and Anna Gabrielle Traxler (+4:00). The British Columbia-born athlete scored her first-ever Canadian championship victory and made no secret of her surprise.

“I’m new to racing, so I don’t know anyone,” declared Verkerk. “I tried to follow the first five to ten wheels and I followed an attack from a rider I followed for a while, until she had a mechanical, where I could pass her. I wasn’t expecting to put a Canadian jersey on today, so it’s kind of crazy.”

Reigning Canadian champion in the Masters 35-44 category, John Vanderveen once again claimed the win. However, the jersey was awarded to new recipients in all other categories, crowning Mitchell Williams (men U17), Lydia Stack-Michasiw (women U17), Colton Zabolotney (junior men), Nico Knoll (junior women), Jenn Proche (women 35-44), Dan Wood (men 45-54), Elizabeth Stack (women 45-54), Greg Clark (men 55-64), Ewa Siarka (women 55-64) and Gregory Patychuk (men 65+).

The full results list can be found here. Next up on the Canadian Championships calendar is the Canadian Road Championships (Elite, Junior, Para), to be held on June 21-24. The full calendar of national events can be found on the Events Page of the Cycling Canada website.

CANADIAN GRAVEL CHAMPIONSHIPS HEAD TO ALBERTA

Ottawa, ON (June 13, 2024) – Athletes from across the country are heading to Water Valley, AB, to take part in the Canadian Gravel Championships on June 16, 2024, hosted by Deadgoat Racing.

Junior, elite and masters categories will tackle the 118km course, for a total of 6800 feet of total elevation, overlooking Alberta’s awe-inspiring scenery.

“We are thrilled to head west for the second-ever hosting of the Canadian Gravel Championships, hosted in conjunction with the longstanding Ghost of the Gravel event.” said Josh Peacock, Director of Marketing and Events at Cycling Canada. “The course – nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies – will set a challenging stage for the nation’s best as they seek the Canadian Champion title and coveted maple leaf jersey.”

The big names in cyclo-cross and mountain biking will meet in Water Valley, as Olympian and Canadian Marathon Mountain Bike (XCM) champion Haley Smith and fellow Canadian XCM champion Andrew Lesperance will line up behind the tape. Tyler Clark, Christiane Bilodeau, Ella Myers, Sidney McGill, Sean Fincham and Adam Roberge, all members of the National Team over the years will be on hand.

The full technical guide and important event information can be found on the Events Page of the Cycling Canada website.

SHOWING OF PASSION AT UCI BMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Ottawa, ON (May 21, 2024) – Team Canada showed resilience at the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Rock Hill, USA.

Despite bad luck – including crashes and collisions in the various rounds, the Canadian athletes were nevertheless satisfied with their performances. Ryan Tougas, of Pitt Meadows, BC, scored Canada’s best result with a 12th position in the Elite Men category, after being edged out in semi-finals.

“What an emotional roller coaster, through the mud, the blood and the tears,” commented National Team Coach Adam Muys. “I’m so proud of our athletes, they raced hard and with passion. Thanks to our team for having them on form. We had the speed; we just didn’t get the breaks. We’ll carry on and come back stronger.”

Thomas Jodoin (U23 Men) of Trois-Rivières, QC, Thessalie Bruneau (Junior Women) of La Tuque, QC, Emily Bell (Junior Women) of Nanoose Bay, BC, and Molly Simpson (Elite Women) of Red Deer, AB, all made it through the quarterfinals, where they saw their 2024 World Championships journey come to an end.

Expected to reach the final, Simpson, who had achieved two fourth place finishes in the World Cup earlier this year, was the victim of a collision, shattering her chances of advancing further.

Full results from the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Championships can be found here.

Team Canada – Results 
Junior Women  

Emily Bell (Nanoose Bay, BC) – 23
Thessalie Bruneau (La Tuque, QC) – 22
Victoria Dubé (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC) – 29

Junior Men 
Ryley Cofield (Nanaimo, BC) – 25
Andrew Colling (Kingston, ON) – 36

U23 Women  
Keira Murphy (Nanaimo, BC) – 27
Abygale Reeve (Airdrie, AB) – 29

U23 Men  
Thomas Jodoin (Trois-Rivières, QC) – 19
Dylan Tremel (Calgary, AB) – 29

Elite Women 
Molly Simpson (Red Deer, AB) – 28

Elite Men  
Ryan Tougas (Pitt Meadows, BC) – 12
Riley Meyer-Clement (Boischatel, QC) – 63

CANADA GEARS UP FOR 2024 UCI BMX RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ROCK HILL

Ottawa, ON (May 9, 2024) – Cycling Canada is sending a team of 12 athletes to compete at the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Rock Hill, USA, on May 12-16.

After scoring two fourth place finishes in the first rounds of the UCI BMX Racing World Cup series, the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games silver medallist Molly Simpson will line up with a specific goal in mind.

“The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are in sight,” said Simpson. “I am heading into World Championships with the goal of riding technically smooth and aware, which will help me for Paris as the Olympic track is big and technical. I also want to soak up the atmosphere, as the vibe will be close to competing in the Olympics, as well as keeping myself in check and in the present moment.”

She will be joined by fellow Canadian Champions Ryan Tougas (Elite Men) and Thomas Jodoin (U23 Men), as well as the 2023 Junior Women Canadian Champion, Keira Murphy, now eyeing success in the U23 category.

Emily Bell, Victoria Dubé and Ryley Cofield will make their World Championships debut in the Junior category, alongside teammates Thessalie Bruneau and Andrew Colling.

More than 300 athletes ranging from age 8 to 62 will be taking part in the BMX Challenge World Championships, starting on May 10. Competition for the UCI classes start on May 12 and continues over the week. All information, including start lists and live timing, is available here.

Team Canada 
Junior Women 
Emily Bell – Nanoose Bay, BC
Thessalie Bruneau – La Tuque, QC
Victoria Dubé – Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Junior Men 
Ryley Cofield – Nanaimo, BC
Andrew Colling – Kingston, ON

U23 Women 
Keira Murphy – Nanaimo, BC
Abygale Reeve – Airdrie, AB

U23 Men 
Thomas Jodoin – Trois-Rivières, QC
Dylan Tremel – Calgary, AB

Elite Women
Molly Simpson – Red Deer, AB

Elite Men 
Ryan Tougas – Pitt Meadows, BC
Riley Meyer-Clement – Boischatel, QC

SEVEN PROVINCIAL/TERRITORIAL SPORT ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVE FUNDING TO SUPPORT HOPON YOUTH CYCLING FESTIVALS

Ottawa, ON (May 7, 2024) – Cycling Canada has partnered with seven Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations with its new approved initiative for the 2023-2024 Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI), which will focus on supporting HopOn sustainability and capacity at the provincial/territorial level.

With the support from the Government of Canada’s Sport Support Program, Cycling BC, Manitoba Cycling Association, Cycling Nova Scotia, Cycling PEI, Vélo New Brunswick, Fédération québecoise des sports cyclistes and Ontario Cycling will launch HopOn Youth Cycling festivals across the country.  This funding will support the 74+ festivals to over 10,000 participants who will be provided resources and tools to continue their cycling journey beyond the festivals.

“Now in our second year of delivering HopOn in Prince Edward Island, the CSAI funding is giving us the opportunity to bring the joys of cycling skillfully to many more kids across the Island this year,” said Jordan Bober, Cycling PEI Executive Director. “At a time of rising living costs, our partner organizations and communities are so excited to have the opportunity to bring free and low-cost recreational activities to the people they serve – especially those who have traditionally been underserved, which in PEI includes many children living in rural areas.”

A component of the funding is directed towards youth cycling festivals to promote cycling and the HopOn program and the second component is directed at supporting long term sustainability at the provincial/territorial level.

This project aims to reach the following underserved groups: Indigenous, Newcomer, Persons with a Disability, Racialized, Low-Income, Black and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities and has been made possible in part through the Government of Canada’s financial programs, with the objective of removing barriers and increasing sport participation rates for underrepresented groups.

Discover the full list of HopOn festivals here.

CYCLING CANADA RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH GLOBAL RELAY 

Ottawa, ON (April 30, 2024) Global Relay and Cycling Canada have renewed their long-term partnership to develop cycling in Canada and help the country become one of the world’s top cycling nations. The four-year partnership extension will continue to focus on sponsorship of the Canadian National Cycling Team.

In addition to its partnership with Cycling Canada, Global Relay will become the official support of the HopOn Program which is aiming to provide access to cycling to kids across Canada, while also becoming the title sponsor of the Global Relay Gastown HopOn Festival as part of the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, an event that it has supported and operated in downtown Vancouver since 2012.

“As a company committed to innovation and founded on passion, the sport of cycling embodies our values of integrity, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence,” says Warren Roy, Founder and CEO of Global Relay. “Together with Cycling Canada, we are thrilled to expand on our partnership and continue the important work of supporting the Canadian cycling community, especially young rising athletes through the HopOn Youth Cycling Program and Global Relay’s own Bridge the Gap Fund.”

Cycling Canada will roll out an extensive Employee Engagement program with Global Relay, including a staff-focused Global Relay Cycling Club which will include a regular cadence of club road rides, and regular workshops to galvanize the staff around cycling.

“We are thrilled to enter into a renewed 4-year partnership with Global Relay” added Josh Peacock, Director of Marketing and Events at Cycling Canada. “Since the outset of this partnership, Global Relay has continued to support the growth and development of cycling at all levels. The recent expansion of this partnership to the HopOn grassroots program demonstrates Global Relay’s holistic commitment to enhancing the sport for cyclists at every aspect of their competitive or recreational journey, including continued support at the highest level.”

The partnership will take place until 2028.

A THIRD MEDAL FOR CANADA AT THE 2024 TISSOT UCI TRACK NATIONS CUP IN MILTON

Milton, ON (April 14, 2024) – Lauriane Genest added a bronze medal to the Canadian team’s tally on the final day of competition at the Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup on April 14, 2024, in Milton, ON.

Genest Uses Patience to Take Bronze

In search of redemption after her fourth-place finish in the team sprint and fifth-place finish in the individual sprint, the Olympic bronze medallist in the keirin was looking for a podium finish on the final day of competition at home. She accomplished her mission brilliantly, taking bronze 0.133s behind reigning world champion Ellesse Andrews (NZL). Steffie van der Peet took silver.

“I had to be really patient in the final,” commented Lauriane Genest. “When I saw that I was sixth with one lap to go, I didn’t really believe that I could go up in front, but things fell into place, and I really gave it my all in the last lap. The medal solidifies that I’m capable of doing well in the keirin, especially as I won bronze in Australia last month.”

Kelsey Mitchell said she was surprised by her weekend of competition at home, as she would have liked more opportunities to get her legs moving. The multi-medal winner of the 2022 and 2023 editions of the Nations Cup at home was unable to reach the podium for this final round, having to settle for seventh place in the final for places 7-12, which she won with flying colors.

“It wasn’t what I expected, my legs were more present than I thought, but I didn’t execute well on sprint day,” commented Mitchell. “I leave satisfied and very proud of every Canadian, as we are on track to qualify the greatest team of all time for the Olympics.”

After a crash in qualifying, Ontario’s Jackie Boyle entered the repechage, where her day ended prematurely.

Coles-Lyster in Great Shape in the Omnium

Accumulating top-10s in every race of the cumulative omnium event, Maggie Coles-Lyster was in fourth place going into the final points race. The two points she accumulated there were not enough to improve her overall position, finishing sixth with 95 points.

Katie Archibald (GBR) collected a total of 131 points for the win, followed by Letizia Paternoster (ITA) with 111 points and world champion Jennifier Valente (USA) with 107 points.

Nick Wammes on a Roll

Tokyo 2020 Olympian Nick Wammes, who had an excellent day on April 13 by reaching the keirin final, achieved the best Canadian result in the individual sprint earning his place in the round of 16, where his day ended following his defeat by France’s Sébastien Vigier.

Ryan Dodyk, Tyler Rorke and rookie Cole Dempster, aged just seventeen, were unable to advance to the final rounds.

Reigning world champion Harrie Lavreysen (NED) took gold, while Jair Tjon En Fa (SUR) and Nicholas Paul (TTO) finished second and third.

Guillemette and Foley Satisfied Despite a Crash

Mathias Guillemette and Michael Foley teamed up for the Madison race, where they finished 11th. Although they had accumulated a point at the end of the 200 laps, they were overtaken by the field, taking 20 points off their total. They finished the race with a score of -19.

Belgium took top honors, closely followed by the Netherlands with silver and Portugal in third place.

“The form was there to stay on the same lap as the others, but with the collision it was a bit difficult to stay with the pack,” commented Guillemette.

Canada ends this final Olympic qualifier in a strong position, with a total of three medals won on Canadian soil and multiple spots secured in the Olympic track events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Cycling Canada thanks Sport Canada for the valuable support provided by the International Single Sport Events (ISSE) – Hosting Program. The ISSE aims to enhance high performance sport development as well as the profile of Canadian sport organizations through the domestic hosting of international single sport events.

Full results can be found here. For more information on the 2024 Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup Milton, visit www.tncmilton.com.

CANADIAN ATHLETES GAIN CONFIDENCE AT 2024 TISSOT UCI TRACK NATIONS CUP IN MILTON

Milton, ON (April 13, 2024) Canadian athletes continued to accumulate valuable points towards Olympic qualification on the second day of competition at the Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup on April 13, 2024, in Milton, ON.

Dylan Bibic Within Touching Distance of the Podium

Finishing second in the scratch race, ninth in the tempo race and fourth in the elimination race during his participation in the cumulative omnium event, Bibic, who had won gold in the elimination race on Friday April 12, was aiming for a second podium finish. Heading into the final event of the day, the points race, Bibic was in fourth place with a total of 96 points. Although he was able to collect a further 21 points, it wasn’t enough to join compatriots Ethan Hayter (GBR, 163 points), Kazushige Kuboki (JPN, 150 points) and Benjamin Thomas (FRA, 143 points) on the podium.

“I tried to catch them throughout the race and score points, but they were much fitter than me, hats off to these three riders,” said Bibic. “I’m so close and I know that with the right training and preparation, I can get a medal. I’ve never been as confident of getting a medal as I am now.”

A First Nations Cup Final for Wammes

Nick Wammes excelled in the qualification rounds of the keirin, securing his place in the final for positions 1 to 6. He was able to pocket a fifth position, after a hard-fought battle with the discipline’s biggest names, such as reigning world champion Harrie Lavreysen (NED – Gold), Jeffrey Hoogland (NED – Silver) and Jack Carlin (GBR – Bronze).

“Winning the qualifiers and the semi-final is more than I could have asked for,” said Wammes. “I know the form is coming back, and I wanted to focus on the individual events this weekend, so racing well today gave me confidence. I’ve been lucky enough to compete in six home races since joining the national team and it’s always a privilege to be in front of your home crowd, especially this final week when it’s an Olympic qualifying event, so it’s even more special.”

Also taking part in the keirin, Ryan Dodyk made his mark in qualifying, enabling him to compete in the 7-12 final, where he lost out in fifth place, finishing tenth overall. James Hedgcock was unable to reach the final rounds. Both had won bronze in the team sprint the day before.

Hard Day on the Saddle for Women Athletes

The women were also in action in the individual sprint, although none of them reached the final rounds. Lauriane Genest ended her day early after two consecutive victories by rival Ellesse Andrews (NZL, Silver) in the quarterfinals, giving her fifth place. Reigning Olympic champion Kelsey Mitchell did not have the day she had hoped for, finishing ninth after a defeat in the round of 16. Sarah Orban and Jackie Boyle finished 17th and 21st respectively. Mathilde Gros (FRA, Gold) and Daniela Gaxiola Gonzalez (MEX, Bronze) completed the podium.

Ariane Bonhomme and Lily Plante took part in the Madison race, where they were unable to finish as they were overtaken by the pack on two occasions. Great Britain took gold, followed by France and the USA with silver and bronze.

Cycling Canada thanks Sport Canada for the valuable support provided by the International Single Sport Events (ISSE) – Hosting Program. The ISSE aims to enhance high performance sport development as well as the profile of Canadian sport organizations through the domestic hosting of international single sport events.

Full results can be found here. For more information on the 2024 Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup Milton, visit www.tncmilton.com.

CANADA WINS FIRST MEDALS OF THE TISSOT UCI TRACK NATIONS CUP 2024

Milton, ON (April 12, 2024) – Dylan Bibic and the men’s sprint team grabbed the first Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup medals on day one of competition on April 12, 2024, in Milton, ON.

Dylan Bibic Shines at Home

As winner of the elimination race at the first Track Nations Cup in Adelaide, Bibic was looking for glory in front of the Canadian crowd. He accomplished his mission, once again in the elimination race, being the last rider on the track. He finished just ahead of Shunsuke Imamura (JPN) and Mark Stewart (GBR) taking silver and bronze respectively.

“I’ve never celebrated with such enthusiasm,” commented Bibic. “But I really did my best in this race, with some of the best Olympic riders, and winning in front of my home crowd was an amazing feeling.”

Focus on Paris for the Men’s Team Sprint

On the sprint side, the men’s team of Ryan Dodyk, James Hedgecock and Tyler Rorke had just one mission: to qualify for the Olympics. They ended the evening with a bronze medal around their necks.

“It was our last chance, really,” commented Rorke, referring to Olympic qualification for Paris. “We knew what we had to do, and we did it. We had the advantage of being supported by the home crowd. We ride on this track every day, so we know it well,” added Hedgecock.

The gold medal went to the Netherlands, while Great Britain took silver.

Canada Falls Short of the Podium

The two women’s teams in the final rounds of the team pursuit and team sprint both finished in fourth position, after competing in the bronze final.

Kelsey Mitchell, Lauriane Genest and Sarah Orban (alt. Jackie Boyle) initially qualified in second place before finishing fourth in the first round. They lost the bronze medal to Poland. The Netherlands took top honors, followed by Mexico with silver.

The team of Erin Attwell, Ariane Bonhomme, Maggie Coles-Lyster and Sarah Van Dam faced France in the team pursuit’s bronze final, where Great-Britain came out on top, taking gold. Italy took silver.

Sarah Van Dan continued her fine form in the elimination race, securing fourth place after a hard-fought battle with Jennifer Valente (USA – Gold), Letizia Paternoster (ITA – Silver) and Anita Yvonne Senberg (NOR – Bronze).

The men’s team pursuit teams finished seventh (Canada A) and ninth (Canada B). The women’s Canada B team finished thirteenth.

Cycling Canada thanks Sport Canada for the valuable support provided by the International Single Sport Events (ISSE) – Hosting Program. The ISSE aims to enhance high performance sport development as well as the profile of Canadian sport organizations through the domestic hosting of international single sport events.

Full results can be found here. For more information on the 2024 Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup Milton, visit www.tncmilton.com.

CANADA READY TO WELCOME THE WORLD AT THE 2024 TISSOT UCI TRACK NATIONS CUP

Ottawa, ON (April 3, 2024) – 29 athletes from across Canada have been selected to suit up in the maple leaf on April 12-14 at the 2024 Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup in Milton, ON.

This will be the last opportunity for track athletes to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, to be held from July 26 to August 11.

Canada will welcome over 300 athletes to this final round of the Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup, the first two stages of which took place in Australia and China earlier this year.

“We have a strong team for this Nations Cup,” said Dan Proulx, Cycling Canada Head Coach. “We have a performance team and a development team entered: our current best riders and the riders of the future. It’s an honour to race in the maple leaf in front of a home crowd. With Paris 2024 in sight, it’s important for us to do well. It will be an intense competition as many other nations are also trying to secure points.”

The Canadian team, one of the largest delegations at the event, will be made up of well-known athletes such as Tokyo 2020 Olympic medallists Kelsey Mitchell, crowned champion in the sprint, and Lauriane Genest, who won bronze in the keirin. They will be joined by fellow Olympians Ariane Bonhomme, Michael Foley and Nick Wammes. The 2022 world scratch race champion, Dylan Bibic, will also be on hand, along with a development team made up of athletes seeking international peloton experience.

“We are looking forward to hosting over 40 nations for the final round of the Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup series here in Milton, for what is about to be an electrifying competition,” said the Event Director, Jolène Dupuis. “Our organizing committee has been working hard to make this event possible, and we are eager to make it another successful international event with the help of our wonderful volunteers joining our workforce. Events like these could not happen without them, and we are so excited to show them off to the world while setting the stage for amazing performances from the athletes!”

Crowned Olympic champions at Tokyo 2020, Harrie Lavreysen (NED), Jeffrey Hoogland (NED), Francesco Lamon (ITA), Katie Archibald (GBR) and Jennifer Valente (USA) will be on hand, promising an electric atmosphere in the velodrome.

Tickets are still available to witness the strength of some of the best cyclists in the world. General admission, family packs and VIP tickets can be purchased here. Important information regarding schedule, program and volunteering opportunities for the event are available here. 

Team Canada: 

Women Track Endurance  

Erin Attwell – Victoria, BC
Ariane Bonhomme – Gatineau, QC
Anika Brants – Strathroy, ON
Devaney Collier – Edmonton, AB
Maggie Coles-Lyster – Maple Ridge, BC
Skylar Goudwaard – Grimsby, ON
Fiona Majendie – Vancouver, BC
Jenna Nestman – Sunshine Coast, BC
Lily Plante – Sutton, QC
Sarah Van Dam – Victoria, BC

Men Track Endurance 

Dylan Bibic – Mississauga, ON
Chris Ernst – Kitchener, ON
Cameron Fitzmaurice
Michael Foley – Milton, ON
Daniel Fraser-Maraun – Anmore, BC
Mathias Guillemette – Trois-Rivières, QC
Carson Mattern – Ancaster, ON
Campbell Parrish – Vancouver, BC
Sean Richardson – Vancouver, BC
Zach Webster – Toronto, ON

Women Track Sprint 

Jackie Boyle – Toronto, ON
Lauriane Genest – Lévis, QC
Kelsey Mitchell – Sherwood Park, AB
Sarah Orban – Calgary, AB

Men Track Sprint 

Cole Dempster – Milton, ON
Ryan Dodyk – Edmonton, AB
Jame Hedgecock – Ancaster, ON
Tyler Rorke – Baden, ON
Nick Wammes – Bothwell, ON

Cycling Canada thanks Sport Canada for the valuable support provided by the International Single Sport Events (ISSE) – Hosting Program. The ISSE aims to enhance high performance sport development as well as the profile of Canadian sport organizations through the domestic hosting of international single sport events.

For more information on the 2024 Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup Milton, visit www.tncmilton.com.