CANADIAN ATHLETES HEAD TO TEXAS FOR 2021 PAN AMERICAN CYCLOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Ottawa, Ontario (December 1, 2021) – Twenty-one Canadian athletes across Junior, U23 and Elite categories are heading to Garland, Texas, this weekend for the 2021 Pan American Cyclocross Championships, which are set to take place on December 4-5. Fourteen athletes will be competing with their respective teams, while seven development athletes will be competing under Cycling Canada colours.
Two-time Elite women’s gold medallist Maghalie Rochette will be unable to defend her title due to conflicting competitions on the world cup calendar, making room for a new Pan American champion to be crowned. Among the top contenders will be Canadian Elite women’s mountain bike champion Jennifer Jackson, as well as Canadian U23 road gold medallist & current U23 Pan American champion Ruby West who will be making her debut in the Elite category.
“I’m really excited for the Pan Am Championships this year,” said West. “I think it’ll be a dry and fast course based on what I’ve heard about that venue and past races held there. I’m not fully sure what to expect, but I know I’m on good form right now and I’m really thrilled and motivated for this race. This will mark my first race in the Elite category and my first time racing Pan Ams since coming away with the U23 title, so I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do this time!”
On the development side, six athletes will be competing as first year Juniors, including Canadian XCO Mountain Bike U17 champion Ian Ackert, Junior silver and bronze medallists Ava and Isabella Holmgren, as well as track star Kiara Lylyk, who recently won five medals at the Canadian Track Championships.
“We’re pleased to be able to support a team of development athletes at the Pan American Cyclocross Championships for the very first time,” said Cycling Canada’s Cyclocross Lead, Rob Holmgren. “It’s a big goal for Cycling Canada to increase racing opportunities across all disciplines and this is a great chance to do so. We have a great group of really talented young racers and we’re excited to see them in action this weekend!”
Team Canada
Ava Holmgren (Orillia, ON) – Junior Women
Isabella Holmgren (Orillia, ON) – Junior Women
Kiara Lylyk (Guelph, ON) – Junior Women
Ian Ackert (Severn, ON) – Junior Men
Theo de Groote (Orangeville, ON) – Junior Men
Luke Valenti (Orangeville, ON) – Junior Men
Matt Leliveld (Mulmur, ON) – U23 Men
