Sport leaders sign landmark agreement for B.C

SPORT LEADERS SIGN LANDMARK AGREEMENT FOR B.C.

RICHMOND, B.C. (February 5, 2016) – Today, a new sport memorandum of understanding was introduced by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), Own the Podium (OTP), the Province of British Columbia (B.C.) and viaSport BC, whereby the five partners commit to collaboration on a set of pertinent principles. This partnership aims to further develop and explore new opportunities for British Columbian youth to realize their full potential from playground to Olympic and Paralympic success.

In its resolution dated October 16, 2014, the United Nations recognized sport as a means to promote education, health, development and peace. As such, it represents an important asset to society – and each partner is committed to that resolution.

To ensure this promotion of education, health and development through sport, as well as B.C. and Canada’s performance on the field of play, the five partners recognize the importance of increasing collaboration and efficiency to achieve common success. This agreement represents a shared commitment to work together to support B.C.’s sporting communities.

Through this agreement, the partners will explore opportunities to collaborate based on principles such as:

Providing the best conditions and support possible for the athletes and coaches of today and tomorrow;
Increasing collaboration between provincial sport organizations and national sport federations;
Working collaboratively on actions and initiatives to get youth more active and adopt healthy lifestyles, progressively enlarging the pool of youth engaged in sport;
Continuing to make sport and its funding a priority and influence this priority with strategic public and private partnerships in the Province of B.C.;
Continuing to work collaboratively in B.C. to achieve Canada’s international sport objectives.

The COC, CPC, OTP, B.C. and viaSport agree to work together and with other partners to create increased opportunities for sport and physical activity to be a relevant and important part of British Columbians’ lives.

The event livestream can be viewed at: http://www.viasport.ca/events/live-announcement-canadian-sport-alignment-strategy-partnership

High-res event photos will be available here: http://olympicca.webdamdb.com/albums.php?albumId=1379660

QUOTES

“The Canadian Olympic Committee strongly believes in the importance of this provincial and national collaboration in favor of sport development, and applauds the Province of British Columbia for exploring further opportunities with sporting partners. Together, we are working toward a strong Canadian sport system from the playground up, inspiring our youth to lead healthy, active lives while at the same time, ultimately growing the pool of future potential Olympians. Our best chance of success is to work as one team from coast to coast to coast.”

– Tricia Smith, President, Canadian Olympic Committee

“The Province of British Columbia has such a strong sport system and with the leadership of all partners aligning efforts, together we can further bolster the growth of Canada’s national sport system. This will in turn provide greater opportunities for athletes with a disability to prosper and reach Paralympic success, and for Canada to become a world-leading Paralympic nation.”

– Gaétan Tardif, President, Canadian Paralympic Committee

“It takes a cohesive team to achieve success in any walk of life, and that certainly holds true in developing Olympic and Paralympic champions. These champions can come from anywhere in our great country and perform at their best when there is strong collaboration between all partners. Our partnership with British Columbia will attract more youth to sport and ultimately increase our pool of high performance athletes, inspiring new champions well into the future. This is a vehicle for developing a healthier population, more active communities and a prouder, stronger and united Canada.”

– John Furlong, Chair, Own the Podium

“This agreement aligns with British Columbia’s commitment to sport and to encouraging our youth to become more involved in a healthy and active lifestyle. The Province looks forward to building on its already strong reputation as a national leader in developing Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The signing of this new memorandum of understanding will further the relationship between our province and its partners.”

– Hon. Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

“viaSport envisions an active, healthy British Columbia where sport inspires a field of possibilities for all. It is through partnerships at the community, provincial and national levels that we are able to support the delivery of programs aimed at fostering excellence from the playground to the podium. We are excited to be part of this ground-breaking initiative which will continue to make sport and physical activity relevant for all British Columbians.

– Caley Denton, Board Chair, viaSport

About the Canadian Olympic Committee:

The Canadian Olympic Committee leads the achievement of the Canadian Olympic Team’s podium success and advances Olympic values in Canada. Independent and predominantly privately funded, the Canadian Olympic Committee delivers resources that Canada’s elite athletes need to perform at their best and give their everything, every day. The backbone of Canada’s Olympic movement, the Canadian Olympic Committee works with National Sport Federations to prepare the Team for the Olympic, Youth Olympic and Pan American Games. By sharing our athletes’ stories, we inspire all Canadians through the power of sport: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee:

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 27 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee’s vision is to be the world’s leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian high performance athletes with a disability and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca.

About Own the Podium

Own the Podium, a not-for-profit organization, prioritizes and determines investment strategies for national sport organizations in an effort to deliver more Olympic and Paralympic medals for Canada. Own the Podium’s largest contributor of funding is the Government of Canada with additional funding provided by the Canadian Olympic Committee and its Canadian Olympic Foundation, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, along with the corporate community.

Own the Podium was created in 2005 to help Canada become the number one nation at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and to place in the top-three nations in the gold medal count at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Own the Podium continues to drive Canada’s high performance sport system forward in a quest to help more athletes and coaches win more medals in future Olympic and Paralympic Games.

About viaSport

viaSport British Columbia is a not-for-profit organization created in 2011 as a legacy of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Our mandate is to increase awareness, opportunity and participation in sport across the province–at every stage of life and in every community.

By leading the province in building a stronger, more effective sport system, we will bring more families to the field of play, more fans into the stands, more athletes to the podium and more sports events to the province.

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Canadian Olympic Committee Media Office:

Cherry Ye, Program Manager, Media Relations

Tel: 416-324-4123 / Cell: 416-427-4341

Email: cye@olympic.ca

Ricky Landry, Manager, Communications

Tel: 514-861-3696 / Cell: 514 229-4833

Email: rlandry@olympic.ca

Own The Podium Media Office:

Chris Dornan, High-Performance Public Relations

Tel: 403-620-8731

Email: hpprchris@shaw.ca

Web site: www.chrisdornan.ca

Canadian Paralympic Committee Media Office:

Alison Korn, Sr. Manager Media Relations & Communications

Tel: 613-569-4333 ext. 243 / Cell: 613-298-4927

Email: akorn@paralympic.ca

Province of B.C.:

Gillian Rhodes

Communications Director

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

Tel: 250-888-1462

Email: gillianrhodes@gov.bc.ca

viaSport:

Alyson Gourley-Cramer, A/Director, Communications & Engagement

Tel: 250-961-5366

Email: AlysonGC@viasport.ca

February 5, 2016/by Communications

THE PERFECT GIFT: BICYCLE ART

Cycling Canada and BicycleArt.ca team up to raise money for cycling

(Ottawa, ON – December 02, 2015) Cycling Canada is proud to announce a unique partnership with Italian artist and former racer Luigia Zilli, who runs the website www.BicycleArt.ca.

The Oakville, Ontario artist has been painting for over 25 years and specializes in bicycle themed art. Over the years, she has painted numerous pieces featuring Canadian National Team Athletes across road, track, BMX and mountain bike disciplines.

Through this partnership, Zilli will donate paintings and artwork for use by Cycling Canada in annual fundraising initiatives. Additionally, 10% of all online purchase made at www.bicycleart.ca will be donated to Cycling Canada for investment in cycling development programs across the country.

Zilli’s bicycle art became very popular since her first cycling painting in 2005, “Tour De France” which was based on an image of the first edition of the Giro di Burnaby, a professional cycling race that takes place in Burnaby, BC.

“We are honoured to partner with Luigia and BicycleArt.ca,” commented Matthew Jeffries, Cycling Canada’s Director of Marketing. “Luigia has demonstrated immense talent through her 25+years of painting experience. Her work is stunningly beautiful and her passion for the sport of cycling translates into wonderful pieces of art. She shares wholeheartedly our commitment to the long-term success of Canadian cycling, and we are grateful for her support.”

Having grown up in Italy, Zilli is an avid rider and passionate about cycling, both from a recreational and competitive perspective. “I paint bicycles because they are my passion. Since childhood I have cycled and grown up in a family of cyclists and in a place where this sport is at its most popular. The inspiration has a lot to do with my personal experience and being involved in activities where the bicycle is at the forefront.”

Cycling enthusiasts can purchase more than just paintings as Zilli also produces and sells wall calendars, holiday greeting cards, commissioned work as well as prints on canvas and paper.

December 2, 2015/by Communications

NINE CANADIAN CYCLING LEGENDS INDUCTED INTO CANADIAN CYCLING HALL OF FAME

(Milton, ON – October 10, 2015) The newly established Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame now has permanent home at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre in Milton, Ontario, and nine Canadian Cycling legends have their plaques permanently mounted on its walls.

Located in the main lobby of the Community entrance, every athlete entering the facility will be reminded of the cycling greats that paved the way for their future success. Above and beyond blazing the trails, these outstanding individuals inducted into the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame will forever inspire a future generation of Olympic and World Championships medallists.

The first of three phase was launched Saturday, with two more phases remaining to its completion. A Display cabinet with Hall of Fame memorabilia will be installed next as Phase 2, while an engaging interactive electronic display will make its way for Phase 3, where citizens will be able to browse the successes of inductees through revolving information, videos, photos and biographies.

THE 2015 CLASS OF INDUCTEES

Steve Bauer is best known for his breakout performance at the 1984 Olympic Games, where he won Canada’s first ever men’s road race medal, finishing second in a memorable race. Following those Olympic Games, he turned professional and went on to win a bronze medal at the World Championships in 1984 and silver in 1988. Throughout his twelve-year professional career, Steve made eleven appearances at the Tour de France. He became the first Canadian to win a stage of Le Tour when he claimed the coveted yellow jersey at the end of the first stage of the 1988 edition.

In 1994, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (civil division) for having ‘paved the way for Canada’s coming generations of cycling enthusiasts.’ In 2005, Steve was inducted to the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and the Canadian Sport Hall of Fame.

“I am delighted to be inducted with the inaugural class of exceptional individuals into the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame. This class of champions has all contributed uncharted greatness to our beloved sport. It is especially touching for me to be inducted with Jocelyn Lovell, one of my greatest mentors when I was a young athlete.”

Steve Bauer

Tanya Dubnicoff was the top female track cycling sprinter in the World in 1993 after winning the World Championships, becoming the first Canadian women to do so. Throughout an illustrious career, she represented Canada at three Olympic Games, three Pan-American Games and two Commonwealth Games. Her Pan American gold medal haul of four included two at the 1999 Games held in her hometown of Winnipeg. Dubnicoff was selected to lead Team Canada into the opening Ceremonies as the flag bearer for the event.

“I would like to congratulate all the other inductees into the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame. What a fabulous assembly of cycling ambassadors. When I read the accomplishments of these individuals, I am truly humbled to be in their presence.”

Tanya Dubnicoff

Curt Harnett represented Canada four times at the Olympic Games, bringing home three medals. In 1984, he won silver in the 1,000m time trial, along with a bronze in the 1992 and 1996 match sprint. He holds two World Championships silver medals, as well as five gold and three silver medals in World Cup competition. In addition, he enjoyed multi-medal winning success at other major Games, including two match sprint silver medals from the 1990 and 1994 Commonwealth Games. He also won a gold medal in the 1,000m time trial and bronze medal in the match sprint at the 1987 Pan American Games. He was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

“The inaugural ‘Class of 2015’ being inducted into the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame contains trailblazers, trendsetters and advocates, whose efforts and sacrifices set the stage for me to pursue my own cycling dreams and ambitions. It is humbling to stand beside them to receive this honour. Congratulations to all my fellow inductees and thank you to Cycling Canada for this recognition.”

Curt Harnett

Marc Lemay will be inducted in the Builder category for his years of exemplary service to the sport. Domestically, Marc served as President of the Canadian Cycling Association from 1981 to 1992 and as a member of the Canadian Olympic Association Board of Directors from 1982 to 1996. Internationally, he led the Union Cycliste International (UCI) Mountain Bike Commission through its early growth period from 1990 to 2001 including the successful addition of men’s and women’s cross country to the Olympic program in 1996.

“It is a great honor to be among the first class of inductees into the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame, and be there among athletes who have marked our sport.”

Marc Lemay

Jocelyn Lovell first represented Canada at major Games in 1968 when he was selected as a teenager to the Olympic Team that competed in Mexico City in 1970, and was selected a total of three time to the Canadian Olympic Team. He won three medals at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games, including gold in the 10-mile scratch race which made him the first Canadian in 32 years to win a cycling gold at those Games. He dominated the 1,000m time trial throughout the 1970s, winning gold at both the 1971 and 1975 Pan-American Games, and, in the process setting a record for the distance that would stand for 28 years.

“It is an honour indeed to be included in our first Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame. As I look at the list of accomplishments of all these individuals, wow, it’s all pretty major stuff. And now a sophisticated velodrome, a Hall of Fame, and a place where, finally, Canadian cycling can hang its hat. Fantastic.”

Jocelyn Lovell

Lori-Ann Muenzer rose to prominence in 2004 at the Athens Olympic Games where she won the Match Sprint event in dramatic style. In addition, she won six World Championships medals (in Match Sprints, Flying and Standing events), silver and bronze medals at the 2002 Commonwealth Games where she set the Flying 200M record. In addition, she was a Pan American Champion in the Keirin and Match Sprint.

She remains the only Cycling Olympic Gold medalist in Canadian history.

“Together as a cycling community we have encouraged, mentored and supported one another throughout our careers. It is an honour to be included in the first class of inductees to the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame.”

Lori-Ann Muenzer

Torchy Peden was the most prominent Canadian cyclist in the highly competitive six-day race events that took place between 1929 and 1948. During that era, Torchy won 24 of the 48 races in which he entered. He teamed with various riders from around the world throughout his career, but his most memorable victories were the ones with his brother Doug, who also was a gifted athlete. He represented Canada in the 1928 Olympic Games.

Peden was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1955 and the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 1966.

“Torchy Peden would be very pleased and humbled by his inclusion in the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame. The sport was good to him and he was quite grateful.”

Bill Peden on behalf of the Peden family

Gordon Singleton began his amateur cycling career in 1975. Singleton represented Canada in the 1976 Olympic Games on his home turf in Montreal, Canada, at only 19 years of age. In 1978 he participated in the Commonwealth Games held in Edmonton and returned home with a gold and bronze medal. In the years to come, Gord rose to international stardom, becoming the first cyclist ever to break and hold simultaneously world records in the 200 metres, 500 metres and 1000 metres. Singleton competed in six World Championships, winning one gold in 1982, when he became the first Canadian cyclist to win a World Championship title, and three silver medals.

Singleton holds 11 Canadian Championships titles. He received the Order of Canada 1986. He was named Niagara Falls Sports athlete of the century to celebrate the city’s centenary.

“This moment is a culmination of many great memories and many great efforts by some very special individuals. Looking forward, we are creating a lasting legacy to inspire our young people to accomplish even greater achievements. I’m incredibly humbled to be a spoke in the wheel.”

Gordon Singleton C.M.

Alison Sydor started her career as a road racer, which culminated in winning Canada’s first-ever road medal by a Canadian woman in 1991. From there, Sydor transitioned to the sport of Mountain Biking where she was a medal contender at the World Championships and Olympic Games level from her first silver World Championships medal in 1992 to her final medal in 2004. In that period, the Edmonton native won ten World Championships medals (three gold, five silver and two bronze), notbaly the World Championships titles in 1994, 1995 and 1996. At the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, Sydor won a silver medal. In addition, Sydor won 17 World Cup races in her career, and for 13 consecutive years (1992-2004) never finished outside of the top-5 at the world championships.

In 1995 and 1996, Sydor was awarded the Velma Springstead Trophy as Canada’s top female athlete. In 2013, Sydor was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

“It’s great for everyone who appreciates the sport of cycling in Canada that we will now formally celebrate and recognize achievements. As a young athlete, I was always grateful to have examples of Canadians performing on the international stage to show me I did not ever need to limit my ambition and that Canadians could race with the best in the world and dream of winning at the highest level. I’m proud that I was able to become one of those top riders myself and a role model for the next generation. Now I am also very proud to be inducted into the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame with a group that has inspired both myself and will continue to inspire our future young cyclists.”

Alison Sydor

October 10, 2015/by Communications

2015 ANNUAL MEETING REPORT

Due to the requirements of the new Not for Profit Act, the Annual Meeting for Cycling Canada was held by conference call on Tuesday, September 29, 2015. In addition to the formal business of the Annual Meeting which included the approval of the 2014-15 Audited Financial Statements and the appointment of the auditor for 2015-16 there were positions up for election on the Board of Directors and the Program Committees.

Re-elected to the Board for two-year terms were Peter Lawless (Victoria, BC) and Chris Reid (Wakefield, QC). Newly elected for a two- year term was Robin Porter (Toronto, ON).

The Program Committees saw the following individuals acclaimed or elected:

High Performance Committee:

National Team Program Representative – Arnold Boldt
Para-cycling Program Representative – Louis Barbeau

Events Committee:

Mountain Bike Representative – Bruno Vachon
BMX Representative – Adam Muys

Officials’ Committee:

Chair – Louise Lalonde
Mountain Bike Representative – Geordie Ma

Cycling Canada President John Tolkamp was pleased with the success of the Annual Meeting by conference call. “Given that this was the first such Annual Meeting we were pleased that we had full attendance of members and that the voting process was well done. I would like to thank the Sport & Law Strategy Group for their assistance with the elections”.

The members approved an amendment to the current by-law that will see the elections for Program Committee positions moved from the Annual Meeting to the Annual Congress beginning in 2016.

The 2015 Cycling Canada Annual Congress will take place October 30 & 31, 2015 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

October 1, 2015/by Communications

Vote for the Event of the Year!

After a very exciting season or racing in Canada, Cycling Canada invites all cycling fans to vote online over the next few weeks to determine the 2015 Cycling Canada Events of the Year. Fan vote will count for 50% of the overall consideration for Road, Track, Mountain Bike, BMX, Para-cycling and Cyclo-cross events of the year.

2015 Event of the Year winners will be determined by an equal proportion of public voting (this survey) and evaluation of the review of the following criteria by relevant staff & committees:

Communication with Stakeholders
Event Promotion
Event Presentation & Execution
Organizing & Planning

Cycling Canada would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the organizers, with whom we have collaborated this season. Great Canadian events contribute to international success!

The survey will be live until Sunday October 4^th. Category winners will be announced at the 2015 Cycling Canada Annual General Meeting.

CLICK HERE, or see the below link to access the 2015 Event of the Year survey.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5VZMMLK

September 18, 2015/by Communications

CYCLING CANADA NAMES 2015 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

(Ottawa, ON – September 16, 2015) The newly established Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame which will have its permanent home at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre in Milton, Ontario has named its first class of inductees and it is a who’s who of Canadian cycling.

Steve Bauer is best known for his breakout performance at the 1984 Olympic Games where he won Canada’s first ever men’s road race medal finishing second in an incredible race. Following those Olympic Games he turned professional and won a bronze medal at the World Championships in 1984 and silver in 1988. Throughout his twelve-year professional career, Steve made eleven appearances in theTour de France. He became the first Canadian to win a stage of the Tour when he claimed the coveted yellow jersey at the end of the first stage of the 1988 event.

Tanya Dubnicoff was the top female track cycling sprinter in the World in 1993 winning the World Championship becoming the first Canadian women to do so. Throughout an illustrious career she represented Canada at three Olympic Games, three Pan American Games and two Commonwealth Games. Her Pan Am gold medal haul of four included winning two in the 1999 Games held in her hometown of Winnipeg where Tanya led the Canadian team into the Opening Ceremonies as the team’s flag bearer.

Curt Harnett has represented Canada four times at the Olympic Games, bringing home three medals. In 1984, he won silver in the 1,000m time trial, along with a bronze in the 1992 and 1996 match sprint. He holds two World Championship silver medals and five gold and three silver medals from World Cup competition. In addition, he has enjoyed multi-medal winning success at other major Games including two match sprint silver medals from the 1990 and 1994 Commonwealth Games. As well, he won a gold 1,000m time trial medal and bronze match sprint medal at the 1987 Pan American Games.

Marc Lemay will be inducted in the Builder category for his years of exemplary service to the sport. Domestically Marc served as President of the Canadian Cycling Association from 1981 to 1992 and as a member of the Canadian Olympic Association Board of Directors from 1982 to 1996. Internationally he led the Union Cycliste International (UCI) Mountain Bike Commission through its early growth period from 1990 to 2001 including the successful addition of men’s and women’s cross country to the Olympic program in 1996.

Jocelyn Lovell first represented Canada at major Games in 1968 when he was selected as a teenager to the Olympic Team that competed in Mexico City In 1970 he won three medals at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games including gold in the 10-mile scratch race making him the first Canadian in 32 years to win a cycling gold at those Games. He dominated the 1,000m time trial throughout the 1970s, winning gold at both the 1971 and 1975 Pan-American Games and in the process setting a record for the distance that would stand for 28 years.

Lori-Ann Muenzer rose to prominence in 2004 at the Athens Olympic Games where she won the Match Sprint event in dramatic style. In addition, she has won six World Championship medals (in Match Sprints, Flying and Standing events), the 2002 Commonwealth Games silver and bronze medals – where she set the Flying 200M record – and was a Pan American Keirin and Match Sprint Champion. She remains the only Cycling Olympic Gold Medalist in Canadian history.

Torchy Peden was the most prominent Canadian cyclist in the highly competitive six-day race events that took place between 1929 and 1948. During that era Torchy won 24 of the 48 races that he entered. He teamed with various riders from around the world throughout his career but his most memorable victories were the ones with his brother Doug who also was a gifted athlete. He represented Canada in the 1928 Olympic Games.

Gordon Singleton began his amateur cycling career in 1975. In 1978 he participated in the Commonwealth games in Edmonton, Alberta and returned home with a gold and bronze medal. In the years to come, Gord rose to international stardom, becoming the first cyclist ever to break and hold simultaneously world records in the 200 metres, 500 metres and 1000 metres. In 1982 he became the first Canadian cyclist to win a World Championship.

Alison Sydor started her career as a road racer, which culminated in her winning a first ever road medal for a Canadian woman in 1991. From there she transitioned to the sport of Mountain Biking where she was a medal contender at the World Championship and Olympic Games level from her first silver World Championship medal in 1992 to her final medal in 2004. In that period she won ten World Championships medals including being World Champion in 1994, 1995 and 1996 the year she won a silver medal at the Atlanta Olympic Games.

The induction of this class will take place on Saturday, October 10th in Milton with the first Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame luncheon. Tickets for the luncheon may be purchased at: https://hoponcanada.ca/product/hall-of-fame-induction-luncheon-ticket/.

Corporate tables are available through contacting Matthew Jeffries (matthew.jeffries@cyclingcanada.ca / 613-248-1353 ext. 2609).

Cycling Canada is supported by Sport Canada, Louis Garneau Sports, Look Cycle, Global Relay, and Bear Mountain Resort.

September 16, 2015/by Communications

CANADIAN TRACK CYCLISTS AIM HIGH AT PAN-AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Canada looking to continue its success in Santiago, Chile, an important Olympic qualifier

(Ottawa, ON – August 26, 2015) Canadian track cyclists enjoyed resounding success at the Toronto 2015 Pan-American Games in Toronto this past July, and they are looking to extend their success next week as they hit the boards of the velodrome in Santiago, Chile.

The team will compete against the very same opponents as during the Pan-American Games, this time at the UCI Pan-American Championships, September 2-6, where critical UCI Olympic Qualification points are on the line.

The sprinters, led by coach and Olympic medallist Erin Hartwell, have the objective to win every sprint event in Chile, and they are bringing their top squad to accomplish the task. Triple-medallists Monique Sullivan and Hugo Barrette will be suiting up for Canada in all three sprint events. The powerful track stars are joined by their teammates and Pan-Am Games gold medallists in the team sprint events in Kate O’Brien, also a silver medallist in the individual sprint, Olympian Joe Veloce, and Evan Carey. Mischa Partridge, a transition cyclist from BMX to track cycling, has been training at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre velodrome under Hartwell’s guidance for the last year. He will join the team for his first international track cycling event.

The endurance program will also set their sights on medals in Chile. The women’s team pursuit squad, ranked third in the World Rankings, will be represented by a younger team. Led by Pan-American Games Gold medallist Allison Beveridge and Kirsty Lay, World Championship medallist Stephanie Roorda and youngsters Annie Foreman-MacKay and Kinley Gibson, the team hopes to make the gold medal race. Coach Graig Griffin will guide the young squad in Santiago.

The women’s endurance team also hopes to win medals in the points race, the scratch race and the individual pursuit.

The men’s team pursuit squad, which took the bronze medal in Toronto, will be racing at these Championships with the objective of a medal, securing its place among the top three nations of the Americas. The team is led by captain Remi Pelletier-Roy, along with veteran Ed Veal, Aidan Caves, Sean MacKinnon and Evan Burtnik.

On top of providing great power to the team pursuit squad, Pelletier-Roy will also put additional focus on the men’s omnium event, where he hopes to solidify a spot for the upcoming UCI World Cup season and the 2016 UCI World Championships.

TEAM CANADA – 2015 UCI TRACK CYCLING PAN-AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Hugo BARRETTE, 24, Cap-aux-Meules, QC [Men’s Team Sprint, Keirin, Sprint, Time Trial (Kilo)]
Joseph VELOCE, 26, Fonthill, ON [Men’s Team Sprint, Keirin, Sprint]
Evan CAREY, 21, Victoria, BC [Men’s Team Sprint, Sprint]
Mischa PARTRIDGE, 27, Coquitlam, BC [Men’s Team Sprint]
Monique SULLIVAN, 26, Calgary, AB [Women’s Team Sprint, Keirin, Sprint]
Kate O’BRIEN, 27, Calgary, AB [Women’s Team Sprint, Keirin, Sprint, Time Trial (500m)]

Evan BURTNIK, 18, Edmonton, AB [Men’s Team Pursuit, Scratch Race]
Ed VEAL, 38, Queensville, ON [Men’s Team Pursuit, Individual Pursuit]
Aidan CAVES, 20, Vancouver, BC [Men’s Team Pursuit, Points Race]
Sean MACKINNON, 20, Hamilton, ON [Men’s Team Pursuit, Individual Pursuit]
Remi PELLETIER-ROY, 25, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, QC [Men’s Team Pursuit, Omnium]

Allison BEVERIDGE, 22, Calgary, AB [Women’s Team Pursuit, Scratch Race, Omnium]
Stephanie ROORDA, 29, Vancouver, BC [Women’s Team Pursuit, Points Race]
Kirsti LAY, 27, Montreal, QC [Women’s Team Pursuit]
Annie FOREMAN-MACKEY, 24, Kingston, ON [Women’s Team Pursuit, Individual Pursuit]
Kinley GIBSON, 20, Edmonton, AB [Women’s Team Pursuit]

August 26, 2015/by Communications

CYCLING CANADA SELECT JUNIOR TEAMS FOR UCI ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Eight young riders to race for Canada in Richmond, Virginia

(Ottawa, ON – August 26, 2015) Eight junior road cyclists will suit up for Canada at the upcoming UCI Road World Championships from September 20 to 27 in Richmond, Virginia.

The women’s team is comprised of Gillian Ellsay, 18, of Courtenay, BC, Liah Harvie, 17, of Banff, AB, Katherine Maine, 17, of Ottawa, ON, and Gabby Traxler, 17, Calgary, AB.

In the men’s races, Willem Boersma, 18, of Portage La Prairie, MB, Derek Gee, 18, of Osgoode, ON, Adam Roberge, 18, of Prévost, QC, and finally Joel Taylor, 18, of Victoria, BC, have been selected to represent Canada.

The riders will participate in a pre-Worlds campaign before travelling to Richmond. Their schedule includes the Green Mountain Stage Race in Vermont (Sept. 4-7), a training camp in Bromont and the Critérium National (sept 12) in Montréal, which is part of the festivities surrounding the Grands Prix cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal.

Coaches Luc Arseneau (men) and Denise Kelly (women) will be leading their respective teams through to the World Championships.

TEAM CANADA – UCI JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Junior Women

Gillian ELLSAY, 18, Courtenay, BC (RR, TT)
Liah HARVIE, 17, Banff AB (18) (RR, TT)
Katherine MAINE, 17, Ottawa, ON (RR)
Gabby TRAXLER, 17, Calgary, AB (RR)

Junior Men

Willem BOERSMA, 18, Portage La Prairie, MB (RR)
Derek GEE, 18, Osgoode, ON (RR, TT)
Adam ROBERGE, 18, Prévost, QC (RR)
Joel TAYLOR, 18, Victoria, BC (RR, TT)

August 26, 2015/by Communications

CALGARY HOSTS 2015 CANADA CUP BMX FINALS

Canada Cup Champions will be crowned this weekend

(Calgary, AB – August 25, 2015) The 2015 Canada Cup BMX Finals are taking place this weekend in Calgary, AB, at the Calgary BMX Racing Association track.

The two days of Canada Cup racing begin on August 29, and will allow the BMXers from across the country to earn some coveted UCI points and some Canada Cup points towards the ultimate goal of taking the title as the series comes to an end on Sunday August 30.

“Calgary BMX is very excited to host what could be the biggest BMX event in Canada this year! The City of Calgary and many of the local businesses are very enthusiastic and supportive about the sport of BMX. We are very proud to welcome the world to Calgary and have an excellent race,” said Chris Bullivant, President of Calgary BMX.

The event will offer the organizers one last opportunity to polish details as it hosts the Canadian BMX Championships over the next two years.

“Calgary is a hotbed for BMX in Alberta and Western Canada. We are thrilled to crown our newest Canada Cup Champions in this vibrant city. We are confident that the riders will enjoy this event,” said Mathieu Boucher, Performance Development Director at Cycling Canada. “The organizers have plenty of experience in hosting BMX events, and this will be a great opportunity to gather information in advance of the Canadian BMX Championships that will take place over the next two years.”

Current Canada Cup rankings can be found here: https://cyclingcanada.ca/bmx/canada-cup-series/

Schedule, registration and technical guide information for the event can be found here: https://cyclingcanada.ca/sport/bmx/events/type-of-event/canada-cup/calgary/

August 25, 2015/by Communications

RIO OLYMPIC SELECTION CRITERIA PUBLISHED

With just under a year to go to the Rio Olympics, aspiring Olympians can consult Cycling Canada’s Rio selection policy to find out what they need to do to make the team.

The policy can be found here.

The draft version of the criteria was published on June 19 and updated this week. It is still pending approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee.

The number of athletes Canada can enter in the cycling events will be determined by the Olympic qualification system. Each cycling sport has a different qualification timeline. Cycling Canada will learn its Olympic quotas on the following dates:

Road men: Jan. 15, 2016
Track: March 7, 2016
Mountain bike: June 1, 2016
Road women: June 6, 2016
BMX: June 7, 2016

August 20, 2015/by Krisw