Mountain Bike Archives

CANADA CUP SERIES FEATURE CROSS-COUNTRY AND DOWNHILL RACES THROUGHOUT SUMMER

Canada Cup series are top transitioning cycling events for the champions of tomorrow

(Ottawa, ON – May 14, 2013) The 2013 MTB Canada Cup Cycling Series is back for another summer, with exciting cross-country and downhill mountain bike races to be disputed in three different provinces, starting this weekend.

The mountain bike series, in its 22nd edition, will feature four cross-country and three downhill races in 2013, hosted in three provinces throughout the summer, travelling to Québec, Ontario and British Columbia, with the finals hosted in Whistler BC.

2011 World Champion Catharine Pendrel labels the Canada Cup series as critical to her international success: “The Canada Cup was a critical stepping stone in my development. The courses were challenging technically and physically, and by racing Canada Cup races, I met the racers that pushed and inspired me to improve. Learning to race for the win on World class course at home allowed me to transition to success at the international level.

Geoff Kabush, who was Canada’s top mountain biker at the 2012 Olympic Games and posted the country’s top result in its history at the Olympic Games, also credits the Canada Cup in his international success: “The Canada Cup was definitely a major stepping stone in my career. The Canada Cups refined my skills, taught me valuable racing lessons, and gave me the confidence I needed to progress to the World Cup. I still remember the accomplishment I felt in 1997 when I won my first Canada Cup in Bromont.”

In 2012, Raphael Gagné took the Elite title in men’s cross-country, while Sandra Walter took the overall title in the women’s elite cross-country category. Mark Wallace won the overall Downhill series of the Men Elite category, while Danielle Uyesugi was proclaimed the Women Elite Downhill champion.

Former Champions of the cross-country Canada Cup Series include Olympic medallist Marie-Hélène Prémont, Olympian Emily Batty, and current national team members, Sandra Walter, Raphael Gagné, Derek Zandstra, Mikaela Kofman and Jean Ann Berkenpas (McKirdy).

The Canada Cup series is designed to provide competitive opportunities to the next generation of cyclists, transitioning from provincial race series to international competitions.

Hosted in partnership between Cycling Canada, its provincial sport organizations and local organizing committee, the Canada Cup Cycling Series is sanctioned by the International Cycling Union.

SCHEDULE – 2013 CANADA CUP SERIES, CROSS COUNTRY/DOWNHILL

May 18 – Mont-Tremblant, QC [Cross Country]
May 19 – Mont-Tremblant, QC [Downhill]
May 25 – Baie-St-Paul, QC [Cross Country]
July 7 – Sun Peaks, BC [Downhill]
July 14 – Sudbury, ON [Cross Country]
August 17 – Whistler, BC [Cross Country]
August 18 – Whistler, BC [Downhill]

May 14, 2013/by Communications

CYCLING CANADA, CYCLING BC AND CANADIAN SPORT INSTITUTE PACIFIC JOIN FORCES IN NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

A new partnership between Cycling Canada, Cycling BC and the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific has resulted in the creation of the Cycling Talent Development Program which will begin operating on October 1, 2013, based in Victoria, BC. The partners are taking integration to the next level by developing this program directly in line with Cycling Canada’s High Performance Athlete Development Pathway. The Cycling Talent Development Program is committed to supporting the identification and development of Canadian athletes who have the qualities required to be Olympic/Paralympic champions.

“Cycling Canada is proud to partner with Cycling BC and Canadian Sport Institute Pacific in offering this talent development opportunity to up and coming Canadian cyclists,” explains Jacques Landry, High Performance Director and Head Coach of Cycling Canada. “Through the guidance of our head mountain bike coach and soon to be appointed Talent Development Coach, this Talent Development Program is built on the premise of creating an optimal daily training environment. This environment will greatly enhance the development of our Canadian cycling youth who will in turn become part of the success of Cycling Canada as we aim at being one of the top cycling nations by 2020.”

With the financial support of Own the Podium (OTP), Sport Canada, and the Province of BC, the partners will recruit and hire a Cycling Talent Development Program Coach – who will be a full-time employee of the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific. The Cycling Talent Development Coach will join the existing team of five Canadian Sport Institute Pacific Talent Development Coaches in the sports of rowing and swimming in Victoria, plus freestyle mogul skiing and luge in Whistler. A career posting for the Cycling Talent Development Coach is available online at csipacific.ca, and also can be seen as an attachment to this release.

The focus of the programs will be to identify, target and develop athletes with Olympic/Paralympic podium potential. The program will provide athletes with the guidance, coaching and sport science support required to advance their athletic careers as they transition through the Train to Compete stage of Cycling Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development model (see https://cyclingcanada.ca/development-programs/cycling-ltads/ for more details on Cycling Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development model). The athlete selection process for the Cycling Talent Development Program will be announced in June, 2013.

“Cycling BC is very excited to be part of the emerging development pathway,” adds Richard Wooles, the newly appointed Executive Director of Cycling BC. “We believe the key to success in cycling is identifying riders early and providing them with high quality face-to-face contact time with coaches. It’s a great time to be a young rider in BC and Canada!”

“Canadian Sport Institute Pacific is excited to work more closely with up and coming cyclists through this Talent Development Program,” notes Wendy Pattenden, CEO of Canadian Sport Institute Pacific. “Cycling is one of the most popular sports in BC, and with recent performance success such as Ryder Hesjedals win at the 2012 Giro d’Italia, and the women’s team pursuit Olympic bronze medal in London to measure against– our staff looks forward to supporting the next generation of Olympians and Paralympians through this partnership.”

May 10, 2013/by Communications

Cancelation of Sun Peaks Canada XCO race

Ottawa ON, May 8 2013, For immediate Release,

Cancelation of Sun Peaks Canada XCO race

We are disappointed to announce that the organizers of the Sun Peaks Canada Cup have decided to cancel the Cross-Country (XCO) portion of their event. The updated Canada Cup Calendar can be found here: https://cyclingcanada.ca/sport/mountain-bike/events/type-of-event/canada-cup

Statement from Sun Peaks Resort:

After careful consideration Sun Peaks Resort and Race organizers have decided not to go ahead with the Canada Cup XCO. After many years of hosting these races throughout 1999- today there has seen a serious decline in registration of XCO style racing in western Canada, in favor of more marathon style races, so regrettably we will not be able to continue with the 2013 Canada Cup XC.

Cycling CANADA and Cycling BC will continue to work together to build and strength XCO racing opportunities in Western Canada. We will continue to support the DH Canada Cup at Sun Peaks and work with the organizer to help build their event.

May 8, 2013/by Communications

CYCLING CANADA CONGRATULATES ALISON SYDOR

CYCLING CANADA CONGRATULATES ALISON SYDOR, TO BE INDUCTED INTO CANADA’S SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Sydor has been an exceptional athlete and trail blazer for a new generation of young women cyclists in Canada

(Ottawa, ON – April 11, 2013) Cycling Canada would like to congratulate former national team member Alison Sydor, a mountain biker who will be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2013 at the Hall of Fame Celebrations ceremony to be held in Toronto on October 16th.

Sydor, born in Edmonton, AB who now lives in Victoria, British Columbia, represented Canada at three Olympic Games, winning the silver medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, becoming the first Canadian woman to win an Olympic medal in Mountain Bike.

“We congratulate an outstanding athlete who has blazed the trail and inspired a whole new generation of women cyclists. Today, thanks in part to the outstanding work done by Alison Sydor, Canada’s Mountain Bike program is known to be a powerful threat at any international competition,” said Greg Mathieu, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of Cycling Canada.

“The induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is an extraordinary accomplishment deserving our most sincere recognition. We take this opportunity to congratulate all inductees that have pioneered and promoted Canadian Sports.”

Sydor is a 3-time UCI World Champion [1994, 1995, 1996) with a total of 11 World Championships medals, in both mountain bike and road cycling. Prior to her mountain bike career, Sydor won the bronze medal at the 1991 UCI Road World Championships.

In other major international events, Sydor won three medals, including two gold medals at Pan-American Games (1995, 2003) and two medals at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.

Sydor was inducted into the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, and into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2007. For two consecutive years, 1995 and 1996, Sydor received the prestigious Velma Sprinstead Trophy awarded to Canada’s top female athlete.

The announcement was made today by Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

April 11, 2013/by Communications

ALISON SYDOR INDUCTED INTO CANADA’S SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Names Class of 2013

—Athletes Russ Howard, Joe Sakic, Alison Sydor, André Viger, Kirsten Barnes, Brenda Taylor, Jessica Monroe-Gonin, Kay Worthington, Jennifer Walinga and builders Murray Costello and Jean-Guy Ouellet to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2013—

TORONTO—Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame announced today the Class of 2013. The athletes who were announced as being recognized with Canada’s highest sporting honour are game-changing curler Russ Howard, hockey champion Joe Sakic, versatile cycling champion Alison Sydor, five-time Paralympian André Viger and the 1992 Women’s Coxless 4 Rowing Olympic gold medallists Kirsten Barnes, Brenda Taylor, Jessica Monroe-Gonin, Kay Worthington and Jennifer Walinga. The builders who were announced as Inductees are hockey visionary Murray Costello and sport development architect Dr. Jean-Guy Ouellet.

In attendance at the announcement were Inductees Murray Costello, Dr. Jean-Guy Ouellet, Alison Sydor and Kay Worthington, as well as three time Olympic gold medallist Marnie McBean, inducted in 1997 for Rowing, Dr. Bruce Kidd, inducted in 1968 for Track and Field and who is now the Chair of the Honoured Member Selection Committee, Ron Ellis, inducted in 2005 for Hockey, Don Jackson, inducted in 1962 for Figure Skating and Dr. Gaétan Tardif, Director of Administration on the Canadian Paralympic Committee Board of Directors.

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that the 2013 Induction Celebrations, presented by the Canada Games will be returning to Toronto on October 16 after a three year run in Calgary, AB. Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is honoured to have the Canada Games return as the presenting sponsor.

“Congratulations to this year’s Inductees; you represent the leaders that our Canada Games athletes aspire to be,” said Tom Quinn, Chairman of the Canada Games Council, “On behalf of our current, previous and future Canada Games athletes, thank you to Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame for rewarding excellence in sport.” The Canada Games and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame are two non-profit organizations who have come together to partner on events and promotions in support of their shared goals – celebrating Canadian culture and inspiring Canada’s youth.

Marcel Aubut, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee and Tom Quinn, Chairman of the Canada Games Coucil and Chairman and CEO of the QSM Group were announced as the Co-Chairs of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame 2013 Induction Celebrations, presented by the Canada Games. Mr. Aubut has been deeply involved in high performance sport for more than three decades, and was himself inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 as a builder. Mr. Quinn has always been active in the sport community as a volunteer, coach, participant and administrator, serving on numerous boards including the Board of Governors of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

“The Class of 2013 is truly an inspiring group of Canadian sports heroes,” said Colin MacDonald, Chair of the Board of Governors of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. “We are proud to be able to share the stories of their achievements so that we can inspire all Canadians to be the best they can be in all aspects of life. Our new Honoured Members, and a number of sports heroes from across Canada who have been previously inducted, will be at the Induction Celebrations event on October 16th to celebrate as the Class of 2013 are officially inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.”

ALISON SYDOR

An Olympic silver medallist (1996), a three time World Champion (1994, 1995, 1996), an ten time medallist at the World Championships, bronze medallist at the Individual Road Race World Championships, 17 career World Cup Mountain Bike Victories, medalist at the 1994 Commonwealth Games, and a three time medallist at the Pan American Games, Alison Sydor has demonstrated the consistency to win in nearly every discipline of cycling, all the while staying injury free throughout her career, a feat in itself.

Her transition from a successful professional cycling career has resulted in her being a mentor to many up and coming women cyclists. She has continued to dedicate and volunteer her time to growing the sport through cycling camps and clinics.

April 11, 2013/by Communications

KRIS WESTWOOD RETURNS TO CYCLING CANADA AS HIGH PERFORMANCE MANAGER

Kris Westwood to take over position of Manager, High Performance of Canadian Cycling Teams

Kris Westwood of Ottawa, ON is the latest addition to Cycling Canada’s staff, being named to the newly created position of High Performance Manager.

Westwood joins Cycling Canada with an extensive cycling résumé, having served as the national body as High Performance Director prior to the 2008 Olympic Games. Most recently, he worked with high-profile cycling teams and organizations, such as former Team SpiderTech, the Grand Prix Cycliste de Gatineau and spearheaded a project to bring a velodrome to the National Capital region.

“We are pleased that Kris has decided to return to our organization in this new position, said Jacques Landry, High Performance Director – Head Coach. “Given his multi-faceted skill sets, Kris will be a welcome addition. Among other duties, he will oversee the delivery of the high performance programs executed by the sport coordinators. His vast knowledge of all cycling events will definitely contribute to enhancing the programs and services offered to our athletes.”

Added Landry: “The arrival of Kris is only the start as Cycling Canada gets ready to take on the world heading to Rio [2016 Olympic Games] with a vision of being one of the top cycling nations in 2020, and beyond.”

Under the supervision of the High Performance Director – Head Coach, Kris will work in collaboration with Mathieu Boucher, Performance Development Director and Andrea Wooles, IST Manager to ensure continuity across High Performance, Development and Integrated Service Team areas of support. Each of these areas is overseen by the High Performance Director – Head Coach who ensures the alignment within the athlete development system.

“This is a very exciting time for Canadian cycling. Our international performances are improving across the board, and that’s due in no small part to the hard work that’s taking place behind the scenes at Cycling Canada; said Westwood. “I’m thrilled to return to the organization and work alongside Jacques and the team to build on this foundation of success. We have a wealth of cycling talent in Canada and all the elements are in place for us to become a top cycling nation. Canadian cycling fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming years.”

Westwood is scheduled to start his new duties at the national office in Ottawa on April 15, 2013.

March 12, 2013/by Communications

2014 Athlete Assistance Program Proposed Criteria

Please find links to the Athlete Assistance Program (AAP) Proposed Criteria for the 2014 Carding cycle, submitted for approval by Sport Canada, for each respective cycling sport.

February 19, 2013/by Communications

LOUIS GARNEAU AND CYCLING CANADA RENEW PARTNERSHIP

The Canadian enterprise supports cyclists for another Olympic cycle

(Ottawa, ON – February 01, 2013) For the past 30 years, Louis Garneau apparel has played a key role in the performance, success, and professional appearance of the Canadian Cycling Teams at 8 Olympic Summer Games. Louis Garneau and Cycling Canada announced today the renewal of their partnership as the Official Cycling Apparel Sponsor of Cycling Canada for an additional four-year term, and subsequently the cycling apparel provider for the Canadian Cycling Teams at the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“Our role in the future of Canadian cycling is an essential component of our company’s DNA. From a historical perspective, the relationship between my company and Cycling Canada stems back to my participation in the 1984 Olympic Games and my son’s participation at the 2008 Junior World Championship. As we look towards the future, in a time when the sport of professional cycling is volatile and its merits are being contested, this partnership pertains to the investment in the future of cycling and the athletes that will continue the sport that has been my passion and livelihood,” remarks President and Founder Louis Garneau.

“Our cycling performance wear has been proven, through research and development, to improve speed and performance at the high-level competitive stage these athletes compete in,” said Louis Garneau Global Marketing Director Pierre Perron. “A key element of our multi-year renewal is based on continuing this legacy of close collaboration on product design through access to world-class athletes, scientists, aerodynamicists, wind-tunnel facilities, and real-world testing. Because of this, Louis Garneau is known for its commitment to driving innovation for the future and pushing technology even farther.”

“We are delighted to benefit from the renewed partnership with Louis Garneau for the next four years. Both Cycling Canada and Louis Garneau have always been committed to providing our cycling athletes with the best possible tools they require to perform at the highest international level. By working with LG to design state-of-the-art competitive clothing, Cycling Canada athletes will continue to perform on the international scene with the best apparel on the market,” said High Performance Director Jacques Landry.

“Building on the success that Cycling Canada has had over the last four years by implementing a system to support our athletes’ potential, the next four years will be devoted to focusing on the processes that will give our athletes the optimal chances to win medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio.”

Louis Garneau has outfitted the Canadian Cycling Teams in performance apparel since 1984 (the year Louis himself participated in the Los Angeles Games). Louis Garneau will continue to supply the teams with leading, technologically advanced apparel for optimal performances. Louis Garneau is known for its high performance apparel that outfits some of the top riders and athletes in the world. The Louis Garneau logo will be prominently featured on the Canadian Cycling Teams uniforms in international races every year.

Since the date of the original partnership in 1984, Cycling Canada athletes have won 10 Olympic medals and collected 65 UCI World Championships medals.

February 1, 2013/by Communications

Sport Canada approved list of funded athletes for 2013 carding cycle

Sport Canada has announced the approval of the 2013 Carding Cycle list of APP-funded athletes.

The list can be found here.

January 28, 2013/by Communications

IMPORTANT INSURANCE UPDATE

The current insurance coverage administered by Marsh Canada will expire at 21:01 a.m. on Tuesday, January 1st 2013.

Coverage and broker details for the 2013 insurance program will be posted early in January.

For insurance-related questions, please contact Cycling Canada directly.

December 31, 2012/by Communications