QUEBEC ADDS TWO MOUNTAIN BIKE TITLES AT CANADA GAMES
Lanthier-Nadeau and Bouchard takes gold in Mountain Bike Sprint race
(Ottawa, ON – August 7, 2013) Québec added two gold medals to its tally today, winning both the men and women eliminator race as the mountain bike events came to a close today at the Canada Games in Sherbrooke, QC.
The event, which is fast, fun and spectator-friendly, was presented for the very first time at the Canada Games this year, and with such a great turnout from the fans, the event is quickly becoming a must in mountain bike.
In the men’s sprint race, Léandre Bouchard ended his 2013 Canada Games on a perfect note, winning his third gold medal in as many races at these Canada Games.
Bouchard is riding strong lately in the short but fast-paced race, taking the victory of the Eliminator race both at the 2013 Canadian championships and these Canada Games. At these Games, he won the cross-country race, as well as being a member of the gold-medal team that won the team relay.
Bouchard opened the day by posting the fastest qualifying time of the group, which gave him lane choice advantages for the elimination rounds, and continued to excel throughout the heats, all the way to the final race of the day.
“I gave everything I had – it was to my advantage. I kept up the pressure the entire race. In the finals, we gave everything because there is nothing after, and that’s what I did. I’m really happy with these three gold medals earned at the Canada Games. I’m really happy with the triple gold,” commented Bouchard after the race, still catching his breath by his effort.
Asked if the eliminator would become a specialty, Bouchard confirmed his focus would still remain on the longer distance cross country races.
“I can not say that the eliminator will become a specialty of mine, admitted Bouchard. “I always focussed on the cross-country. That being said, I feel very good on this type of course offered in the Eliminator. I think my power at the start is one of my strengths, which helps me a lot on a course like this one. I am capable of producing a lot of watt over a distance like this. This is what allowed me to stand out today.”
Bouchard will participate in the Canadian uniform at the Mont-Sainte-Anne stop of the UCI World Cup this Saturday. “This competition at the Canada Games was a good preparation for the World Cup at Mont-Sainte-Anne, this weekend. I hope for a Top 10 this weekend, in the U23 cross-country race.”
In second place came Andrew L’Esperance of Team Nova Scotia, crossing the line shortly after Bouchard. Quinn Moberg of Team BC took the third place.
In the women’s sprint race, it is Andreanne Lanthier-Nadeau, also of Team Québec, who crossed the line first. The young athlete posted the fastest time of the qualifier in the morning, and went on to win every heat of the day to take the gold medal.
“Today I knew I had the power in the legs to do well in the sprint event. I gave everything in every round,” said a smiling Lanthier-Nadeau. “I had a small disappointment in team relay with a puncture that cost us dearly, so it’s good to win today. The Canada Games end on a positive note.”
“The sprint event is a race that has no forgiveness. I find it fun to see the power in its purest form, both men and women. The riders have a lot of fun, and I think the format is great for spectators.”
Laura Bietola of Team Ontario took the silver medal, edging Laurence Harvey of Team Québec at the finish line.
The Mountain Bikers will now turn their focus towards the 2013 UCI World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne, QC, which is disputed this weekend.
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