News – Page 44 – Cycling Canada Cyclisme

WORLD TOUR SVEIN TUFT AND CHRISTIAN MEIER HEADLINE CANADA’S TEAM AT TOUR DE BEAUCE

Tuft, Meier, Stuart Wight, Nic Hamilton, Michael Woods and Casey Roth to represent Canada at famed Tour de Beauce

(Ottawa, ON – June 8, 2012) Cycling Canada Cyclisme is proud to announce the line-up that will represent Canada at the 2012 Tour de Beauce, and Canada will be stacked up with star-power with two riders from the professional World Tour.

The team will be directed by Steve Rover, the 1996 Canadian Road Champion and an organizer of the 2012 COLD-FX Canadian Road Championships, which will be held the following week in Lac Mégantic.

The team includes Svein Tuft, the seven-time Canadian TT Champion, fresh off the Giro d’Italia racing with World Tour team Orica-GreenEDGE, where he finished in the Top 10 of the final stage Time Trial.

“Beauce has always been a special race for us Canadian riders. It’s a race that has helped all of us progress to the next level and given us a chance to race at a very high calibre on difficult courses on our home soil. So it seems like a good tradition to be able to come back and race here with the national team where I had my 1st opportunity to experience Beauce in 2001. It was definitely an eye opener for me then and I look forward to racing in this year’s edition,” said Tuft.

Tuft has had an illustrious professional cycling career, and excels in the Individual Time Trial. In the event, he finished second at the 2008 UCI Road World Championships, and 13^th in the time trial at the 2011 UCI Road World Championship in Copenhagen.

At the 2011 IMMUNITY-FX Canadian Road Championships in Ontario, Tuft triumphed in both elite races, winning the titles in both the road race and time trial, competing with Team SpiderTech powered by C10.

In Beauce last season, Tuft won the individual time trial as well as stage 6 to finish in third place of the General Classification.

Tuft will be joined by long-time friend and current teammate Christian Meier, who was also recently racing the Giro d’Italia. Since turning professional in 2008 with World Tour Team Garmin-Slipstream, Meier spent three seasons on the World Tour. Last year at the 2011 IMMUNITY-FX Canadian Road Championships in Burlington, ON, Meier was second in the individual time trial, behind Tuft.

The Canadian team will be complemented by Stuart Wight (CR4C Roanne), Nic Hamilton (Jelly Belly Cycling), Michael Woods (Stevens Racing p/b The Cyclery) and Casey Roth (Ride with Rendall Cycling Team).

The Tour de Beauce starts Tuesday June 12, and runs through Sunday June 17.

CANADIAN TEAM – 2012 TOUR DE BEAUCE

Svein TUFT – Langley, BC (Orica-GreenEDGE)
Christian MEIER – Sussex, NB (Orica-GreenEDGE)
Stuart WIGHT – Riverview, NB (CR4C Roanne)
Nic HAMILTON – Calgary, AB/Victoria, BC (Jelly Belly Cycling)
Michael WOODS – Ottawa, ON (Stevens Racing p/b The Cyclery)
Casey ROTH – Cambridge, ON (Ride with Rendall Cycling Team)
Directeur sportif: Steve ROVER

June 8, 2012/by Communications

OLYMPIC SELECTION POOL ANNOUNCED FOR WOMEN’S ROAD CYCLING

(Ottawa, ON – June 6, 2012) Cycling Canada Cyclisme is proud to unveil the list of athletes who have qualified for the 2012 Olympic Selection Pool for women’s road cycling. This short-list of riders will be drawn upon for the 2012 Olympic Cycling Team.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for cycling in Canada. The air is supercharged going into the Olympics and with that we will have a world-class team adding to the atmosphere,” said Denise Kelly, coach of the women’s program at Cycling Canada Cyclisme. “This is a very talented pool of athletes to choose from with the goal of reaching the podium. I feel very honoured to be the coach of the women’s team.”

OLYMPIC SELECTION POOL – ROAD CYCLING, WOMEN
Julie BEVERIDGE (Calgary, AB/ Vienne-Futuroscope)
Karol-Ann CANUEL (Amos, QC/Vienne-Futuroscope)
Veronique FORTIN (Montréal, QC/Tibco-To-The-Top) [Canadian Champion, Road Race]
Clara HUGHES (Glen Sutton, QC/Specialized-Lululemon) [Canadian Champion, Time Trial]
Leah KIRCHMANN (Winnipeg, MB/Optum Kelly Benefits) [Canadian Champion, Criterium]
Joelle NUMAINVILLE (Montreal, QC/Optum Kelly Benefits)
Denise RAMSDEN (Yellowknife, NWT/Optum Kelly Benefits)
Rhae SHAW (Amherstburg, ON/Team Exergy TWENTY-TWELVE)
Tara WHITTEN (Edmonton, AB/Tibco-To-The-Top)

Through the UCI Qualification process, Canada qualified three spots for the women’s Olympic road race and two spots of the women’s Olympic time trial race. According to UCI regulations, an athlete who wishes to participate in the time trial must have started the Olympic road race.

Athletes in the Olympic selection pool have all qualified as a result of their performances since the UCI Qualification window has been opened. As per the approved Selection guidelines, the High Performance advisory committee of Cycling Canada Cyclisme, comprised of many specialists, will gather and proceed with the selection of athletes who will be nominated to the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team to represent Canada at the upcoming Olympic Games in London, UK.

For more information on the selection protocol for road cycling, please visit: https://cyclingcanada.ca/disciplines/sites/default/files/Road%202012%20Olympic%20Selection%20Policy%20090811.pdf

The list of nominated athletes to the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team will be announced on June 21st at the 2012 COLD-FX Canadian Road Championships in Lac Mégantic, QC. More details will follow with media availabilities.

June 6, 2012/by Communications

RYDER HESJEDAL WINS GIRO D’ITALIA

(Ottawa, ON – May 27, 2012) Canadian cyclist Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Barracuda) won the 2012 Giro d’Italia, becoming the first Canadian to ever win a cycling Grand Tour, a historic accomplishment on Sunday.

Canadian legend Steve Bauer, current owner of Team SpiderTech powered by C10, was the closest Canadian to a podium at a Grand Tour, finishing fourth at the 1988 Tour de France.

Ryder Hesjedal : “I had to fight for this Giro d’Italia. As we got off the mountain in the helicopter and as descended to Milan yesterday, I knew I still had a shot. I felt incredible on bike pre-riding and knew I could do it in the time trial.”

“The first day I pulled on the pink jersey I knew I was good and had accomplished something great. That made me go even harder. Getting compliments from my rivals gave me even more confidence. Hat’s off to them, they’re all great champions but once we were in the third week and I was doing the rides I was doing, I knew it was possible.”

“My success is down to consistent hard work and by improving a little all the time. I think I showed my ability in the 2010 Tour de France. I had problems in the 2011 Tour but I still showed my ability in the third week. I got the opportunity to focus 100% on the Giro d’Italia this year and the team said I was the designated leader. It doesn’t happen often in a rider’s career to be leader in such a prestigious event, so I came with good legs and wanted to do my very best. The team was excellent and gave it everything. I won this race day after day, by doing my best. That’ what it takes.”

On his Garmin-Barracuda teammates: “The guys were even more believing than me at some points. They gave everything. They especially proud of me and I’m especially proud of what they for me. It was great to be on the podium together as the super team of the Giro d’Italia. It’s going to be a good night…”

On the impact of his Giro d’Italia victory in Canada: “The support for me back home has been unreal. I saw one tweet about a guy going into Canada Tire and asking for the pink Garmin-Barracuda jersey…. I think people now know what’s going on at home. I think they appreciate the Giro d’Italia and I hope my win will help Canadian cycling go a long way.”

Jacques Landry, High Performance Director of Cycling Canada Cyclisme: “We are seeing resurgence in Canadian Cycling, in all of our programs. Young cyclists from all regions of Canada are signing up in their local clubs, thanks to the dream that is transpired through our international performances. There is a lot of talent in road cycling, with a record-high numbers Canadian men on the World Tour, and Canadian cycling is only growing stronger. What Ryder has accomplished at the Giro is a magnificent performance, and all Canadians should be proud. Ryder is a great Canadian cyclist, who has proven race after race that he his among the World’s best overall cyclists.”

John Tolkamp, President of Cycling Canada Cyclisme :“The Giro d’Italia is the second largest race in the World, one of the toughest of them all, and to have a Canadian stepping on the podium is an extremely important feat. The performance sends a statement that cycling in Canada is growing to new heights. We, along with all our provincial organizations and partners, couldn’t be prouder of this accomplishment and we extend our congratulations to Ryder and Team Garmin-Barracuda for this historical victory”

May 28, 2012/by Communications

CANADA SWEEPS OPENING PROLOGUE AT EXERGY TOUR

(Ottawa, ON – May 24, 2012) The Canadian cyclists are on fire at the inaugural 2012 Exergy Tour, an important women’s road cycling event.

Canadian riders finished 1-2-3 in the 3.1-kilometre opening prologue, with Tara Whitten (Tibco-To-The-Top) taking the yellow jersey. National team rider Gillian Carleton took the second place, while Clara Hughes (Specialized Lululemon) placed third.

“It was such a strong field today. I am very proud to wear the first ever yellow jersey at the Exergy Tour,” said Whitten while talking to the race announcer after the podium ceremony. “The Canadian cycling program made huge improvements over past several years. Gillian is a strong member of the Women’s Team Pursuit on the track, and I am very excited for the Olympic Games coming up this summer. I am thrilled that we’re both in top form. We are only getting stronger.”

Added Whitten: “It’s pretty unusual for us to have great crowds. It’s exciting. The first comment I got from one of my teammate coming back was that the crowds were amazing, and it pushes you to give everything you have in there. We have a really strong team here and we are excited for the days to come.”

Gillian Carleton takes the lead in the Best Young Rider, awarded to the Top U23 athlete.

The 2012 Exergy Tour is a five-day professional stage race for women’s cycling in Idaho. Tomorrow will feature the second day of racing, a 123.8-kilometre race in Nampa.

For more information on the Exegy Tour, please visit: http://www.exergytour.com/

May 24, 2012/by Communications

DANDELION FESTIVAL GRAND PRIX ADDED TO NATIONAL ROAD CALENDAR

Criterium and road race to attract top Canadian cycling teams

(Kemptville, ON– May 24, 2012) The Dandelion Festival and the Municipality of North Grenville are pleased to announce the 2012 edition of the Dandelion Festival Grand Prix Race Weekend.

The Dandelion Festival, which takes place in Kemptville, Ontarioon May 25-27, will feature two cycling events this year. A Pro/Am criterium for men and women on Saturday May 26^th, and a Citizens Race as well as a Pro/Am road race on Sunday May 27th.

In partnership with eQuinelle Homes, one ofEastern Ontario’s leading lifestyle community developers, and the Cyclery Ottawa’s premier bike shop, the eQuinelle Grand Prix Criterium will take place in the afternoon and early evening on Saturday May 26th.

Kid races will take place from 3pm to 4pm and then the real action will begin full gas.

We are proud to announce that the Elite men’s and women’s criterium’s are the newest addition to the Canadian National Road Calendar, The best road racers in the country will compete for a cash purse of over $7500.00 in front of close to 3000 festival spectators.

Confirmed teams to date are Ekoï.com/Gaspésien Continental Pro cycling team, Team Spirit/ Cannondale, Real Deal Racing/La Bicicletta, Nine2FivePro.com, Ride with Rendall, Jet Fuel, Octto Cervelo, and the Steven’s elite team to mention a few.

Some ofCanada’s best women’s teams including the Stevens Women’s Pro cycling team and Infinit Nutrition/CyclePower will be present at the start line as well.

For those that are racing, Kemptville’s great espresso bar Geronimo is located on the course for the pre-race fuel up and for those that aren’t, there will be live music, festivities for the kids, and yes a beer tent lining the start finish area for those are out to watch the fast paced action!

Registration is now open for the criterium at www.ontariocyling.org.

Starting at 9am Sunday morning the 27th of May there will be a citizen’s road race near Oxford Mills Ontario. It will feature a beginner’s race, and intermediate race as well as a women’s race, for those who wish to compete on the 17.1-km closed to traffic winding road course.

Then at 12pm, a 102.6km Pro/Am women’s race open to elite women, and a 171-km Pro/Am men’s race open to elite and M1 men’s teams will light up the same traffic-free course competing for over $3000.

There will be a BBQ and refreshments for athletes and spectators as well as a picnic area near the start finish area for those to sit and enjoy the race.

For those teams of 4-8 riders that are interested in competing in the eQuinelle Grand Prix Pro/Am criterium, please contact race director Ryan Phelps at rtphelps@cogeco.ca as we would like to have rosters submitted with brief athlete biographies to help make the race announcing more exciting and informative to the spectators on day of.

Individual athletes may enter on a case by case basis. Information can be found at www.thedandelionfestival.ca and at www.ontariocycling.org.

We would also like to thank the Municipalityof North Grenvilleand the Provinceof Ontariofor their generous support in making this event possible. Accommodations are available at the Universityof Guelph Kemptville Campusresidence , cost is $59/single and $39 per person for a double room, plus taxes. Guests can call the campus office to reserve a room 613-258-8336 ext. 61234.

May 24, 2012/by Communications

A NEW ERA BEGINS IN CANADIAN CYCLING WITH A NEW NAME AND LOOK

Canadian Cycling Teams to “Pedal to the Medal” this season

(Ottawa, ON – May 23, 2012) The Board of Directors of the Canadian Cycling Association is pleased to announce that the organization will be known as Cycling Canada Cyclisme from this date forward.

Sporting a fresh new logo and name, the Canadian Cycling Teams in all cycling sports will carry the new brand around the world at various World Cups, World Championships and international races. President John Tolkamp explained the change of name and logo as follows; “With the input of many alumni and advisors we have been encouraged to revamp the identity of the organization. The new identity modernizes and strengthens our brand, while maintaining a strong connection to our country and the rich history of cycling in Canada. It was also felt the dedicated team of athletes, coaches and support staff we now have in place is leading-edge and warranted a fresh look and identity.”

“For the past several years there has been a significant transformation underway in our organization and sport, most significantly in our international success, and a new identity highlights both the progress made and our expectations going forward, particularly as we head to the London Olympics. These next three months will inspire the nation and motivate youth to take up cycling as our athletes proudly represent Canada.”

The logo, a heritage maple leaf with a representation of a cyclist within the maple leaf, brings back the endless memories of success by Canadian cyclists around the world.

The new logo is a testament to the rich cycling history in Canada. Cycling Canada Cyclisme is the second oldest National Sport Organization in Canada, founded in 1882. Cycling has been a prominent sport at the Olympic Games, with living legends such as Steve Bauer (Silver, 1984 Los Angeles, Road) and Curt Harnett (Silver, 1984 Los Angeles, Track) and Clara Hughes (1996) opening the way for a new generation of great cyclists.

“As we enter a new era in Canadian cycling, our athletes are performing at a world class level, winning medals on a regular basis at UCI World Cups, World Championships and in other major races around the World,” said Greg Mathieu, Chief Executive Officer of Cycling Canada Cyclisme. “The rebranding efforts come at the right time as we are well into our Vision 2020 goal to be a leading competitive cycling nation by 2020.”

The new visual identity also comes with a new slogan – “Pedal to the Medal” – which embodies the encouragement for our team members as they head into this season’s major competitions.

The Canadian road team is currently enjoying significant success, both from the men and the women. Canada is ranked as the top Mountain Bike nation in the world on the women’s side. The Canadian Track Cycling Team just ended a dream season with superb performances on the UCI World Cup Tour and at World Championships. BMX is seeing the emergence of a strong contender on the Supercross tour, making finals on a regular basis. Finally, the Canadian Para-cycling Program is leading-edge, gathering seven medals at the last Road World Championships and three medals at the Track World Championships.

“The new Cycling Canada identity is an exciting start to a new era. Cycling Canada has grown tremendously and seen a lot of success in the recent past and I know we will continue to do so. This new name and look will help to continue that momentum while incorporating the rich history of cycling in Canada and giving the athletes a new look they can be proud to represent leading into the Olympic year,” said Erinne Willock, National Team Road cyclist and Chair of the Athletes’ Council.

A new set of modernized logos have also been unveiled to reflect the richness and tradition of the Canadian Cycling Championships. This new identity will be carried through all of the Canadian Championships beginning this summer.

May 23, 2012/by Communications

CANADIAN SEBASTIEN SALAS WINS KING OF THE MOUNTAIN JERSEY AT TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

King of the mountain jersey awarded to Best climber; Salas becomes second Canadian to ever win a jersey in California

(Los Angeles, CA – May 20, 2012) The Canadian Cycling Association would like to congratulate road cyclist Sebastien Salas of Team Optum-Kelly Benefit for winning the King of the Mountain jersey at the 2012 Amgen Tour of California.

From the first stage, Salas fought a tough battle with another Canadian, David Boily of Team SpiderTech. Boily took the jersey for first two stages. Salas went on the attack in the third stage, and took control of the KOM race. Since then, Salas has been wearing the coveted Polka-Dot jersey, a highly respected jersey awarded to the best climber.

Only one other Canadian won a jersey at the Amgen Tour of California – Dominique Rollin (FDJ-Big Mat) won the best sprinter jersey in 2008. Rollin and Ryder Hesjedal (Team Garmin-Barracuda) both won stages at the tour in previous years.

The Amgen Tour of California ended today after 1180 kilometers of racing.

May 20, 2012/by Communications

CLARA HUGHES REPEAT TIME TRIAL WIN IN GATINEAU

Fastest women on two wheels tackle the Chrono Gatineau Time Trial race

(Gatineau, QC – May 19, 2012) It was a beautiful day for a time trial race in glorious sunshine in Gatineau. Forty-seven cyclists participated in the Chrono Gatineau Rona, a time trial race of 18.4 km. The course was comprised of two laps of a 9.2 km loop, with a sharp hill of 500 m at 5.9% grade, as well as some technical corners including a roundabout difficult to negotiate.

The level of racing was very high and Specialized Lululemon was the team to beat with the winner of last year, the popular Clara Hughes (CAN), but also Amber Neben (USA), the American champion, Evelyn Stevens and Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (GER). The other runners to watch was the Australian champion Shara Gillow (GreenEdge), track specialist Tara Whitten (CAN, Tibco to the top) and the British champion Nicole Cooke (Faren Honda Team).

The American Marty Shea (Destination Cycling) recorded very early a great time of 25:44.82, which remained the time to beat for nearly an hour. Powerful German rider Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (GER, Specialized Lululemon) finally managed to dislodge Shea with a very fast time of 24:38.45, averaging 44.88 km / h.

This time, however, was quickly beaten by Teutenberg’s teammate Evelyn Stevens (USA, Specialized Lululemon), The American time trial champion which flew along the first leg; the first rider riding the first hal under 12 minutes. Her time of 24:04.56 gave her an advantage of 34 seconds on Teutenberg and seemed very promising. Among the next riders, only Amber Neben (USA, Specialized Lululemon) was able to come close, posting a time of 24:16.44, 12 seconds slower.

The enthusiasm of the audience was growing while the last wave took the road. All eyes were on the last rider to take to the start, Clara Hughes, but more powerful riders were still racing. The Canadian Rhae Shaw (Canadian National Team) surprised everyone by recording a fast time of 24:51.42. Her compatriot Tara Whitten (Tibco to the top) did even better by flying the route with a final time of 24:27.24, the third best provisional, only 22 seconds slower than Stevens.

Three riders were still on the course: Shara Gillow, Nicole Cooke and the favorite Clara Hughes. Halfway through, Hughes was only a hundred meters from Cooke and quickly catching up – the crowd went wild when she was negotiating the roundabout on the heels of the British rider. While Gillow finished with a respectable time of 25:00.23, the world watched the clock: Clara had passed Cooke, and was heading towards the home stretch. The applause was deafening as she took the last turn to finish with the best time of 23:65.76, beating her teammate Evelyn Stevens by 7.8 seconds, with an average speed of 46.13 km / h.

At 39, Hughes showed she is one of the top riders in the world in the time trial. After the race, she said her motivation was excellent for the Olympics in London – after such a performance, Canadians will surely have their eyes fixed on her this upcoming July.

Another person was smiling was the team director of Team Specialized Lululemon, who placed four riders in the Top 5 with, only Tara Whitten able to challenge the supremacy of the German team.

With such a demonstration of excellence, the Specialized-Lululemon will be marked for the road race on Monday. But the other teams, especially GreenEdge, Faren Honda, Optum Kelly Benefits and Tibco have at heart to take their revenge.

The GP Cycliste Gatineau Hydro-Quebec and the Gatineau Chrono Rona are the only two CanadIan events sanctioned by the International Cycling Union (WE UCI 1.1). The Chrono Gatineau Rona to be held on May 19 is time trial of 18.4 km with two laps of a 9.7 km loop containing a climb of 500 m at 5.9% and some technical corners that should benefit the powerful riders. The Grand Prix Cycliste Gatineau Hydro-Quebec is a road race of 134 km, 13 laps of a circuit of 10.18 km. The world’s top riders are expected during the long weekend in May in Gatineau.

In addition to the two women’s races, the Grand Prix will hold a provincial men’s race, a Gran Fondo, a family ride and many activities promoting cycling.

RESULTS – CHRONO GATINEAU (TIME TRIAL) – GATINEAU, QC

1 HUGHES Clara SPECIALIZED LULULEMO 23:56.76

2 STEVENS Evelyn SPECIALIZED LULULEMO 24:04.56 +7

3 NEBEN Amber SPECIALIZED LULULEMO 24:16.44 +19.68

4 WHITTEN Tara TIBCO – TO THE TOP 24:27.24 +30.48

5 TEUTENBERG Ina-Yoko SPECIALIZED LULULEMO 24:38.43 +41.67

6 SHAW Rhae CANADA NATIONAL TEAM 24:51.42 +54.66

7 SMALL Carmen OPTUM KELLY BENEFITS 24:59.10 +1:02.34

8 GILLOW Shara GREENEDGE-AIS 25:00.23 +1:03.47

9 RHODES Alexis GREENEDGE-AIS 25:24.19 +1:27.43

10 BEVERIDGE Julie CANADA NATIONAL TEAM 25:24.62 +1:27.86

May 19, 2012/by Communications

NATIONS CUP SAGUENAY RETURNS FOR A FIFTH YEAR

Up and coming U23 riders to battle for World Championships spots in Canada

(Ottawa, ON – May 16, 2012) The Canadian Cycling Association is pleased to support 2012 UCI Nations Cup/Coupe des Nations Saguenay, an important international cycling race featuring the best U23 riders in the world.

The Nations Cup Saguenay is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. The four-day, 558-kilometre stage race will be held from May 31 to June 3 in four local municipalities: Jonquière, La Baie, Kénogami and Chicoutimi.

“We are thankful for the continued involvement of Bernard Noël, president of the local organizing committee. Over the last five years, the Nations Cup Saguenay has evolved to become a top international race for the World champions and Olympic champions of tomorrow,” said Mathieu Boucher, Director of development for the the Canadian Cycling Association.

The Nations Cup Saguenay is part of the UCI Nations Cup Tour, where countries from around the world race with the objective to secure as many spots as possible for the UCI World Championships.

Luc Arseneau of Dieppe, NB is heading the Canadian delegation at Nations Cup events.

“The Saguenay Nations Cup is a very important stop in the U23 UCI calendar for Canada. It represents a great opportunity for us not only to score points on the Nations Cup calendar, but also in the UCI America Tour,” said Arseneau, road development coach at the Canadian Cycling Association.

“We are really looking forward to lining up a good team for the occasion. In order for Canada to succeed at such level, we must have the cooperation of everyone involved; and that includes the riders, the Provincial Sport Organizations, and the cycling teams. This is why we are very grateful, namely, of the support of Team SpiderTech powered by C10 for allowing two if its U23 riders to wear the maple leaf for this project.” The 2012 selection for Canada will be composed of:
Antoine Duchesnes (Garneau-Québécor-Norton Rose)
David Boily (SpiderTech powered by C10)
Hugo Houle (SpiderTech powered by C10)
Pierrick Naud (Ekoi-Gaspésien)
Ryan Aitcheson (Panther p/b Competitive Cyclist)
Stuart Wight (CR4C Roanne)
In 2011, Canadian cyclist David Boily of Québec, QC (Team SpiderTech powered by C10) finished second of the UCI Nations Cup Tour de l’Avenir in France becoming the first Canadian to ever wear the prestigious Yellow Jersey at the race, a jersey he held for four stages.

Event information can be found at http://www.coupedesnationssaguenay.com.

STAGES – NATIONS CUP SAGUENAY
http://www.coupedesnationssaguenay.com/index.php?id=4&lang=eng
May 31 – Stage 1 – Jonquière (140.7 km)
June 1 – Stage 2 – La Baie (148.4 km)
June 2 – Stage 3 – Kénogami (141 km)
June 3 – Stage 4 – Chicoutimi (128.4 km)

May 16, 2012/by Communications

OLYMPIC SELECTION POOL ANNOUNCED FOR MEN’S ROAD CYCLING

(Ottawa, ON – May 11, 2012) The Canadian Cycling Association is proud to unveil the list of athletes who have qualified for the 2012 Olympic Selection Pool for men’s road cycling, a short-list group of riders from which the 2012 Olympic Cycling Team will be selected.

“Canadian cycling has never been this healthy, with strong depth. We have in front of us a talented group of road cyclists to analyze. Our discussions and final decision will certainly revolve around our best chance to win a medal in London, and help achieve our goals,” said Gord Fraser, Manager of the men’s program at the Canadian Cycling Association.

“With a record number of Canadian riders competing in professional cycling either at the WorldTour or the pro-continental levels, we are confident we will have a competitive cyclist selected to represent Canada at the Olympic Games,” added Jacques Landry, Director of High Performance at the Canadian Cycling Association.

Olympic Selection Pool – Road Cycling, Men
Michael BARRY (Toronto, ON/Team SKY Pro Cycling) [Road Race, Time Trial]
David BOILY (Québec, QC/Team SpiderTech powered by C10) [Road Race, Time Trial]
Guillaume BOIVIN (Longueuil, QC/Team SpiderTech powered by C10) [Road Race, Time Trial]
Ryder HESJEDAL (Victoria, BC/Garmin-Barracuda) [Road Race, Time Trial]
Bruno LANGLOIS (Québec, QC/Team Garneau-Quebecor) [Road Race, Time Trial]
Christian MEIER (Sussex, NB/Orica-GreenEdge Pro Cycling Team) [Road Race, Time Trial]
Dominique ROLLIN (Boucherville, QC/FDJ-Big Mat) [Road Race, Time Trial]
Ryan ROTH (Cambridge, ON/Team SpiderTech powered by C10) [Road Race, Time Trial]
Will ROUTLEY (Whistler, BC/ Team SpiderTech powered by C10) [Road Race, Time Trial]
Svein TUFT (Langley, BC/Orica-GreenEdge Pro Cycling Team) [Road Race, Time Trial]
David VEILLEUX (Cap Rouge, QC/Team Europcar) [Road Race, Time Trial]

Through the UCI Qualification process, Canada qualified one spot for the men’s Olympic road race and one spot of the men’s Olympic time trial. According to UCI regulations, an athlete who wishes to participate in the time trial must start the road race.

The women’s selection pool will be announced on or around June 6 as the UCI qualification window is still open to this day.

Athletes in the Olympic selection pool have all qualified as a result of their performances since the UCI Qualification Window has been opened. As per the approved Selection guidelines, the High Performance advisory committee of the Canadian Cycling Association, comprised of many specialists, will gather and proceed with the selection of athletes who will be nominated to the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team to represent Canada at the upcoming Olympic Games in London, UK.

For more information on the selection protocol for road cycling, click here.

The list of nominated athletes to the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team will be announced on June 21st during the 2012 COLD-FX Canadian Road Championships in Lac Mégantic, QC. More details will follow with media availabilities.

May 11, 2012/by Communications