January 27, 2006 – The action gets underway tomorrow in Zeddam, The Netherlands, for the 2006 Cyclo-Cross Worlds. The first race is the Junior race, followed by the Espoirs. Representing Canada in the junior event on Saturday is junior national champion Mike Bidniak of Alberta. Also racing on Saturday in the U23 category is Ryan Hopping, also of Alberta.

Sunday is the showcase day, with the women hitting the dirt at 11:30am, and the Elite Men at 2:30pm. Canada has three entrants in the women’s race: Lyne Bessette of Quebec, Wendy Simms of BC and Stacey Spencer from BC. The frontrunners for the women’s race should be, among others Daphny Van Den Brand (Ned), Hanka Kupfernagel (Ger) and Mirjam Melchers-Van Poppel (Ned).

In the elite men’s event on Sunday afternoon, nationals silver medalist Greg Reain of Ontario, will be Canada’s sole representative. Look for Belgium’s Sven Nijs to dominate as he always does – and competition from his countryman Bart Wellens, or Dutch rider Richard Groendaal.

Saturday, January 29
– 11:30am Juniors
– 14:30pm Espoirs

Sunday, January 30
– 11:30am Women
– 14:30pm Elite