March 17, 2008 (Edmonton, AB) – Edmonton’s Juventus Cycling Club has been awarded the rights to host the 2008 and 2009 Canadian National Cyclo-Cross Championships which will run alongside the UCI Jim Horner Cyclocross Grand Prix. The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) selected Edmonton as the host of the event to be run at the Argyll Park. Originally 2008 Nationals and the UCI Jim Horner Grand Prix were slated to run October 18th and 19th but due to a scheduling conflict with the Kalmhout, Belgium World cup on this date, both races are now slated to run over Thanksgiving weekend, October 11 & 12, 2008.

The National Championships are expected to attract close to 200 athletes from all across Canada on a spectacular and challenging course. These athletes will be vying for the title of National Champion and UCI (world-wide ranking) points. Running the National Cyclo-cross championships this early in the season is sure to draw some criticism; however it does allow for elite Canadian riders to earn a large amount of UCI points early on in the cyclocross season. These UCI points will enable elite Canadian riders to secure better positions on the starting grid at large American and European Cross races which will better their chances for strong placements throughout the international Cyclo-cross season.

“We are delighted that the Juventus Cycling Club has been selected to host the 2008 and 2009 Canadian National Cyclocross Championships,” said Don Fox, Chair of the Championships Committee. ABA President Alan Schietzsch stated, “These championships offer outstanding opportunities for the community. They are exciting for spectators and contribute to the development of Alberta’s best athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers.”

The National Championships will represent an opportunity to train and develop future National level coaches, officials and event organizers, a tremendous contribution and legacy for cycling in Canada by the City of Edmonton and the province of Alberta.

Edmonton is quickly emerging as one of the hot-beds of Canadian Cyclo-cross with three members of the 2008 Canadian National Cyclocross team calling Edmonton home. Juventus Cycling Club, the Alberta Bicycle Association and the Edmonton cycling community look forward to welcoming competitors to Champion City over the Thanksgiving weekend for two days of exciting UCI Cyclocross Racing.