Armstrong issued a statement to say that: “I am gratified to learn that the US Attorney’s Office is closing its investigation. It is the right decision and I commend them for reaching it. I look forward to continuing my life as a father, a competitor, and an advocate in the fight against cancer without this distraction.”

L.A. Times HERE.
USA Today HERE.

This affects you! The Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP), the set of rules that govern doping control in Canada, will be revised during 2014 to remain compliant with the new Code. National sport organizations that have signed on to run their programs in accordance with CADP rules will need to re-adopt, and as a result, athletes will be subject to these new rules when they come into effect in 2015.

We are now collecting input and suggestions. We hope to hear from athletes, national sport organizations, professional sport leagues, others involved in sport, as well as the public at large.

Are you interested in helping shape the future of drug-free sport? Do you have specific opinions about the way doping control is conducted? Have you ever wondered if there is a better way to prevent sport from becoming a competition among chemists? Then take our survey!

Between now and February 29, using our online survey, you have the opportunity to weigh in on all aspects of the anti-doping rules. We greatly value your input for the fullness it will lend to the Canadian submission, but also as an indication of your commitment to the program. All comments will be fully reviewed and considered by the CCES for inclusion in a common Canadian position to be submitted to WADA on March 15.

The survey provides food for thought in the form of a series of questions, and will take between five minutes and an hour depending on how much you have to say. Some questions are quite specific, but there is also room for your own original thoughts and general comments. The survey is organized around the Canadian Anti-Doping Program to maintain a familiar context, but you can also make reference to specific Code articles if you prefer.

WADA’s schedule is staggered, starting with the framework and moving later into specifics. However, the CCES is soliciting comments now on the entire program to avoid confusion. You will see further communication about this review process from us as follows:

• March 15, 2012: Canadian sport community’s comments sent to WADA
• August 31, 2012: Opportunity to further input on specific areas
• January 15, 2013: Possible opportunity to further input on specific areas
• November 2013: Final 2015 World Anti-Doping Program revealed at International Conference on Doping in Sport
• 2014: Canadian Anti-Doping Program revision process
• January 2015: New anti-doping rules come into effect

Take the survey:

• Anti-Doping Rules Review Phase 1 Online Survey HERE.The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport is an independent, national, not-for-profit organization. We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country. We are committed to working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.

Cycling BC – High Performance & Events Assistant
Location: Vancouver, BC
Deadline Date: February 17, 2012
Date Posted: February 2, 2012
More info HERE.

Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE) – Summer Camp Leader
Location: Victoria, BC
Deadline Date: March 1, 2012
Date Posted: February 2, 2012
More info HERE.

Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE) – Summer Camp Supervisor
Location: Victoria, BC
Deadline Date: March 1, 2012
Date Posted: February 2, 2012
More info HERE.

Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic – Athlete and Coach Services Coordinator
Location: Fredericton, NB
Deadline Date: February 13, 2012
Date Posted: February 2, 2012
More info HERE.

This year has found us in sunny Capitola, California, and it’s been awesome. Warm weather training is invaluable in preparing for the fast-approaching season.

We have started to get a pretty good feel for the riding in the area, and get some solid miles under our belt. I am looking forward to the coming month of quality training with the boys. A big thanks to everyone who has made this possible!

- Jesse

The Cycling BC U23 team has just begun two months of training and racing in California. We are based in Capitola until the middle of March and are looking forward to taking advantage of the warm, dry weather. Everyone is excited for the upcoming race season and this trip will prepare us well for it.

We would all like to extend our thanks to everyone that is helping and encouraging us to be our best

- Cody Campbell

Adam Muys, head coach of the Canadian BMX program in Canada, is excited about the new series and the opportunities it will bring to BMX riders in Canada: “This new series is going to allow young riders to progress and bridge the gap between provincial racing and national racing. That bridge is a critical component that will ensure Canada has long term planned success around the world.”

“We have a great talent pool in development right now all across the country, a potential that is currently untapped. Uniting as a community is critical in the success of the BMX Canada Cup Series, and we are looking forward to see riders coming together and embrace the series, and make it their own as the series grow.”

The BMX Canada Cup Series is a vital part of the Long Term Athlete Development model for BMX, which was presented to the community last year after an exhaustive collaboration and input from Provincial Sport Organizations, coaches, riders and parents in Canada.

Tory Nyhaug of Coquitlam, BC, Canada’s most prolific BMX rider and top-ranked Canadian of the World ranking, shares his excitement with Muys. “The more racing opportunities there are in Canada, the better it is for the sport and its growth. This series will provide awesome opportunities for the new generation of riders to race on the international scene, without having to travel extensively to the United States or oversees. I’m looking forward to race some of these events.”

The 2012 BMX Canada Cup Series will consist of five events over three weekends of racing. Each weekend will consist of one internationally sanctioned race (UCI) and one nationally sanctioned race (CCA).

The 2012 Series will begin in Quebec in July with two events, then move to Alberta in late August for two additional events. The Series will conclude in Abbotsford with the Canada Cup Finals, the day after the 2012 BMX Canadian Championships in September.

The Canada Cup Series racing will feature many racing categories, such as Senior Men and Women, Junior Men and Women, as well as Development Men and Women (14-16 years old).

Canada Cup events will be run in conjunction with provincially sanctioned races allowing for all categories to be run.

A full season ranking will be maintained for the six Canada Cup Categories. Rankings will be posted on the Canadian Cycling Association website on the Tuesday following each event. There will be prizing for the series overall ranking. The Current Leader will be awarded a leader’s plate to wear at the next race. Points will be awarded based on the final results of each day of racing. The overall ranking will be calculated using each athletes best four of five races. It is mandatory to attend the final event in order to have an overall ranking.

Please watch www.canadian-cycling.com for the publication of the 2012 BMX Canada Cup specific regulations regarding the BMX Canada Cup Series.

NEW DATE FOR OPENING EVENT
The Canadian Cycling Association would also like to announce modified dates for the 2012 Canada Cup Series kick-off event in Québec City, which is now scheduled for June 30 and July 1.

The 2012 Ontario High School and Elementary MTB Championships will be held on Friday, May 25th at Hardwood Ski and Bike, and are open to any full time enrolled student. We look forward providing a fun and challenging day for all ages and levels of riders. Each cyclist may compete as an Individual in the morning races, and again as a school Relay Team in the afternoon. All school and riders are encouraged to bring other riding friends and athletes to fulfill “Team” points for their school awards.

Individual Awards:
Medals to the Top 10 in each high school race and Top 5 in each elementary school race.

High School Teams and Awards:
High Schools with 4 or more riders in an age/grade category you qualify as a “Team”. While any number of riders may enter for your school, the first 4 riders who finish will be counted for your school team standing. Award Banners to first place teams in each of the seven High School categories.

Team Relay:
A Team Relay event composed of 3 men and 1 women of any age/grade category. Each relay leg will be 1 km on a double track open course. This is meant as a fun and exciting event to show your school spirit and performance.

Eligibility:
All participants in the Championships must be currently enrolled full time in an Ontario elementary or secondary school. Regional qualifying meets are not required. Because this is not an OFSAA sanctioned event it is not mandatory to have a teacher accompany a team, but it is recommended that a coach or parent attend. Elementary riders min. age 9 yrs.

For full event details and schedule click HERE.

For online individual and team entry click HERE.

The overall winner of the week was Tri Fitness Minnesota’s finest, and Stage 1 winner, Sam Janicki. After two stages without a win, Sam came back strong this week, laying down some huge watts and achieving the only sub-39 minute time with a zippy 38:35.2. Sam’s time was almost 40 seconds faster than SBR Coaching Wisconsin’s big gun, Kory Seder who was the second fastest rider this week. Kory used his tree trunk legs to secure the silver finishing in 39:13.4. Rounding off the podium, making it four in a row, was Peak Centre Ottawa’s superstar Alexandre Gagnon. Alexandre showed he has more than just climbing strings to his bow, taking 15 points to the overall standings after finishing in 39:16.2, a mere three seconds behind Kory. Alexandre remains the leader of the overall standings, whilst Sam’s stage win takes him back above Roger Lee from Peak Vancouver who occupy the second and third spots.

The Women’s podium was a mix of familiar and new faces this week. Usual suspect Kelly Knowles from Peak Ottawa placed third this week, maintaining her 100% podium record for the season. Kelly once again showed her strengths with a finish time of 44:02.4. After coming in fifth last week, Challenge by Choice Squamish rider Rua Reid stamped her mark on the competition with a second place finish this week, coming in 13 seconds in front of Kelly, finishing in 43:49.3. Taking the illusive Women’s A win this week was Peak Vancouver’s superstar lady, Alison Wood, securing her second consecutive win. Alison went over a minute faster than her competition, finishing in a time of 42:34.8. This win for Alison gives her the lead in the overall standings by two points over Kelly Knowles, while Carol Deavy from Peak Ottawa still hangs on to the third spot.

The top dog in Men’s B this week was Shawn McCleery from Peak Ottawa for the third time this season. The only time Shawn has not won a stage was when he didn’t race, so come on Men’s B lets step it up! Shawn finished in a respectable time of 41:28.7 which was only five seconds quicker than his Ottawa teammate Mark Parsons who finished in 41:33.2. Rounding off the Men’s B podium and maintaining the tight racing was Ben Eksteen from Challenge by Choice Squamish. Ben came in another four seconds back from Mark, finishing in 41:37.6. The overall podium for Men’s B could not be much tighter as the top three are all separated by four points. Shawn’s win puts him at the top, but Peak Vancouver’s Alex Willis is hot on his tail only one point behind, followed by Peak Vancouver’s John Forsyth a futher three behind!

In the second week of Women’s B racing, we have a completely different look to the podium. Coming in third place for stage four was Tri Fitness Minnesota rider Jane Deppert, who had the ride of her life this week to finish in a time of 47:03.8. Just over 20 seconds ahead was Renee Brickner from Challenge by Choice Squamish. Renee finished in a time of 46:41.5 which was only 16 seconds off of the top spot, which went to Emily Flynn from Peak Ottawa this week. Emily did Ottawa proud with a time of 46:25.8 and took the full 20 points into the overall standings. This result actually boosts Emily to second place in the GC standings, but it is still Melanie Shields from Peak Burlington who keeps the top spot by a margin of three points. Occupying the final place on the Women’s B overall podium is Jessica Yurchich from SBR Coaching Wisconsin.

Stage four also provided riders with their second chance at sprint points for this seasons racing. The lady with the most power this week was Summer Ohlendorf from SBR Coaching Wisconsin with a huge 7.99 Watts/Kg sprint. Second place was Carol Deavy from Peak Ottawa who managed to max out at 7.70 Watts/Kg, and Carena Dean from Challenge by Choice Squamish came in third with a max sprint of 7.46 Watts/Kg. The men’s contest was as close as can be, as we had two Peak Centre riders sharing the exact same power legs this week. Alex Willis from Vancouver and Alexandre Gagnon from Ottawa both hit a gigantic 12.53 Watts/Kg sprint and took 20 points a piece into the overall standings. Taking the third spot was Warren Sheridan from Peak Burlington who maxed out at 11.70 Watts/Kg, another impressive sprint!

Click HERE for Stage 4 results.

Next week we race a challenging set of plateaus that have to be earned. The first Plateaus and Climbs course of the Winter season will challenge riders to sustain power. It’s anyone’s game so we could be in store for some new faces at the top!

Kicking off the schedule is the elite UCI Women’s Chrono Gatineau on May 19, a spectacular time-trial with some of the fastest women in the world. This is followed by the Grand Prix Cycliste de Gatineau (UCI WE 1.1) on May 21st, the biggest women’s road race in Canada. These are the only top level women’s races in the country and there are only two other hi-calibre women’s events in North America.

Also on the schedule is the GP Cycliste Masculin (FQSC), a high-level race for Canadian Elite and Master racers, and the Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo sportif events for all those wishing to take part in a challenging timed events in Gatineau Park.

And don’t miss the Velo Village, a bicycle fair to find great deals and discover new trends in cycling. Plus there’s a Cycling with the Pros event, an opportunity for kids to meet and ride with the best professional female cyclists in the world.

More info HERE.

Widely hailed as one of the original pioneers of freeride, Simmons has been rocking Race Face armour since the very beginning. It would seem that the man who’s so smooth that his old friends call him ‘Swade’ wouldn’t need protection, but it has saved his Canadian bacon quite a few times over the years.

“Having worked with Race Face since its inception, I am super stoked to see my old friend Chris Tutton take the company to new heights. Race Face has always been staffed by passionate riders, and their products reflect that. Race Face (and back in the day, Roach!) armour has protected my legs and arms my entire career, and I’ve put a lot of faith in that protection. Now, I consider myself privileged to help Race Face develop the best riding apparel as well! We are lucky to have the North Shore’s unparalleled testing grounds as our backyard: Let’s get to work!”.

Wade’s easygoing demeanour is indicative of his trademark style on the bike, which has been showcased in countless videos and magazine covers over the years, both in North America and around the world. Underneath his ‘laid-backness’ is a deep passion for riding, and that is what will fuel Wade’s input into the Race Face protection and apparel designs in the future.

“Wade has been a key athlete for Race Face for many years” said Chris Tutton, Managing Director, “It’s hard to measure the impact that he’s had on the sport, but the word pioneer sums it up. We’ve wanted him in our apparel for some time, but more importantly, feel proud to be forging closer ties to a good friend and one of the most respected and well known riders in the world. These are exciting times at Race Face and this is yet another great day in our brand’s rebirth.”

Follow Wade and many other contributing voices to Race Face online by liking facebook.com/RacefacePerformance and on Twitter @RaceFace2012 .

·         Stems
·         Handlebars
·         Grips
·         Seatposts
·         Saddles
·         Wheels

Syncros is synonymous with innovation, and has been revered as one of THE early names in high end mountain bike components since the introduction of the original rocker-clamp seatpost. Kabush, a seasoned World Cup competitor, has been similarly known for his own unique approach to mountain biking. His historic product knowledge and testing abilities will lend invaluable feedback to the Syncros product team in the development 2013 products and beyond.

“The 3Rox Team has been around for a number of years, but now with the additional backing from SCOTT and the signing of Geoff Kabush, the Team really seems set to create a presence on the international stage,” noted US Communications Manager, Lars-Erik Johnson. “Syncros represents a great component compliment to this program, from both the technical and nostalgic Canadian perspectives. The input Geoff and the Team can offer our design team will only help accelerate Syncros product innovation and help return the brand to its once prominent place in the market.”