January 01, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – The final ballots are in and we’re pleased to announce the winners of Pedal Magazine’s 2011 Cycling Awards that recognize all categories including juniors, seniors, U23 and paracyclists from all disciplines encompassing road, MTB, DH, cyclocross, track and BMX.

The big winner this year was Catharine Pendrel, the reigning Elite Women’s MTB Worlds Champ, who won the Best Overall Cyclist award along with the Best Overall Senior/U23 Female Cyclist and Best MTB XC Senior/U23 Cyclist (Male or Female). Pendrel had a stellar season winning three WCups this year for a total of seven overall and she finished second overall on the MTB WCup series. Not surprising to cap off her superb season readers voted Pendrel’s MTB Worlds rainbow jersey win as the Best Canadian Cycling Moment/Performance in 2011.

“Thanks for all the votes from Pedal readers,” said Pendrel when we told her the news. “Worlds was definitely my best 2011 Canadian cycling moment too!  I hope everyone is as excited about the potential for all of Canada’s talented riders in 2012 as I am!
Happy New Year to everyone.”

Ryder Hesjedal claimed two awards, the Best Overall Senior/U23 Male Cyclist and the Best Road Senior/U23 Cyclist (Male or Female). Hesjedal stood on the podium twice at the Tour de France as his team Garmin-Cervelo won the TTT and he earned his first individual podium on Stage 16 helping his teammate Thor Hushovd to victory on that stage.

We caught up with Hesjedal on New Years day for his reaction. “Thank you to all Pedal Magazine followers for voting me the Best Overall and Best Road Senior/U23 Cyclist. Cycling in Canada is at the highest level it has ever been and the timing looks great for 2012! Congrats to all of the other cyclists in what is becoming a very tough competition.”

Reigning Junior Women’s Road and ITT Champ, Annie Ewart, was excited to learn that she had claimed the Best Overall Junior Female Cyclist for 2011 and sent us these comments. “Thanks to all of those who voted for me. I have really appreciated the interest and support I received during my 2011 season – especially from my coach Houshang Amiri, my team Trek Red Truck, Cycling BC, the CCA, and to Erinne Willock and Svein Tuft whom have been great role models and advisors. Happy New Year!?”

One of the closest battles this year was for the Best CX Senior/U23 Cyclist and in the end Geoff Kabush prevailed with honourable mention going to Evan McNeely, a very close second and Emily Batty just behind him in third. Kabush, who begins 2012 with a new team Scott- 3Rox Racing Team, was stoked to win the CX award as the former MTB National and CX National champ loves cross.

“Thanks for the honour. I have always found cyclocross to be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend the fall on my bike,” Kabush told Pedal. “This season was no different and I had one of my best years racing the prestigious USGP series across the US. It is a fantastic series and it was gratifying to find myself on the podium most weekends and finish up second overall in the series.

“It is great to be recognized by the cycling community across Canada for my results and best of luck to all crossers heading to the World Championships. I’ve already got my new 2012 Scott Addict CX frames and looking forward to next season. Happy New Year.”

Lyne Bessette and Robbie Weldon were stoked as well to win the Best Paracycling Cyclist (Male or Female) and Bessette wrote, “This is such an honour – thanks to everyone who voted. Robbi is awesome and I couldn’t  ask for a better teammate! We are very excited for the upcoming year!”

Honourable mention in the Best Canadian Cycling Moment/Performance in 2011 goes to Ryder Hesjedal’s 3rd place on Stage 16 at the TdF, Clara Hughe’s solo break at the Road Worlds, David Veilleux’s 25th place finish at Paris-Roubaix, the Canadian Women’s Team Pursuit PanAm gold and Tara Whitten defending her Omnium gold at the Track Worlds… among others.

Congratulations to all winners and readers that voted – this year was by far the best voting turnout ever and it’s great to see Canada’s top riders recognized for their fabulous efforts both at home and abroad.

Pedal Magazine’s 2011 Cycling Award WINNERS
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Best Overall Cyclist (Male or Female)
Catharine Pendrel

Best Overall Senior/U23 Male Cyclist
Ryder Hesjedal

Best Overall Senior/U23 Female Cyclist
Catharine Pendrel

Best Overall Junior Male Cyclist
Benjamin Perry

Best Overall Junior Female Cyclist
Annie Ewart

Best Road Senior/U23 Cyclist (Male or Female)
Ryder Hesjedal

Best Track Senior Cyclist (Male or Female)
Tara Whitten

Best MTB XC Senior/U23 Cyclist (Male or Female)
Catharine Pendrel

Best MTB DH Senior Cyclist (Male or Female)
Steve Smith

Best CX Senior/U23 Cyclist (Male or Female)
Geoff Kabush

Best BMX Cyclist (Male or Female)
Tory Nyhaug

Best Paracycling Cyclist (Male or Female)
Robbie Weldon/Lynn Bessette

2011 Best Canadian Cycling Moment/Performance
Catharine Pendrel’s MTB Worlds Win