January 31, 2009 – Here is the latest update from the CCA, including the release of the 2009 national team programs, a survey on a men’s U23 project, and the announcement of a women’s road training camp. Read on for details.

National Team Programs Released
Click the links below for performance development and National Team program documents for each respective discipline:
– Road (PDF)
– MTB (PDF)
– BMX (PDF)
– Paracycling (PDF)

Canadian Cycling Association Survey on U23 Men’s Project
In recent years, CCA has offered spring project over Europe to our Canadian U23 men. Often, these projects were partially or fully subsidized by the athletes. The purpose of these projects was to provide an experience of international competition to some of our best U23 in order to further their development and ultimately perform at major events such as the World Championships.

In return, we have noticed in recent years that our best riders are not always available for such projects. Being members of continental teams, these athletes are already well supported and have access to a very well structured competitions and training camp. That said we to turn to another class of athlete and they often are not competitive at the same level as the first. We must therefore adjust the project so that these athletes can fully benefit from their experience and not come out tired and discouraged.

For example: In 2008, the U23 riders that have participated in the European program of the CCA in April participated in national events (French and Spanish) which were better adapted to their level, and returned home with a good preparation and a good background of experience.

As we are aware that the CCA has a role to play in the development of the best U23 riders in the country, we are ready to offer opportunities to these riders. However, before proposing a turn key project, we would like to know the profile and expectations of all athletes who hope to participate in such a project.

Following the answers that we receive, the CCA will decide whether or not it ismoving forward with a U23 project. And if so, we will be able to build a project that meets our criteria, but also is suited to the athletes who’ve applied.

Here is the information we would like to hear from the athletes who have an
interest:

– Your date of birth;
– Number of years in cycling competition;
– Some brief results from previous years;
– Have you ever run out of Canada;
– Your short, medium and long term objectives;
– Your current school, team, club, …
– A brief description of your preparation (winter and spring);
– Your expectations towards a project of the national team;

Athletes who wish to take part in a project this spring with the national team have until February 15th to submit their applications and answer the questions below.

We want to hear the views of our members to help guide our programs in the future. We also invite elite and U23 athletes to answer the questions, as well as the coaches at this level.

Depending on the response, the CCA will inform the athletes who have shown an interest in a spring project. If a project is to go ahead, the national road coach will develop a priority list depending on the response and offer the opportunity to the athletes in the order established.

You can send your name and answers directly to the following email address: vincent.jourdain@canadian-cycling.com

The Canadian Cycling Association thanks all those who responded to our survey. We will do our best to respond to the expectations of everyone.

Women’s Road Training Camp
The Canadian Cycling Association and the Hamilton Foundation are pleased to offer a development camp on the road for twelve female athletes, to be held in Tucson, Arizona from 15 to 23 March 2009. The goal of this camp is to provide a unique learning opportunity and is the first of the many activities of the national team that will foster the emergence of the new generation of elite Canadian women cyclists.

The camp will be followed by participation in the Redlands Bicycle Classic held in California from March 26th to 29th. This stage race is part of the U.S. national circuit and includes many of the best cyclists of the North American continent. At the end of training camp, 8 athletes will be invited to join the national team for this competition.

The athletes concerned must be aged between 18 and 28 years, be passionate about becoming an elite cyclist and motivated to become an Olympian at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.

Candidates must submit their application to the national team road coach Vincent Jourdain before February 15th 2009 with a brief summary of their achievement and some reasons for their personal motives. The CCA will provide coaching support, accommodation and transportation between the airport and lodging. Athletes must assume the costs related to air transport and food.

For those wishing to submit their applications, and receive more information on the project, please do so via e-mail at: vincent.jourdain@canadian-cyclling.com