January 11, 2016 – This past December, seven riders from across Canada took part in an inaugural Christmas Cyclo-Cross project in Belgium. This project encompassed six races over a 10-day period during the Belgian “Kerste-Period” of Cyclo-Cross.
“We accomplished what we set out to do,” said Program Manager Scott Kelly. “Our elite riders posted some great results against tough international competition and there was visible learning and improvement taking place with our U23 and Junior athletes.”
This project fulfills a commitment by Cycling Canada to introduce developing Cyclo-cross athletes to international competition and to provide continued support to Elite athletes at select international races.
Building upon the success of this project, Cycling Canada is proud to announce the team for the 2016 Cyclo-Cross World Championships. Thirteen riders will travel to Europe to contest both the World Cup in Hoogerheide. Netherlands and the World Championships in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium. This number represents the largest amount of athletes Canada has sent to the World Championships since the 2013 race in Kentucky.
Team Canada – 2016 Cyclo-cross World Championships – Heusden-Zolder, Belgium
Elite Women:
- Mical Dyck* (Victoria, BC)
Elite Men:
- Jeremy Martin (Boischatel, QC)
- Cameron Jette (Toronto, ON)
- Mark McConnell (Calgary, AB)
- Michael van den Ham (Edmonton, AB)
- Aaron Schooler (Edmonton, AB)
U23 Women:
- Ruby West* (Dundas, ON)
- Maggie Coles-Lyster (Maple Ridge, BC)
U23 Men:
- Isaac Niles (Calgary, AB)
- Trevor O’Donnell (Barrie, ON)
Junior Men:
- Gunnar Holmgren (Orillia, ON)
- Brody Sanderson (Orillia, ON)
- Quinton Disera* (Horseshoe Valley, ON)
*denotes current Canadian champion
Cycling Canada does not receive government funding for Cyclo-Cross programs. This means all projects are funded through sponsorships, private donations or by the athletes themselves. Any amount donated has a direct impact on the development of this sport in Canada. As a not-for-profit organization, Cycling Canada can issue tax receipts for any donation greater than $25. Please note that all support staff for this project are generously donating their time for free.Please visit here to donate.If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities please contact Scott Kelly at scott@dundasspeedshop.com.
About the Canadian Cyclo-Cross Working Group:
The Canadian-Cyclo-cross Working Group is made up of various stakeholders from the Canadian Cyclo-cross community. The objective of this new initiative is to improve communications and planning around the Canadian Cyclo-cross program. The working group has been tasked with developing a sustainable cyclo-cross program, exploring funding opportunities and identifying and engaging leaders in the Canadian Cyclo-cross community to help drive these initiatives.
Working Group members:
- Program Manager: Scott Kelly
- NSO Rep: Kris Westwood
- PSO Rep: Jayson Gillespie
- Elite Female Rep: Mical Dyck
- Elite Male Rep: Aaron Schooler
- Industry Rep: Craig Richey
- Member at Large: Maghalie Rochette