July 01, 2016 (Laval, QC) – Joëlle Numainville (Cervelo-Bigla Pro Cycling Team) has issued a statement and plans to appeal her exclusion from the Rio 2016 Team Canada selections for the upcoming Olympic Games. On June 29, Cycling Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee announced the nominations that included Karol-Ann Canuel (Boels Dolman), Leah Kirchmann (Liv-Plantur) and Tara Whitten (The Cyclery-Opus) to fulfill the country’s quota for women’s road cycling in Rio – read the announcement here.

“I have hard time understanding Cycling Canada’s decision in view of my results and my experience. On the basis of the criteria indicated in the Olympic Selection Policy, I have my spot on the team. It would seem that my case is not unique,” said Numainville in the statement.

“We have decided to appeal the decision of Cycling Canada. I hope that the appeal will decide in my favour and that I will be able to help my teammates win medals at the Rio Olympics. “

Numainville, 28, competed at the 2012 London Olympics, finishing 12th in the road race (RR) as the top Canadian. Similarly she finished 11th in the road race at the 2015 UCI Road Worlds in Richmond, Va. In terms of in-season UCI rankings, Numainville amassed more points (96) from January 1-June 12 than Canuel (69) or Whitten (60) according to documents Numainville sent Pedal (Kirchmann has 468). In terms of international standings, Numainville is ranked 48th behind Kirchmann (14th) and Canuel (44th), but well ahead of Whitten (124th).

Numainville was the national road champ in both 2015 and 2013 when she won the ITT title as well. She finished second in 2016 behind Annie Foreman-Mackey (The Cyclery-Opus) with Kirchmann third.

To read Cycling Canada’s Olympic Selection Policy here.

To learn more on Cycling Canada’s Appeal Policy here.