January 28, 2006 — As she hoped, Canada’s Lyne Bessette will be at the front for the start of the 2006 Cyclocross World Championships tomorrow in Zeddam, Holland as result of her high ranking in the World Cup standings — Bessette is in 5th place overall. During the 2006 season she won two bronze medals at UCI Cyclocross World Cups, the Canadian Cyclocross Championships, and has numerous cyclocross wins from across North America.

“It’s the first Cyclocross Worlds where I really feel ready,” said the Knowlton, Quebec resident, still nursing a slight cold at the time of the interview. “I’m in great shape and have prepared myself to make the podium – it’s not impossible. It may not be easy, but I believe I can do it!”

Bessette will have to keep a sharp eye on local Dutch favourites, Daphny Van den Brand and Marianne Vos — she has shared the podium with both riders this season.

As for the race course, Bessette is already anticipating where the race will be played out. “It’s in the corners that you have to ride particularly well. If you stay too far behind other riders it can get difficult to pass them later. We had frost here recently, so the organizers put some sand down in the certain places to combat the ice that’s formed. For the most part the course is pretty flat, except for a section where there is a staircase of around 40 steps.”

The Cyclocross World Championships marks the end of Bessette’s cross season after which she’ll join her new team T-Mobile already on the road. She’s scheduled to start her road season with the first Road World Cup in Geelong, Australia on February 26.