January 26, 2017 (Luxembourg) – For our second installment of interviews with the Canadian athletes that will be competing at the upcoming 2017 UCI Cyclocross World Championships in Bieles, Luxemburg, here are the women who will be racing in the U23 and Elite Women’s events. Ruby West is the sole entrant for Canada in the U23 Women’s race, while Mical Dyck, Maghalie Rochette current national champ, and Cindy Montambault will race in the Elite Women’s event. Both events take place on Saturday, January 28th. Check out what the ladies had to say about their ambitions, rumors about the course, and their favourite cyclocross snack.
What are your personal ambitions heading into the 2017 World Championships?
Ruby West: Going into this year’s world championships I feel like I am as prepared as possible, which I think puts me in a better position than last year. My ambitions for the World Championships is just to have a solid race, I want to ride clean and smooth like I know I can if I can put things together on race day. I’m trying not to put any sort of number in my head because that will just mess with me and I want to focus on my performance rather than base my success off of others.
Have you heard much about the course in Bieles heading into the Championships?
RW: I’ve heard bits and pieces about this course, it seems like it’ll be a good one from what everyone is saying. It sounds like the organizers are doing a great job of using a smaller venue and really using all of the elevation in the area within the course, which I’m sure in combination with the weather will make for a very challenging race.
RW: That’s a tough one, I’m really not sure. I don’t have one thing that I really favour or really don’t like in a course. I think power sections are good for me, maybe some punchy climbs and I really like the mud, so hopefully the course in Luxembourg will have all of that!
What has been your best Cyclocross experience to date?
RW: For sure my best experience was the World Championships last year. I was just SO star struck the whole time! It was my first Worlds experience plus it was the first ever U23 women’s race at the CX World Championships, so it was pretty special to be a part of it. Although that might be tied with the UCI CX training camp I got to attend last June in Switzerland with Sven Nys – that one was pretty incredible as well.
Frites with Mayo or a Belgian Waffle?
RW: Haha, I’m more of a sweet person, so I’d have to say Belgian Waffle, however I’d never turn down some frites, especially post race 😉
What are your personal ambitions heading into the 2017 World Championships?
Mical Dyck: I don’t have any expectations going into Worlds this year. I haven’t been able to train like I would like to and I’m not really sure how my body is going to react. I’d love, love, love, to do a top ten, but I think a top 20 is more realistic.
Have you heard much about the course in Bieles heading into the Championships?
MD: I haven’t heard anything about the course in Bieles. I’ve seen some pictures and it looks really snowy right now, that would be amazing for me if it stayed that way. I’m excited to race in Luxembourg, I’ve never raced there for either mountain bike or cyclocross.
MD: A technical, slippery, muddy, snowy, gross course definitely suits me the best.
What has been your best Cyclocross experience to date?
MD: I’ve had too many great experiences to pick just one, but I think my Tabor World Championships race/experience was pretty awesome. From last call up, literally the last person called up, to 13th place.
Frites with Mayo or a Belgian Waffle?
MD: Belgian Waffle. I do have to say, the Belgian pastries are really, really good!
What are your personal ambitions heading into the 2017 CX World Championships?
Maghalie Rochette: It’s my first time here so I’m keen to get a feel of what the CX Worlds are like and to gain experience. Of course, I prepared the best I can (and I am happy with where my form is right now), so certainly I want to have the best race possible. But I don’t have any specific goals in mind. All my focus will be on executing the best I can and I’m coming here with an open mind; ready for anything to happen and ready to take the best decision I can about what will happen around me.
Have you heard much about the course in Bieles heading into the Championships?
MR: I haven’t heard much but did hear there’s a steep hill that will be used in different form and angle, and I think there will be some snow (I’m in Luxembourg right now and the ground is covered in snow). No matter what the course is like, I’m sure it will be an exciting race and I’m really looking forward to it.
MR: As I said, I’m ready for everything – in cyclocross, you never know so you better be prepared for everything. Although, I do love hilly and technical courses. I also love when there is some running involved.
What has been your best Cyclocross experience to date?
MR: Nationals this year was a great experience for me – I loved the course and the muddy conditions and I also had a good race. The whole day was just super exciting. However, I have a lot of great memories around cyclocross. I love when the courses keep you on your toes and require that you use all your senses to conquer them.
However, I have to say that this weekend in Hoogerheide was a great experience for me. I’m lucky to be teammates with Katerina Nash (also on the Clif Pro team) and we had a great time this weekend preparing for the race – she showed me the ropes of Euro Cross and I had a blast learning from her. I also had a good race and loved the atmosphere; the field was huge (74 women) and you really had to be focused and aggressive to move up – I really had fun. It was also fun to be able to share that with my teammates and friends.
Frites with Mayo or a Belgian Waffle?
MR: Belgian Waffle all the way!
What are your personal ambitions heading into the 2017 World Championships?
Cindy Montambault: I started CX last year (Quebec Cups only with nationals at the end of the season) and did my first world cups this year right at the beginning so I don’t have a lot of experience in racing big events in CX. I’ve raced quite a lot in MTB which is still my priority. My main ambitions this weekend are to gain experience, learn some tactical skills and enjoy every moment of the race.
Have you heard much about the course in Bieles heading into the Championships?
CM: I heard a little bit about it and the weather forecast seems pretty nice until Saturday so I think it won’t be too muddy.
CM: I have no idea…hahaha. I haven’t yet found out exactly what suits me most since I only did a few CX races as mentioned. I think climbing suits me pretty good given my MTB background (eventhough I’m not known as a climber). I like steep, fast climbs rather than long flat climbing. Technical descents are also my strength. Coming from MTB, I guess I have some skills that I can apply to a CX course. When there are some descents with roots and off cambers where people might attempt a break, I’m pretty comfortable and I like to go fast.
What has been your best Cyclocross experience to date?
CM: Definitely Pan Ams in Cincinnati. I felt great on that course. I came in 9th place and I had a nice tactical race.
Frites with Mayo or a Belgian Waffle?
CM: Belgian Waffle!!!!! (with a coffee) I’m all about sweets.