January 12, 2004 (Kamloops, BC) – As announced late last week, Kamloops was given the thumbs up by the CCA (Canadian Cycling Association) to host the 2004 Road Nationals June 24-27. The task was assigned to Henry Pejril, an organizer of high-level mountain bike races since 1995 including Canada Cups, Nationals and BC Cup events.

The last major road event that Pejril can remember being hosted in Kamloops was the 1993 Canada Summer Games. It's quite possible that the same road course will be used for nationals, however Pejril would like to bring it closer to the city and make it more spectator friendly for 2004.

Pejril is very excited about the confirmed venue and is focused on putting on a good show for Tim Hortons, the CCA's and the event's title sponsor. “We've enjoyed working with Tim Hortons at the MTB events and we're confident that we can produce a good event for them on the road side.”

Some of the people working with Pejril on his organizing team worked at the1993 Games. Sounds like he is backed up by most of BC's road organizers as well, and all are more than happy to assist in his smooth transition from MTB to road organizer.

“We have lots of road experience to draw from in BC, as well as from Cycling BC itself. There has been tremendous support from many established road organizers with experience in past Nationals, Canada Games and Commonwealth Games cycling events. I'm actually very impressed in how the road community in BC is coming together to support this event. Most importantly, the City of Kamloops is enthusiastically supportive.”

Besides race organizing, Pejril has worn many hats over the years while contributing to the Canadian cycling scene. Last year he served as a Technical Delegate for the CCA at the Canadian Nationals in Whistler. He also was the Canadian National Team Mechanic for five years from 1997-2002. Pejril has been organizing mountain bike events since 1995. This year Pejril is taking on a new role as Cycling BC's VP of Mountain Biking, on top of organizing the nationals and this year's Canada Cup Final at Sun Peaks Mountain Resort in August.

Pejril is excited about his new role at the head of the organizing committee for this year's road nationals, “I'm looking forward to it!” Couldn't have been said better!

Tentative 2004 Road Nationals Schedule:

Thursday June 24 – All Categories Individual Time Trial Friday June 25 – All Categories Road Race (except for senior elite) Saturday June 26 – Sr. Women/Men Road Race Sunday June 27 – All Categories Criterium