July 5, 2007 (Beauce, QC) — More than 700 participants have invaded St-Georges-de-Beauce, Que., for the Tim Hortons 2007 National Road Cycling Championships July 5-11. The competition will feature Canada’s top cyclists and paracyclists in various age categories.

“The Canadian championships are an opportunity to evaluate the progress of our riders,’’ said Kris Westwood, high performance director for the Canadian Cycling Association. “It is often our first opportunity to meet some young riders. For them, the nationals are a stepping stone towards a berth on the national team.’’

The Canadian championships are also an important selection meet for the world championships. The national time trial champions receive an automatic berth (providing they attain the minimal qualifying speed), while others will battle hard to fill in the remaining spots.

Time Trial : Lyne Bessette Will be There

Lyne Bessette returns to the road scene in the time trial. “I’m pleased to see her make a comeback,’’ said Westwood. “She is one of the few athletes to have challenged for a world title and it’s a good decision for her to start her comeback in the time trial.’’ Alex Wrubleski of Saskatchewan is the defending champion.

In the men’s time trial, Westwood doesn’t predict any upsets. “Sven Tuft (B.C.), Ryder Hesjedal (B.C.) and Eric Wohlberg (Ontario) are dominant right now.’’

Road race: Under 23 Race Scheduled

This year the under-23 riders will have their own road race. “This is the first time we’ve split the men’s race,’’ said Westwood. “It will allow those riders to standout more in a less aggressive setting and one not so dominated by the team tactics found in an elite race.’’

Westwood believes the Symmetrics will control the elite pack but that won’t necessarily guarantee a victory. “There is an opportunity at mid-point to capitalize on a breakaway,’’ said Westwood. “Last year the riders strategies evolved around the Symmetrics and they were caught off guard by Dominique Rollin (Quebec). That probably won’t happen again this year.’’ The men’s elite race concludes the national championships on July 11.

Paracycling: New Talent on the Horizon

The national championships are also a season highlight for Canada’s top paracylists and a key selection meet for their world championships.

“We have a wide range of riders but I’m anxious to see if more can breakthrough,’’ said Westwood. “We need more depth.’’

Tandem riders Alexandre Cloutier and Daniel Chalifour are among the favourites and have dominated their races so far this season.

Competition gets underway July 5 with the time trials for paracyclists, Masters and juniors. On Friday, the criterium races in all categories are scheduled. On Saturday, it’s the Masters road race. On Sunday, it’s the road race for paracyclists and juniors. On Monday, elite competition gets underway with the time trials. On Tuesday it’s the men’s under-23 and women’s road races followed on Wednesday by the men’s elite road race.

The Timbits Challenge for youngsters is scheduled for Friday at noon. It’s an opportunity for young riders to race a criterium in a safe environment and gain some competitive experience.

For the complete schedule of events click here