July 17, 2012 (Rouyn-Noranda, QC) – The atmosphere was festive despite the rain Monday night at the Tour de l’Abitibi’s official launch, which took place in front of the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Numerous people from all over the region showed up to greet the 22 teams from the five participating countries. The team presentations were followed by the Challenge Sprint Abitibi, a first in the history of the organization.

‘’The organizing committee and the volunteers were more than ready to receive the athletes, as was the crowd at the Challenge Sprint Abitibi. I believe the athletes were very excited to get such a warm welcome from the organization,’’ exclaimed the president of the Tour de l’Abitibi, Mrs. Suzanne Fortin. The spectators were particularly happy to greet the regional team IAMGOLD, which is uniquely composed of cyclists from the city of Amos.

The Challenge Sprint Abitibi, a breathtaking show

The 22 cyclists taking part in the first Challenge Sprint Abitibi gave an amazing performance during the 800 meter sprints, which were, for the most part, very heated. Eliot Doyle from team Quebec was the winner out of the three elimination rounds, followed closely by Brandon Etzl from team Canada and Mattew Russel from USA Selection B. The three winners were therefore the top sprinters amongst the 22 teams, marking them as potential leaders for this 44 edition.

Tomorrow, the Agnico-Eagle stage

Tomorrow, July 17th. the cyclists will head out to Amos for the first stage of the Tour de l’Abitibi 2012. The athletes will start out strong by completing a 117.2 km race, the longest stage of the whole week. The arrival will take place in Rouyn-Noranda, in front of the university at 7:20 pm.

Full results HERE.