May 21, 2006 — Riders were faced with look-a-like Belgian winter weather at the first international race on the 2006 MTB Canadian calendar this weekend at Bromont, QC.

The race, sanctioned E1 by the UCI, was of huge importance for riders seeking precious and valuable UCI points. Almost 75 racers from all across the country (even New Zealand) lined up at the start.

Bad weather, mud and a soaking wet course combined to present a maximum of adversity for cyclists and their bikes.

It was a good day for the Team Specialized at the cross-country race on Saturday as Benoit Simard and Jonathan Boulanger place 10th and 14th respectively, while the win went to Max Plaxton (Rocky Mountain-Business Objects).

Team Specialized riders Bruno Lafontaine and Sébastien Tremblay finished 21st and 52nd.

In the women race, despite a strong start, Team Specialized’s Elsie Torresan was forced to pull out because of severe knee problems.

The team remains motivated for the upcoming race next weekend at Mont Tremblant, Quebec, for round #2 of the Canada MTB Cup, where the country’s best mountain bikers will compete once again.