August 28, 2002, (Kaprun, Austria) – “We had a great day out there!” said
Warren Lister, Team Canada Manager. The Canadian National 2002 Mountain
Bike Team is feeling good and another gold medal demonstrates just how
good. For the second time running Team Canada rode away with the gold
medal in the World Team Relay Mountain Bike Championships. This year’s
team consisted of Alison Sydor, Roland Green, Ryder Hesjedal and junior
Max Plaxton.

With very few difficulties (except for a couple of minor crashes) the team
won by almost a minute. Challenged by steep climbs and downhills, the
course was reportedly ideal for Team Canada. The Canadians had the fitness
to quickly get to the front of the pack early in the race.

Team Canada’s strategy was similar to last year in that they sent Hesjedal
off first. Known for his fast starts, Hesjedal was able to get to the
front of the pack right away. Lister explained that the team’s goal was to
get out in front early and avoid getting caught behind any riders in the
single track thereby forcing other teams to work to catch Canada. Following
Hesjedal was 2001 World Champion Roland Green. Plaxton was the third,
followed by Sydor who finished the fourth and final lap for Team Canada.

Always a fun race to watch, the Team Relay was initiated to World
Championship level in 1999. Each team has a secret line-up and strategy to
beat the other riders. After each lap racers must come to a complete stop
and pass a wristband to their teammate. The Canadians won a bronze medal in
1999. A mechanical destroyed the team’s chances in 2000, however last year
they came through to win the first gold medal in the Team Relay for Canada!

Unofficial Results:
1. Canada 2. France 3. Switzerland