June 09, 2018 – Reigning Canadian TT champ, Karol-Anne Canuel (Team Canada), took home silver in the women’s 17.3km ITT on her home course as former world champ and current US champ, Amber Neben (PX4), claimed the gold. Tayler Wiles (Trek-Drops), the 2014 winner here, settled for third.

Sunny but cool weather made for almost perfect conditions for the 48 starters. The Chrono Gatineau time trial is different from most, with a long climb into the Gatineau Park followed by a long descent back to the finish line.

“Last year I finished second so this year I really wanted to win and pushed harder in the first half but it wasn’t enough,” said Canuel. “It’s my home course so I know it well and overall I’m happy with my race.”

Neben, who won Gatineau in 2016 and is a former world champion in 2008 and in 2016, broke the 25-minute barrier with a time of 24:33.55 that no one could touch.

Three riders went below 26 minutes in the first 43 starters including Elizabeth Banks (UnitedHealthcare), Emily Newson (Tibco-SVB) and later Rushlee Buchanan (UnitedHealthcare).

Defending champion Lauren Stephens (Cylance) was a scratch due to injury, meaning that a new champion was guaranteed.