March 15, 2006 – Some of Canada’s 19 best cyclists that are ready to ride to the top at Melbourne’s XVIII Commonwealth Games shared their feelings just a few hours before hitting the saddle.

From March 16-26, beginning with the track competition and ending with the road races, including the time trial (March 21) and mountain bike race (March 23), our Canadian athletes, all in great shape and very confident to bring home some medals, are prepared for a true cycling show.

Team Canada showcases an experienced team on the international scene, led by Olympic silver medalist Marie-Hélène Prémont, and Commonwealth Games medalists Lyne Bessette (QC), Seamus McGrath (ON) and Sue Palmer-Kornar (ON). Andrew Exner, Media Coordinator for cycling at Melbourne said, “So far, organization of the Games has been superb. Being in such a beautiful and sport-crazy city also adds to the energy around the Games. After the opening ceremonies tonight, things will be in full swing for the next 10 days.”

TRACK
The track events open the Games for cycling on Thursday March 16 with an evening competition (from 2am EST). The track racers, already in Australia for previous competitions, have been training hard over the past week. The new track is great and it’s a wonderful facility. Track athletes took part in the final World Cup of the season in Sydney, where Gina Grain (BC) posted a 9th place finish in the 20K Scratch Race, with Mandy Poitras (QC) in 15th. In the men’s race, Martin Gilbert (QC) posted an 8th place finish in the Scratch Race, 10th in the Points Race, and 12th with partner Zach Bell (YK) in the Madison event. Gilbert commented, “I just feel in great shape down here and it is very positive for the Commonwealth Games.”

ROAD
The road races will follow with the Time Trial starting March 21 (from 6:30pm, EST). Athletes have been in the Shire of Nillumbik, located in the outer northern suburbs of Melbourne, enjoying the open road and some Australian hospitality.

Dominique Perras, of Saint-Lambert, QC, (Kodak Gallery.com/Sierra Nevada) — Road Race
“I have a lot of motivation and enthusiasm going into the final preparation for the Commnonwealth Games road race on March 26. I know the majority of our rivals quite well, having rubbed shoulders with them in the USA, Europe and Australia (I finished 2nd at the Herald Sun Tour in Melbourne last October). We’ll face the stiffest competition from the Australian riders, who will be responsible for “taking the race on”, however, we can truly win this competition. I am ready to give it all to a teammate or to push myself to victory, depending on the scenario of the race.”

Indeed Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom are the main rivals of the Canadian cycling team. As for other road racers, they started the season at several competitions with their respective trade teams. François Parisien (QC), the current Canadian Road Champion recently took 4th at the Grand Prix de Lilliers in France, his second best career result. Some riders also took part at the Sydney Track World Cup. Yannik Morin (QC) along with Cam Mackinnon (AB) and Travis Smith (AB) finished 11th in the Team Sprint. Morin said, “You can really tell that the level has increased at the dawn of the Commonwealth Games.”

MTB
Mountain bike riders are starting the season earlier than usual at the Commonwealth Games. Now that two of the MTB athletes have arrived, the team’s excitement is building in the village. The MTB competition will take place on Thursday, March 23 (from 6:30 pm, EST).

Geoff Kabush, from Victoria, BC (Team Maxxis) – Mountain Bike Cross Country
“I started back into some structured training in November and have managed to stay healthy and injury free which is the most important thing for me. Last summer, I had some top results at the World Cups (3rd at Mont Ste-Anne, 2nd at Angel Fire) which have given me a lot of confidence and motivation going into the next three years leading to Beijing 2008. I am constantly working with my coach, Juerg Feldmann, researching and trying out new ideas and I am confident I have lots of room to improve on previous years. I am feeling really confident coming off a great winter of training and have goals of a top result at the Commonwealth Games.”

Marie-H̩l̬ne Pr̩mont, from Ch̢teau-Richer, QC, (Team Rocky Mountain Business Objects) РMountain Bike Cross Country
“I will be leaving for the Commonwealth Games on March 18, as my race takes place on March 23. I feel really confident knowing that my first races are usually successful. Last year, I won the gold medal at the first MTB World Cup of the season. My goal for Melbourne is to win a medal. The Commonwealth Games are great competitions which will also enable me to consider how I will adapt to the 16-hour time difference and a 20 hour-journey, a good experience for the 2006 MTB Worlds taking place in New Zealand at the end of the season.”

The only sad news is that Lyne Bessette crashed today while training at the mountain bike venue. She suffered a dislocated shoulder and will evaluate her recovery over the next few days to decide on her participation at the Time Trial (March 21), Mountain Bike cross-country (March 23) and Road Race (March 26).