June 24, 2010 (Edmonton, AB) – Rain or shine, over 500 of Canada’s top road cyclists will merge in Edmonton, Alberta, to compete for Canada’s ultimate road cycling title. The 2010 Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) National Road Championships will take place this upcoming weekend, from June 25th to June 27th, 2010.

The Canadian Championships comes to Western Canada after four consecutive years of being hosted in Saint-Georges de Beauce, QC. Edmonton, known as The City of Champions, has extensive experience and knowledge in hosting international and major events.

This marquee event will see Canada’s National Cycling Team riders compete for the ultimate honours, winning the National Red and White “Maple Leaf Jersey” and the “Canadian Champion” Title. The top riders will battle for highly-coveted UCI Points, which are crucial for our Nation’s International ranking. Top riders will represent Canada at the World Championships held in Melbourne, Australia, this upcoming October.

“The solid organizing committee of these National Championships are experts in managing world-class events, and we are confident they will deliver an outstanding race to all riders participating,” said Greg Mathieu, CEO and Secretary General of the Canadian Cycling Association. “Edmonton will be a great place to be for all Albertans and Canadians [to] wave their Canadian flags and show their support for our outstanding Canadian Athletes.”

The Road Cycling event will be held on Sunday, on a similar course to the 1978 Commonwealth Games. The focal point of the course will be the start and finish area at William Hawrelak Park. The urban course, which will see cyclists ride on a 13km course throughout the City of Edmonton, presenting a great challenge for the cyclists. Ladies will complete 10 laps while the Men will ride the course 14 times.

The Time Trials, held Friday June 25th, will be hosted in the town of Devon, south of Edmonton. The race features challenging courses with steep climbs for both Men and Women. The Women’s course will be 21km long, while the men will go double the distance at 42km. In Time Trials, riders race against the clock at speeds up to 70km per hour.

The three day event is a close collaboration between the Alberta Bicycle Association and BONK Cardio Adventures, governed and sanctioned by the Canadian Cycling Association

The Elite category will showcase Canada’s Olympic heroes, with the following weekend featuring Juniors and Masters Men Women’s categories in Devon.

Over 100 dedicated volunteers, key of any cycling event delivery in Canada, are expected to provide their help and expertise to ensure the event runs smoothly.

During the weekend event, Hawrelak Park will become a hub of activities for the whole family. Since the park will be closed to vehicles, please walk, ride your bike or catch the free shuttle leaving from the University of Alberta’s Stadium Parkade.

Schedule of Events
Thursday, June 24
11am: Press conference
Featuring National Team members Svein Tuft and Tara Whitten
Matrix Hotel Edmonton, QUARTZ B Ballroom (10001-107 Street, Edmonton, AB)

Friday, June 25 – DEVON, AB
10:00am-12:00pm: Time Trial, Women Elite (20km)
1:00pm-3:00pm: Time Trial, Men Elite/U23 (40km)

Sunday, June 27 – EDMONTON, AB
8:30am-12:30pm: Road Race, Women Elite (127km)
1:00pm-6:00pm: Road Race, Men Elite/U23 (180km)

Schedule subject to change without notice.