We reported earlier that Canuel voluntarily left French-based road team Vienne Futuroscope after four seasons following a strong season this past year and looks like she has now landed the contract she hoped for. She won the Boucles Arnacoises on May 19 and finished second at the Grand Prix de Plumelec-Morbihan on May 25. In 2012, she finished 30th at the UCI Road Worlds in Valkenburg, Netherlands. Media in France painted Canuel as one of Futurescope’s top riders.
Another Canadian, Gillian Carleton, rode with Specialized-lululemon last year and while she is absent from the Twitter photo we understand that Carleton will be riding for team in 2014.
Rumours that Champion Systems will fold at the end of 2013 because the title sponsor is withdrawing support look to be true. Reigning Canadian champ, Zach Bell and former champ, Ryan Roth, are on the team and while neither confirmed the rumours both seem to be “in the market”. Roth wrote Pedal saying, “For 2014 I’ve committed to racing but it still remains to be seen where that will be. So if there is anyone out there that would like to discuss this, I’m open to all options.”
Among Champion’s notable successes in 2013 were Bell’s Stage 4 win at the Tour de Taiwan, his Stage 6 win at the Tour de Korea, and four national championship titles going to team members, including Bell at the Canadian Road Race Championships. Roth was the Canadian Road Race Champion in 2012.
Meanwhile, Canuel’s former squad Vienne Futuroscope will have a Canuck on its 2014 roster reports Veloptimum. Gabrielle Pilote Fortin, who finished second at the 2013 Canadian Nationals U23 RR is the new recruit. According to Veloptimum here’s what Vienne Futuroscope will look like in 2014:
Sandrine Bideau (FRA)
Charlotte Bravard
Oriane Chaumet (FRA)
Fiona Dutriaux (FRA)
Roxane Fournier
Pascale Jeuland (FRA)
Lucie Pader
Gabrielle Pilote Fortin (CAN)
Amélie Rivat (FRA)
Sarah Roy
Manon Souyris (FRA)
Kimberley Wells (AUS)