April 9, 2010 (Tielt-Winge, Belgium) – For several years, the CCA has started its competitive season on the roads of Europe. The main difference this year is that all European activities will begin from a new base established in Tielt-Winge, Belgium. This small town in the Flemish province of Brabant is situated 75km west of Brussels.

In the past, the CCA has chosen different places in Europe to deliver its programs, but without establishing a true “European base” with all the features and comforts of home. After researching options and taking into account our financial reality, we have chosen Tielt-Winge Belgium. It should also be noted that in the road program budget, there are no funds allocated for the implementation of a base. Funding comes from a budget envelope for training and competition, from our funding partner; Own the Podium that targets programs for Elite women and men. As we also believe that development is a priority and essential to our future Elite athletes, we also offer programs for U23 men at the European base. The project requires a relatively reasonable amount of self funding by the selected U23 athletes. By establishing a permanent base for the season, we were able to negotiate a lower overall cost and thus provide these accommodations at a reasonable price.

By setting up a European base, we want to achieve the following objectives:
– Provide a professional and comfortable environment for Canadian athletes to train and race in Europe;
– Improve the overall coordination and logistical aspects around the training and racing schedule;
– Increase the number and quality of services around the base;
– Provide a central location to better manage the equipment needed to conduct projects (vehicles, bikes, wheels);
– Reduce the cost on transport and accommodations;
– Provide better competition schedules tailored to the needs of our different groups of athletes;
– Develop in the near future a permanent team in the U23 men and Elite women categories;
– In the longer term, develop a strong partnership with the local community and get sponsors essential to the realization of such a project;

Obviously, the ultimate goal of this whole operation is to reach the podium at World Championships and Olympic Games. To achieve this goal, we believe that the European base will become an indispensable tool to increase the number of Canadians in the professional ranks and ultimately perform well at World Championships and Olympic Games. In this context, we can certainly take inspiration from the Australian model which was established in Italy for over 20 years and saw one of these products, Cadel Evans, become World Champion in the 2009 road race!

This is a long-term project and the Canadian base will hopefully continue over the coming years. It is important to demonstrate to the various stakeholders of the CCA, the utility and importance of this project. The success of this project will be through the work of everyone involved (athletes, coaches, administrators).

So with this challenge, the CCA opens the 2010 season in Europe. During the month of April, an Elite women’s and U23 men’s team will train at the base and take part in several UCI races. In May, the junior men will be introduced to the European cycling culture. Starting in mid-July after National Championships, it will be the turn of the athletes selected into the “pool” for World Championships. They will be using the base to prepare for the ultimate goal in 2010, World Championships in Melbourne, Australia. With the possibility of an eventual return of the Road World Championships to Canada, the development of a European base will be an essential tool in creating a winning team!