December 9, 2003 – At the Canadian Cycling Association's AGM in Victoria, BC over the weekend a positive mood prevailed as the CCA's new structure appeared to have been widely accepted as a better model. First year president, Bill Kinash, was confident that the new process would prove itself in the long term for all sectors. Elections were held for a number of positions.
Two Board of Director positions were up for grabs as long standing Board member, Paul Carter, had tendered his resigation and Lesly Tomlinson's seat, established last year, was only for one year term. Former Alberta Cycling Association president Tony de Jong, was elected over Atlantic Canada's Luc Bujold and former Canadian cycling star Linda Jackson vying for Carter's seat. In round one, New Brunswick's Aaron Hershoff and Leslie Tomlinson, the incumbent, tied. Tomlinson prevailed in the second round.
High Performance Committee chair Kris Westwood, was reinstated by acclamation, as was Denise Kelly as National Team Program member.
Alberta's Andy Holmwood, was elected as Development Team Program member over Dave Benson, the incumbent and Mark Bonham from Ontario. Benson was defeated again by Chantalle Philie for the Athletes w/disabilities seat.
Lister Farrar, Athletes and Coach Development chair and Road and Track Representative member, Francis Paradis were both acclaimed.
Wayne Pomario Officials Committee Chair and Jim Bratrud, MTB Officials rep were both returned by acclamation.
Kevin MacCuish, the Nova Scotia president, defeated the incumbent, Adam Ruppel, for the Events Committee Member at Large position, but a second ballot was needed.
Other News Concerns were raised over the Track Nationals being held in Victoria, BC in 2004 on the busy July 1/04 one week after Road Nationals in Kamloops, in an effort to keep travel costs down for teams. But Victoria track organizers claimed there could be scheduling problems and suggested a late July or early August date. A standoff may lead to Edmonton or Calgary being selected. Given that part of the reason for the conflict is that the Road Nationals are in June, as opposed to their usual time in late July or early August, the Events Committee is also considering to move them back to the later slot.
The GP Feminin International du Canada continues to hold a UCI sanction and has been moved to August 4-8 from its usual late September date.
CCA 2003 Awards
– Road Organizer of the Year – Hamilton 2003 Road World Championships – Mountain Bike Organizer of the Year – Hardwood Hills Canada Cup – Official of the Year – Mike Shea – Torchy Peden Award (outstanding province or territory) – Alberta – UCI Volunteer Recognition Awards – Paul Carter and Yvan Waddell
CCA Volunteer Recognition
Five Year: Louis Barbeau, Luc Bujold, Jim Crosscombe, Aaron Hershoff, Andreas Hestler, Wayne Pomario Ten Year: Paul Carter, Pierre Thibault, Bill Kinash Fifteen Year: Brian Jolly
At the annual Pedal/AGM lunch Paul Carter was presented with a Pedal T-Shirt for his years of service… next year's AGM 2004 may be held in Nova Scotia (a weather watch will apply).