November 16, 2006 (Montreal, Quebec) – Charles Dionne announced yesterday that he had signed with the US-based Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light men’s team for 2007. In early 2006, Dionne signed with Spanish-based Saunier Duval-Prodir, but had a poor season due to an external endofibrosis of the iliac artery in his left hip, a common affliction among top-level cyclists.

Pedal reached Dionne in Quebec City today to ask him about his recent operation, his recovery, his decision to change teams, and his plans.

It’s has been an eventful few days for you?

CD: Yes, it’s been fairly exciting. I just arrived back (in Canada) on Friday (Nov. 10). After the operation, I wasn’t able to talk very much. I was only really speaking to my girlfriend. But there was a lot to say, so I held a press conference yesterday.

What was the operation like and how is the recovery going?

CD: They made a 10-cm opening under my belt and grafted part of a vein onto the (iliac) artery, so it was a major operation that lasted three hours. I lost a lot of blood and was very tired after the operation so I stayed in the hospital for eight days. The first time I walked it was only 10 metres. Now, I am following the instructions of Dr Benjamin Fernandez Garcia regarding my recovery while training under Eric Van Den Eynde who has always been my coach. I am working now on improving my flexibility, and then on the scars.

Why did you sign with Colavita/Sutter Home?

CD: It was my choice to go with Colavita/Sutter Home. The main reason, the big reason, is that I want to get back into shape. I want to do that here. So, I signed with a North American team. I believe that they will help me get back into shape brick-by-brick. They’re going to give me the time I need.

Are you going to be ready for Colavita/Sutter Home’s training camp in Napa Valley in February 2007?

CD: Yes, I’m hoping to get back on a bike in mid-December to be ready for Napa, Feb 2-12. But I’m going to start slowly.

What about a return to Europe?

CD: It’s up in the air for now, but won’t happen next year. I always work hard to get what I want. I spoke yesterday morning with Mauro Gianetti, my directeur sportif at Saunier Duval-Prodir and still have a good relationship with him.

What races are you planning to participate in during 2007?

CD: (laughs) Well, first I need to get back into shape; then I can think about winning races. But the Tour de Beauce and the Montreal-Boston race interest me.

What was it like to beat Lance Armstrong at the San Francisco GP in 2002?

CD: I go through a lot of bikes, but the bike that I rode that day; I’m keeping forever as a memento!

Did that make you start thinking about the Tour de France?

CD: No, but I’ve been thinking about the TDF since age 7 when I rode BMX.

Reached by Pedal in Wisconsin, Colavita/Sutter Home p/bCooking Light team manager, Jim Williams, echoed Dionne’s concerns about his recovery: “Charles’ recovery is the most important thing, Charles is confident that he will be ready to race and once again be at the front of the major races in North America next year and we are confident that he will be also.”

Dionne will not be the only Canadian riding for Colavita/Sutter Home; fellow Canucks Sue Palmer Komar, Alex Wrubleski and Stacey Spencer ride for the women’s team. Gina Grain and Audrey Lemieux were part of the 2006 team roster, but have now moved on. The associated Advil-ChapStick women’s team features Canadians Elisa Gagnon and Tara Ross.