May 19, 2008 (Saguenay, QC) – A total of 19 teams with cyclists from 24 countries will be present at the Nations Cup U23 race in the city of Saguenay, from June 5-8. This is the only portion of this series that will take place outside of Europe. There will be five stages, including one individual time trial.

The cyclists, aged 19 to 22, are the top riders in their respective countries. Among, the competitors participating in the Nations Cup U23 race in the city of Saguenay, there will surely be future champions of professional cycling and potential future Tour de France winners.

Two Canadian teams will participate, as well as the Portuguese team, which is currently first place in the des Nations Cup U23 series. Competing against these teams, are teams from France, Italy, USA, Colombia, Cuba, Denmark, Luxembourg, Uzbekistan, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Brazil, South Africa, Belarus and several mixed teams (Algeria/Moldavia/El Salvador/Costa Rica), (Argentina/Uruguay) and (Switzerland/Panama).

Two local cyclists from the Saguenay region, included Éric Boily and Guillaume Boivin, who will ride as part of the Canadian teams.

The organizers of the Nations Cup U23 in the city of Saguenay are proud to host a great number of prominent cyclists and invite cycling fans to attend and to cheer on all competitors. More information on the races and the schedules can be found at the event’s website www.coupedesnationssaguenay.com.