June 20, 2007 (Laval, QC) – Charles Dionne (Colavita/Sutter Home) won the first stage of the Coupe de la Paix criterium races despite having a persistent cough. Francois Parisien (Slipstream) made a break on the 18th lap, and was away on his own for 14 laps before the pack caught him. Then twelve riders pulled ahead of the pack with 12 laps to go and Dionne joined them one lap later.

The break group increased its lead with each lap. Dionne was first across the finish line, followed by Ryan McKenzie (Volkswagen/Trek), with Eric Lyman (Calyon /Litespeed) in third just ahead of Cameron Evans (Symmetrics), the reigning Canadian criterium champion who finished 4th. Keven Lacombe (Volkswagen/Trek) took the chasing group sprint to finish seventh.

“I’m happy to have won. On the other hand, I’ve had a sore throat for several days so I don’t know if I will be able to continue. I’ll see how my throat feels,” said Dionne.

“There’s another stage,” Parisien commented, suggesting that he’s looking ahead to the remaining three stages with confidence.

Earlier in the day saw a race to initiate youngsters to cycling was also held.

The women’s race was cancelled due a lack of registrations. This decision was made with the approval of the Canadian cycling Association (CCA).

The second stage of the Coupe de la Paix takes place today (Thursday), in Mascouche, starting at 7:10pm.

Results (brief)

1. Charles Dionne (Colavita/Sutter Home)
2. Ryan McKenzie (Volkswagen/Trek)
3. Eric Lyman (Calyon/Litespeed)
4. Cameron Evans (Symmetrics)

7. Keven Lacombe (Volkswagen Trek)