April 29th, 2004 – The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA), the Atlantic National Cycling Training Centre and Mike's Bike Shop Club announced on Tuesday that Dieppe will host the 2004 Canadian Cyclo-Cross Championships on Saturday November 6th.

The announcement was made by Guy Vincent, president of the Centre, Jeff Currie, president of Mike's Bike Shop Club and Kris Westwood of the CCA during a news conference at the Rotary Pavilion of the Saint-Anselme Park.

More than 100 participants are expected for this one day championship which will be held at the Saint-Anselme Park. There will be competitions in 7 categories. The president of the organizing Committee is Jeff Currie, president of Dieppe's Mike's Bike Shop Cycling Club.

“We know this sport has potential in the region and we are happy to host this championship,” stated Vincent. “This championship is a major event for its development in Dieppe and in the Atlantic Provinces.”

Canadian Champion Peter Wedge, of Fredericton, is current champion. “I am very happy the championship will be held in my own province,” Wedge said. “This sport is not well known in New Brunswick. I really enjoy its challenges.”

Cyclo-cross races are held in wooded areas and on rough terrain and cyclist often need to transport their bicycle to get around various obstacles on the course. The races are held 3 km loops and vary in distance.

“This is another major cycling event fir the City of Dieppe,” stated deputy mayor Francis LeBlanc. “Dieppe is rapidly becoming the cycling capital of Atlantic Canada. The City is happy to fund part of this championship with a $3,000 grant. Organizing Committee members are expecting about 100 athletes for the event.”

This will be Dieppe’Äôs second national championship in 2004 after the U-16 tennis nationals in August.

“We are happy to host this national event,” added Jeff Currie. “Our club is very active and our goal is to promote the cyclo-cross in our region.”