July 12, 2019 (Rouyn-Noranda, QC) – Cycling Canada has announced the team of 6 riders who will be racing for Canada at the 2019 Tour de l’Abitibi Junior men’s stage race from July 15th to 21st. In its 51st edition, the UCI sanctioned Tour de l’Abitibi is the oldest and most prestigious Junior men’s race in Canada, and the only Junior Nations Cup race to be held in North America.
Two riders are returning from last year, including Riley Pickrell of Victoria, BC, who won three of six stages at last year’s race. Tristan Jussaume, of Contrecoeur, QC, will also return, after finishing second in the time trial at the national championships. The final two team members are first time attendees Jackson Kinniburgh of Calgary, AB, and Felix-Olivier Moreau of Saint-Ferreol-des Neiges, QC. Following Abitibi, three riders from the team will represent Canada at the Junior Track World Championships in Frankfurt, Germany – Jussaume, Kinniburgh and Pickrell.
Team Manager Kevin Field recognizes the importance of the Tour de l’Abitibi for his young cyclists. “Tour de l’Abitibi is one of the highlights of our domestic calendar as the only Nations Cup race we have for Junior or U23 riders in Canada. Over the years, it has become such an important stepping stone for our athletes.”
“This year we built a team to balance our opportunities with stage wins and GC. Tristan and Jacob really distinguished themselves at Nationals in the Individual Time Trial, while Raphael and Riley are really strong sprinters, which Riley proved last year when he won three stages in Abitibi. We’re rounding out the team with Jackson and Felix-Olivier who are two very consistent riders.”
The Tour de l’Abitibi kicks off on Monday, July 15th, with the Challenge Sprint Abitibi competition.
Team Canada
– Tristan Jussaume – Contrecoeur, QC
– Jackson Kinniburgh – Calgary, AB
– Felix-Oliver Moreau – Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, QC
– Raphael Parisella – Boucherville, QC
– Riley Pickrell – Victoria, BC
– Jacob Rubuliak – Kelowna, BC
Team Manager – Kevin Field