November 22, 2004 – Cycling BC is pelased to announce that long-time member and Coach, Ed Schum, will return to lead the Tour de l’Abitibi Junior Men’s High Performance Project in 2005.

With a long history in sport, including involvement at the Provincial and National levels, Ed brings with him a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm, coupled with the vast amount of experience gained from leading the Abitibi project on four previous occasions!

Located in and around the township of Val-d’Or, Quebec, the Tour de L’Abitibi is the largest and most prestigious Junior Men’s stage race in North America, and the only stop on the continent in the World Junior Challenge Series. Attracting teams from as far away as Holland and Japan. The eight-stage event covers a prologue, several road races, criterium and even a team time trail!

Over the next eight months, riders will be identified as long listed team members. The selection of these riders does not have any bearing on the final six that will represent the BC Team at the stage race. The long listed athletes will enable several of the eventual team riders to race as a unit before the actual event. All riders must qualify through an identified selection process which will be announced shortly.

Interested Junior-aged riders should watch the Cycling BC website for Project updates including Selection events. Men, with a racing age of 17 and 18 in 2005 are requested to submit a brief race resume in the form of an email or letter expressing interest to Allan Prazsky, road@cycling.bc.ca to be considered and receive Project updates. Riders can also touch base with Ed Schum directly via email at edschum@shaw.ca.

Cycling BC will be able to provide partial funding for this project. The exact amount is yet to be determined. All selected athletes will be informed as budgeting is finalized.