January 13, 2004 – The Canadian Cycling Association is happy to announce that Jacky Hardy will join its group of coaches. Hardy, ex-manager of the Tour de France and certified coach with the French Cycling Federation will take over the Espoir athlete project from Jacques Landry who started the initiative in 2003.

As was the case in 2003, a group of Espoir athletes will be invited to the Canadian camp based in France which will be located in Normandy for 2004.

Jacky will head this program which will reunite six Espoir cyclists and add four others whom have already signed on with French Clubs. This will up the total to 10 athletes who will gain exposure to European Cycling through competition of National and International Espoir events. Looking into the future, this will allow several of the participating athletes to improve and rapidly progress, eventually leading to spots on professional teams.

Jacky Hardy has already begun assessing our Espoir team in August and September of 2003 and has significant practical experience and theoretical knowledge. Hardy is also the author of the book entitled “Cyclisme”, a collaboration between himself, Roger Legeay and Denis Roux. Also, Jacky will occasionally assume the responsibilities of the Directeur Sportif working on Elite Road projects.

The Canadian Cycling Association, the governing body for cycling, is Canada's oldest sport governing body. Its mission is to lead and support the development and growth of cycling in Canada through programs, leadership development and technical expertise.