November 3, 2007 (Montreal, QC) — Starting on Thursday, May 22, 2008, we will see a new Robert Brisson Jeudis Cyclistes evening criterium series, taking place in the Montreal south shore community of Mercier. The new series will model itself on the successful Mardis Cyclistes Saputo Tuesday evening criterium series held in Lachine that celebrated 30 years of racing this summer.

Alain Brisson and Bob Fransham are the event organizers of the Mercier road race crit series which plans ten races between May 22 and August 14, 2008. Alain is the brother of Robert Brisson, the popular and accomplished master cyclist and coach who was killed while riding last October in a hit-and-run accident in Montreal.

Organizers hope to offer $10,000 in prizes the first season and attract about 60 cyclists to each race, adding that they believe the series will be popular with up-and-coming riders. Organizers promise lively competition on a “beautifully smooth” 10km loop that racers will contest five times. Because there will still be automobile traffic on the loop, two pace cars will lead the peloton to assure the safety of cyclists. A third car will follow the pack to help with mechanical problems.

“Both experienced riders and beginners will like this race. This series gives juniors and senior 3/4 men their own mid-week race. Some will do the Mardis Cyclistes also, plus race on the weekend and get really fast. We are working hard to find sponsors so that prizes will be substantial. The series will also be open also to women, and Master B, C and D riders. There will be a leader’s jersey in each category. The race will be presented professionally and will have photofinish, mechanical support, first-aid and good security,” explains Fransham.

The organizers mentioned some notable local riders can give seminars regarding race security, bike maintenance, technical skills and knowledge of road cycling. These include: Martin Gilbert, Ian Carbonneau, François Brunelle, Shanie and David Bergeron and Czeslaw Lukaszewicz.

The organizers are currently seeking a major sponsor for the event and eight minor sponsors for the yellow, red, green, checkered, orange, purple, blue and pink jerseys. They also noted that the town of Mercier is cooperating fully with the project.