June 20, 2006 — Between the Grand Prix de Beauce (June 13-18) and the Canadian Roads Nationals (June 29-July 2), top crit riders will have a chance to earn some big dollars over the upcoming long weekend. A series of four criteriums is being held on the north shore of Montreal with an unprecedented $50,000 in total prize money.

Featured on the road national ranking, la Coupe de la Paix is expected to draw the best cyclists in the country, as well as elite riders from Europe and Oceania. Three national teams have already confirmed their presence: Holland, Australia and the United States. They will be competing for $10,000 in prize money per event ($6,400/men, $3,400/women) and $10,000 for the General Classification.

Parts of the event will be broadcasted on the French sports channel RDS and event organisers are hoping that thousands of spectators will come cheer on the riders. The races are being held this Thursday, June 22 through Sunday, June 25th in Laval, Mascouche, Repentigny and Blainville. For more information, please visit www.coupedelapaixcycliste.com