July 14, 2009 (Lachine, QC) – Martin Gilbert (Planet Energy) won Tuesday evening’s stage 6 of the Mardis Cyclistes Saputo senior men’s series, followed by Jean Francois Laroche (Pro Bike Pool Kuota) in 2nd and Erik Lyman (Independent) in third. This evening’s 50km road race was marked by a crash two laps from the finish that brought down GC leader Hugo Houle (Garneau). As a result, defending champion JF Laroche will be wearing yellow on the start line of next week’s race for the first time this season.

“I’m feeling pretty good,” Gilbert told Pedal after we noted that his podium appearances were becoming a pattern at the Mardis races (he has won three stages and been on the podium five times). “We’re in good form and we will be rolling pretty fast for August.”

The new series leader, Laroche, mentioned that he was happy to be back in yellow even though he hasn’t won any stages yet, adding that it was too bad to see Houle crash. Houle managed to finish the race in last place. At the first aid tent, we checked in on Houle and none of his injuries were serious.

We spoke with race founder, Tino Rossi, who lamented about the weather. While this evening’s race was run under cool and dry conditions, threatening clouds loomed nearby. “Some of our cyclists drive six hours to make this one hour race. If the weather looks uncertain, many of them don’t bother coming here,” said Rossi, explaining the smaller field. Rossi also commented on the police estimate of 19,000 spectators on hand for the June 16 stage that saw Floyd Landis (OUCH) racing. “That was a good crowd and we want to do something special again for the grand finale on August 11,” he added.

Results (brief)

1. Martin Gilbert (Planet Energy)
2. Jean-François Laroche (Pro Bike Pool Kuota)
3. Eric Lyman (Independent)