June 24, 2004 – Mont-St Anne, Quebec is the fifth of seven stops on the
UCI/ MTB World Cup circuit, and the penultimate stage before the Olympic
Games. A ‘triple’ event means that many of the world’s top cyclists will
compete in three disciplines: cross-country, downhill and 4-cross. For
Canadians vying for a cross-country spot at the Olympic Games in Athens
this August (the cross-country event is on August 28-29/04), the
Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup is crucial.

Look for a battle in the men’s division between former World MTB Champ
Roland Green (Trek/VW), former National Champ Geoff Kabush (Maxxis), who
has already picked up a few NORBA wins, and Ryder Hesjedal (Gary
Fisher/Subaru), last year’s silver medallist at the MTB Worlds. But don’t
count out the wiley Seamus McGrath (Haro) for an upset as top Canuck.

On the women’s side, Quebec’s Marie Hélène Prémont should be looking to
put on a good show in front of her home crowd, along with Vancouver’s
Alison Sydor (Rocky Mountain/Business Objects). Gears’ Kiara Bisaro has had
a stellar season with several top results at major races, and don’t forget
her teammate Trish Sinclair, from Victoria, B.C.

The Mont-Sainte-Anne event has been transformed into a 9-day international
festival starting with Velirium on June 19 that includes a host of events
and activities with four sections to the program – international,
competition, family, and festival. The festivities wrap up the MTB World
Cup from June 25-27. The new format has found favour with visitors
competitors, participants and sponsors. So if you can get to Quebec this
weekend go for it: there will be plenty of action! Pedal will have a full
report after each race; stay tuned.