June 26, 2003 – The 2003 Canadian National Championships kick off tomorrow with the Individual Time trial. Depending on their category, competitors will be riding anywhere from 7 kms, to 42 kms. The weather report says it will be warm, 25 degrees, with clouds. Tonight the forecast is for rain but hopefully it will stop before the racing begins.

The National TT course itself is more challenging than in recent years. The start finish is on Main street, as will be the Road Race, and immediately heads slightly uphill. After making a left-hand turn on Queen, riders will find themselves riding the main climb anywhere from once to several times, depending on their category.  The rest of the couse is quite rolling, and apart from a few sections, is relatively protected, so wind will not be as much as a factor as in recent years.

Who to watch for in the Elite race?  Certainly defending champions Eric Wohlberg (Saturn) and Geneviève Jeanson (RONA-Esker) ar the heavy favourites. Wohlberg will find tough competition in Svein Tuft (Prime Alliance) and perhaps pursuiter Alex Cloutier (VW-Trek). On the women's side, Jeanson looks tough to beat, especially with the hilly parcours. However Lyne Bessette (Saturn) or Clara Hughes (VW-Trek) are definitely favourites.

Check pedalmag.com tomorrow for full results and story….

TT 2003 Schedule:

9:30 – Cerebra Palsy + Amputees 7 km Short TT Course
9.40 – Hand cycling 7 km Short TT Course
10:00 – Tandem 15 km Short TT Course
10:55 – Espoirs 2 x 15 km  Short TT Course
10:35 – Master Women km Short TT Course
10:40 – Master Men D15 km  Short TT Course
10:45 – Master Men C 15 km  Short TT Course
11:10 – Junior Women 15 km Short TT Course
12:35 – Master B 1 x 21 km Long TT Course
13:00 – Master A 1 x 21 km Long TT Course
13:50 – Junior Men 1 x 21 km  Long TT Course
14:30 – Elite Women 1 x 21 km Long TT Course
15:20 – Elite Men 2 x 21 km Long TT Course