September 25, 2017 – We’re proud to announce that Nigel Ellsay has recently signed with a Pro Continental team. We’ll let that team announce its roster but in the meantime, Ellsay joins former Silber racers Ben Perry, Matteo Dal-Cin and Alex Cataford to make it to the Pro Conti ranks.
Ellsay joined Silber Pro Cycling in 2014 as a 20-year-old stagiare. He raced full time for the team from 2015-2017. In 2015 he was selected to represent Canada at the World Championships in Richmond, Virginia. In 2016 he finished 2nd overall at the Joe Martin Stage Race and an impressive 7th overall at the Tour of Alberta. This year, he established himself as a team leader while finishing 2nd at the Canadian ITT Championships and 7th in GC at both the Joe Martin Stage Race and the Cascades Classic. He won the KOM at the Tour de Beauce while finishing 10th overall at the Tour of Alberta and 13th at the Tour of Utah.
Nigel grew up as a rider with Silber Pro Cycling. Our ability to develop him from a stagiare into a pro says a lot about our program and reveals the importance of being able to make multi-year commitments to young riders. But it also says a heck of a lot about Nigel and those around him. I’m thinking here about his coach, Richard Wooles, and his family. Nigel has received so much support because he absolutely deserved it. He is not afraid of hard work. Nigel is also dedicated to his teammates, was a fearless leader this year and a total class act. Everyone–riders, staff and management–will miss having him around but everyone is also really happy for him.
“It’s with great pride and pleasure to learn of Nigel’s career progression,” said Gord Fraser. “Nigel was one of the best time trialists and consistent stage race performers on the North American circuit this past year, but what really impressed me was his willingness to gamble all GC standings to go for the win. In every race we did this year Nigel found a way to infiltrate breakaways and put pressure on the defending teams. Off the bike Nigel went from young understudy 3 years ago, to team leader this year, setting the tone for our expectations. Silber Pro cycling can be very proud of our role in Nigel’s career and wish him all the best.”
We’ll let Nigel have the last say: “Many thanks to the supporters and staff at Silber Pro Cycling. Without Silber, I’m certain I wouldn’t be at the point I am now. Cycling is a damn hard sport. Without having a good calendar, equipment, infrastructure and mentorship; few can succeed in cycling. With Silber Pro Cycling, Canada will continue to send year-after-year male cyclists to the pro echelon. I feel lucky to have been a part of this program. Many thanks to Scott, Arthur, the staff and the many excellent partners at the team. I wish the team continued success in its future.”