July 5, 2007 (Beauce, QC) — The 2007 Tim Hortons Road Nationals cycling competition got underway Thursday in St-Georges de Beauce, Que., with the time trial races.

In paracycling, Rico Morneau of Ste-Martine, Que., took the handcycling crown clocking 18:03.39. Mark Beggs of Montreal was second in 18:26.91.

“There are a lot of hills. I saved my energy at the start and all along the bumps which allowed me to sprint to the finish. I’m pleased because I’m coming back from an arm injury. The win here shows my recovery is going well. I came here to win and that’s what happened,’’ said Morneau, who is peaking for the world championships in paracycling next month in Bordeaux.

In the tandem races, Daniel Chalifour and pilot Alexandre Cloutier of Quebec were the fastest beating Stéphane Côté and Pierre-Olivier Boily (pilot) by one minute and 14 seconds. Brian Cowie and Devon Smibert (pilot) were third a further 21 seconds behind. Carly Grigg and Barbara Bialokoz (pilot) were the only entry in the women’s tandem race.

In the men’s CP 3-4 event, Jean Quévillon successfully defended his title. “I had a great race. The course was hilly but I was well prepared. I live in Ste-Adèle and the terrain is similar there. I followed my game plan by starting easy and not speeding up too much when I approached the long climbs,’’ said Quévillon. Sébastien Bouchard was second and Braiden McDougal third.

In men’s amputee competition in the LC 1-4 category, Éric Bourgault beat Mark Breton by 11 seconds. Lisa Stowe (LC 1-4 women) and Stéphane Chaput (CP 1-2 men) were the only entries in their respective categories.

In junior women’s competition, Alberta’s Danielle Kenny won the national title while Linday Arjue edged Jessica Kisell by just over a second to grab second spot. Matt Potma of B.C., took the men’s junior title with Guillaume Boivin second and Cody Cambell third.

The criterium events and the Timbits Challenge are scheduled for Friday.