June 23, 2004 – The 2004 National Championships begin tomorrow, in Kamloops
B.C., with the time trials. This year’s Nationals are of increased
significance as they will help determine the remainder of Canada’s Olympic
squad. With USPS’ Michael Barry the only virtual shoe-in for a spot, both
men’s and women’s positions will be up for grabs within the pre-selected
rider pool. Tomorrow’s TT should be a battle between Quark’s Lyne Bessette
and RONA’s Geneviève Jeanson, with an upset from perhaps Anne Samplonius
(Quebec) or Manon Jutras (Quebec). On the men’s side, Sierra Nevada’s Eric
Wohlberg should be the hands-down favourite, although Symmetric’s Svein Tuft
did beat him at the recent G.P. de Beauce.

The road race will be anyone’s call. Due to the nature of the course, (quite
hilly), one would suppose it will be the strongest rider winning. However,
since Charles Dionne (Webcor), Mark Walters (Navigators), Dom Perras
(Ofoto), Gord Fraser (Health Net) and Wohlberg are the only Olympic
prospects, there will be a race within a race. This opens the door to riders
like Tuft, 2002 Champ Andrew Randell (Jet Fuel), Tuft’s teammate Andrew
Pinfold, VW’s Alex Nadeau, or others, to capitalize and create a major
upset.

The women’s race could be similar, but it is more certain all the favourites
will be in the move: riders like Bessette, Jeanson, Jutras, Amy Moore
(Quark), Erinne Willock (RONA), or Sue Palmer-Komar (Genesis). Last year’s
parcours for the nationals was also deemed as quite tough, but the race was
raced less aggressively by both men’s and women’s fields. Could we see the
same this year? Although many are predicting a race of attrition, it could
be a race of strategy….

Thursday, June 24: Road Nationals 2004 Time Trial Schedule

9:30 a.m Cerebra Palsy & Amputees7.5 Km

9:40 a.m Hand Cycling7.5 Km

9:50 a.m Tandem 15 Km

10:00 a.m Jr. Women15 Km

10:15 a.m Master Women25 Km

10:20 a.m Junior Men 25 Km

11:10 a.m Master Men 25 Km

12:20 p.m Espoir Men 30 Km

12:45 pmElite Women 30 Km

1:25 p.m Elite Men 40 Km