October 29, 2017 – Israel Cycling Academy is delighted to announce that veteran rider and former Canadian road champion Guillaume Boivin has renewed his contract. At only 28-years-old, he packs nearly a decade of experience riding for teams around the world. This unique knowledge and insight allows him to both mentor his younger teammates as well as to follow his well-honed instincts in the peloton in tense race moments.

Sports director Kjell Carlström imagined several different scenarios for Boivin and some of his teammates. “Their roles will be to help out some of the fast men in the team to arrive at the sprint in perfect condition. In races where we haven’t got a sprinter, they can also help out our climber or GC hope. On some occasions, they can also take their chances by going into the break or even sprinting from a reduced peloton.”

Boivin, who already has been with the squad for two years, is eager to improve upon his impressive results with the team. “I’m looking forward to showing the world what I’m capable of on the biggest scene. Whether it is to help a teammate win or get a chance [myself] at some point, I want to fly the ICA flag to the top.”

With a stage win at the recent Tour of Taihu Lake and an overall podium finish, the veteran rider from Quebec finished the 2017 season on a high note. “The last two months of the season as a whole have been very good for me. I’ve gained confidence in myself and hope to carry it into the 2018 season.”

Speaking about his second-place finish in September’s Coppa Bernochi, he said, “It doesn’t get much bigger and faster than this and I was painfully close! This gives me great confidence but more than anything great motivation to make sure next time I’ll be there with the big boys.”

He also recognizes that the fifteen top 10 results he achieved this season were not his alone. “Special thanks to the staff members behind the scene and our team owners who make this dream possible!”

Next season will indeed be a year to dream big for the riders on Israel Cycling Academy with the Giro d’Italia starting in the team’s hometown of Jerusalem. Boivin is sure to do all he can to be on the starting line next May in what would be his third grand tour start. In the meantime, he knows just what to do in the offseason. “Now time to rest up and get ready for a big 2018 season!”

Israel Cycling Academy was founded in December 2014 in Jerusalem as Israel’s first professional cycling team with a clear vision to help Israeli cycling and to bring young cyclists, especially Israelis, to the top levels of the sport. The 2017 season was the team’s first in the Pro Continental ranks.

October 28, 2017 (Sherbrooke, Que.) – Pedal’s David Maltais caught up with Elite Men’s winner Michael van den Ham (AB) Garneau – Easton p/b Transitions Lifecare along with Elite Women’s winner Christel Ferrier-Bruneau (QC) SAS Macogep Aquisio at the 2017 Canadian Cyclo-cross Championships on their take on their race, the course and conditions, and taking home their first CX Nats jerseys. Plus we chatted with newly crowned U23 men’s winner Raphael Auclair (QC) Pivot Cycles – Ote and U23 Women’s winner Ruby West (ON) Cannondale Cyclocrossworld.Com Devo Team – results here – race report + photos here.

October 27, 2017 (Sherbrooke, Que.) – When it’s almost time to call it a season, riders gather for two months of intense cyclocross racing. A mix of spectacular courses feature music and good beer to make for a fun atmosphere. With the 2017 CX Nationals about to begin in Sherbrooke, Que. Pedal spoke with ex-national team member and beer passionate, Pierre-Olivier Boily. He’s the one in charge of turning this important race day into a fantastic bike party.

Let’s go back at the beginning. In 2000, Boily just finished a long season on the road with the national team as a tandem pilot for paracyclist Stéphane Côté. He then found himself on the start line of a cyclocross race in Montreal. “I just got there, not knowing what this sport really was. Many friends from both the road and mountain bike scene were racing in the grass for the fun of it. It was a very nice day.”

Back then, Pierre-Olivier Boily was about to move to Sherbrooke, where he started his Siboire microbrewery in 2007 with two partners who were just as passionate about good beer and cycling.

The Belgian Way
Sherbrooke was already a regular stop on the provincial cyclocross circuit. After his second Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2008, Boily decided to have another crack at cyclocross. “Organizers asked me if I could bring some beer to celebrate cyclocross in true Belgian style. I said no worries, I’ve got this covered.”

Since then, Sherbrooke’s cross races have never run out of beer. In 2015, Boily and his team even brought a huge tent and made a big beer garden similar to what they saw at many UCI races in the US. “It’s such a nice gathering. People are serious all summer long… it’s time to loosen up a bit, not worry too much but still race your bike really hard,” adds Boily.

Brewed for Nationals
As more and more local cyclocross events ensure they have a brewery sponsoring their races, Siboire is raising the bar up each year. This year’s nationals will feature a beer specially brewed for the event, La Déraillée (Eng: Derailed). “It’s a Belgian IPA that my partner Joe brewed to warm up those who will be out there cheering for the riders,” Boily explains. ”Considering cyclocross roots, a belgian beer is a must. And cyclists love IPAs, so let’s drink that.”

Pierre-Olivier Boily and fellow organizing committee members hope for nice weather this weekend. But rain or shine, Sherbrooke is building its reputation in the cyclocross community. Organizers will soon start working on a UCI race weekend for 2018. “We’re well positioned. The park is nice, the city is backing us and we’re getting known for our party atmosphere,” says Boily proudly.

When asked if he plans to remain involved with those new events, his final words are clear. “I’ve spent all of my life in cycling, I make beer for a living, and cyclocross is so much fun… it would be crazy not to continue!”

The party’s just beginning… and is not about to stop too soon.

Registration for the CX Nationals is still open in every category, from youngsters to masters, until Thursday, Oct 26, 2017 at 5:00 PM EST – click here.

Visit the event’s website and facebook page for more details.

October 26, 2017 (Sherbrooke, QC) – The final national championship of 2017 will take place in Sherbrooke, Quebec, when riders from Junior, Under-23, Elite and Masters categories line up for the Canadian Cyclo-cross Championships, on Saturday, October 28th.

This will be the second year Sherbrooke has hosted the Championships, and the city will be the centerpiece of a three day cyclo-cross weekend, beginning with a corporate relay challenge on Friday evening, followed by the main Championship races on Saturday, and concluding with the final round of the Maglia Rosa Quebec Cup on Sunday.

“We are very excited to return to Sherbrooke for the second year of the Cyclo-cross Canadian Championships bid,” said Josh Peacock, Competitions Coordinator for Cycling Canada.  “The organization did a fantastic job at last year’s event, and have some exciting changes in store in 2017 for riders and spectators alike.  Registration numbers have already surpassed those from 2016, so athletes should expect challenging racing across all categories.”

The Championships will take place in the Jacques Cartier Park, where many local events and festivals take place. It is located on the shores of the Lac des Nations and its Boardwalk, which circles the Lac des Nations. While much of last year’s course will return for this year, organizers have added a bridge cross-over. A difficult 180-degree turn through the beer garden and steep climbs will separate the contenders.

Stéphane Vallières, president of Vélo-Sherbrooke and organizer of the event, explains “Last year’s course was very popular, but this year will be even better. As a new feature we have added a bridge, which offers new possibilities on a more condensed circuit.”

“We brought team tents closer to the start line, and therefore closer to the big top for more action. The spectators will also be delighted by our race site, as they will be treated to unobstructed views and proximity to the riders. There will definitely be a festive atmosphere thanks to our collaboration with the local microbrewery Siboire. A beer has even been brewed specifically for the event!” Vallières added.

Organizers are expecting upwards of 400 riders, and a number of Canada’s top competitors are confirmed, including Olympians Geoff Kabush, Raphaël Gagné, Lyne Bessette and Léandre Bouchard. Also confirmed are Maghalie Rochette (defending women’s champion and fifth at the 2017 world championships) and Christel Ferrier-Bruneau.

Further information, including registration and the technical guide can be found here.

October 26, 2017 (Montreal, QC) – Clément Ouimet, 18, was honoured with a ghost bike memorial ceremony yesterday as friends, family and fellow cyclists gathered on Mount Royal in Montreal at the scene of the fatal accident that took the young cyclist’s life on Oct. 4. Ouimet was riding southbound on Camillien-Houde Way near the lookout on Mount Royal, when a driver made an illegal U-turn causing a collision from which the young cyclist did not survive. The bike frame used in the memorial belonged to Ouimet and his father donned his son’s racing bib at the ceremony – read more in the CBC.ca report here and about the accident here.

 

October 25, 2017 (Maple Ridge, BC) – Pumpkin Cross is almost here and things are shaping up to be another classically-spooky fun cyclocross event. This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, October 29^th at the North Alouette Greenway Park in Maple Ridge, BC. The course is in great shape with sunshine on-tap for Sunday.

Sponsors have again brought their “A-Game” to this year’s event. Liv and Giant Bicycles is again secretly preparing some theme driven props, and providing prizing and support. Kicking Horse Coffee, Born Sportscare, TaG Cycling, Giant Vancouver, and Pitt Meadows Cycles are also on board supporting this year’s event. Herschel Supply Co. is supplying the prizes for the costume contest.

There is a special package for First Time Women Racers which includes the race and 1-day race license. Maple Ridge Dentistry for Kids will be taking care of the kids race as they battle with the evils of Halloween candy.

Please pre-register on-line before 5:00pm on Oct 27^th which will save you time on race day and $10. Call-ups will be based on the order of registration. Thanks to the City of Maple Ridge, the Maple Ridge Equestrian Centre and Cycling BC for supporting this event.

For additional information and to register visit here.

October 24, 2017 (Toronto, ON) – Shipping giant United Parcel Service (UPS) has unveiled a pilot project to use cargo bicycles to deliver packages in the more densely populated parts of Toronto and Mayor John Tory is enthusiastic about the project.

“I applaud @UPS_Canada for launching this forward-thinking initiative. We all have a part to play to #getTOmoving,” tweeted Tory. The cargo bicycles will be a lot easier to park than big trucks and the partnership is intended to improve the flow of traffic and make Toronto a more livable city.

The announcement follows a Pembina Institute report that suggested the city use more cargo bikes to cut down on traffic and emissions. According to the report 16.4 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in the city come from vans, light-duty trucks, and SUVs. A similar UPS package delivery service was launched in Hamburg, Germany in 2012 to help make that city more sustainable.

“The success and learnings of this pilot will determine our strategy going forward for cargo delivery by bicycle on a larger scale in Toronto and potentially to other cities across Canada,” said Christoph Atz, president of UPS Canada.

Tory’s administration is amending parking regulations to facilitate this new service. UPS is also working with the Ontario government to amend its Highway Traffic Act and allow commercial use of cargo electric bikes in the future.

According to the Toronto Star, “The company has chosen York University and the surrounding neighbourhood as a testing area, in part because its proximity to the corporation’s main distribution hub.”

UPS currently employs 400 workers and operates 200 delivery vehicles in Toronto reports Global News. So far this year, UPS said it has delivered 20 million packages to residents, homes and businesses in the city.

John Tory on twitter here.
Global News here.
Toronto Star here.

October 24, 2017 (Sherbrooke, Que.) – Canada’s best cyclocross racers will be heading to Sherbrooke this coming weekend for the 2017 CX National Championships. Pedal spoke with race organizer Stéphane Vallières about how this year’s event is shaping up, new features, and exciting future projects.

Last year’s CX Nationals was the biggest cyclocross race Sherbrooke has seen – what’s new for 2017?
Stéphane Vallières: There are lots of exciting changes. We were able to add a Flyover structure this year that allows us to execute the whole course in a smaller area which is much more interesting for spectators and riders. The team tents will  also be near the start-finish area just a few steps away from the beer tent where spectators can have a good time while watching the race and seeing all of the action.

This Flyover will feature a set of stairs to challenge all racer’s legs each lap. With this change to the course configuration it also allows us to add another set of stairs near the Lac des nations. It will be a much tougher Nationals course this year with these additional bike dismounts.

We’ve also removed the sand trap which was too easy and not slowing the riders down enough near the beer tent. This is where spectators love to be, so we want to give them a good show. We have approval for a 180-degree turn so that racers will actually ride through the tent for a short while (pending official approval on Oct. 26 when the commissaires review things).

For those who have never ridden the course, how would you describe it?
SV: It’s a rolling course…but everything depends on the temperature. The course is all on grass and we’ve been riding it for weeks – it’s pretty fast. But as soon as the rain hits, everything changes. That was the case last year. Freezing temperatures overnight made it even nastier. By the time the Elite riders were racing the course has become really technical with mud everywhere. So we’ll just have to see what race day brings.

The atmosphere last year was great with people cheering everywhere – how did you bring cyclocross fever to Sherbrooke?
SV: A few a us have been racing in the USA for quite a while. We experienced well-organized events with a great atmosphere so we decided to try and replicate this here – having a good party and festival type atmosphere is very important. The local Siboire microbrewery helps make this happen by providing a beer tent and restaurant located next to the course. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the race action and end the day in a true celebratory fashion.

Sherbrooke has been hosting cx events for 20 years – what did your team learn from organizing the CX Nationals for 2 years in a row?
SV: I’ll say that overall we’ve been improving each year. Moving the race to a new location at Parc Jacques Cartier two years ago for Quebec’s provincial cyclocross championships was a major benefit for us. Of course 2016 was a big step hosting the nationals which helped us to fine-tune things and bring in new features like the Flyover. We have plans for next year as well.

The Canadian CX championship will be moving elsewhere in 2018 – what are your plans then?
SV: We have lots of exciting plans going forward. We would like to begin with a UCI race weekend next year around the end of October. We have incredible support from the community here which is why many of these cyclocross dreams have come to reality through the years.

Is it true that Sherbrooke wants to become the Canadian capital of cyclocross?
SV: We are always keen to improve and the city council is happy with the event as it brings life to Parc Jacques Cartier during fall which is generally a quiet time of the year. Also the Sherbrooke Cycling Club membership is growing each year and we have strength in numbers. We are always the most highly represented club at provincial races in Quebec. Around 40 members show up for our Tuesday night training session. Considering that we’re at the end of a long season of road and mountain biking this means a lot.

Finally, our partners are very supportive to make it much easier and rewarding. Siboire is providing a lot of staff and meals for our devoted volunteers. Shimano helps us with many kilometers of banners and technical help. Castelli is back with us for a second year while we welcome Cannondale and Subaru for 2018.

We can wait for everyone to arrive in Sherbrooke for the CX Nationals this special and unique weekend.

Registration for CX Nationals is still open in every category, from youngsters to masters – click here.

Visit the event’s website here and facebook page here for more details.

October 20, 2017 (Montreal, Que.) – Montreal police have revised an earlier statement and no charges of criminal negligence will be laid in the death of 18-year-old cyclist, Clément Ouimet, after being struck by an SUV making an illegal U-turn on Mount Royal.

The incident happened as Ouimet was descending on Camillien-Houde and a 59-year-old driver from California executed an illegal U-turn near the Camillien-Houde Belvedere striking Ouimet who was rushed to the hospital but did not survive. The driver of the vehicle met with police and apparently signed a promise to appear in court at a later date reports the Montreal Gazette.

“A lapse in communication caused the error,” a spokesperson for the Montreal police public relations department told the Gazette which also reported that, “His [Ouimet] death and the controversy it sparked over the safety of cyclists in Montreal led to increased security measures on the thoroughfare where he died, including improved signage for motorists and the extension of a concrete median.”

Camillien-Houde is part of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal WordTour course and is also a popular training route for local riders. The new measures have become a campaign issue in the battle for the office of Montreal mayor as Denis Coderre seeks re-election.

Ouimet was a junior racer and a “rising star” riding for the PACK and Espoirs Élite Primeau cycling club in Laval including racing in the Tour de L’Abitibi. Ouimet had already distinguished himself with a 58th place in Red Hook Criterium Brooklyn No.10 and a 5th place in the IBike Crit.

A silent memorial ride on Oct. 6 at the site of the accident with Corderre on hand saw 300 riders climb Camillien-Houde in silence. “I didn’t know Clément personally,” ride organizer Marc-Antoine Desjardins told Pedal. “But I feel as if I just lost a younger brother.”

Montreal Gazette here.

October 19, 2017 (Wuxi, China) – Canada’s Guillaume Boivin (Israel Cycling Academy) made a valiant effort on the final Stage 7 to end up 2nd overall at the Tour of Taihu Lake in China. He won the opening Prologue to take the race lead and was in contention with his strong team for the overall win settling for the silver as Jakub Mareczko (Ita) Wilier Triestina – Selle Italia topped the final GC.

“A heroic and gutsy performance by our squad in China ended just short. An almost desperate onslaughtby the team in the 3 hills has succeeded in dropping our top rivals. But over the last hill towards the finish of this last stage of Tour of Taihu Lake, the leader , Italian Jakub Mareczko , was able to get back and secure his GC win.

“Our Canadian Guillaume Boivin finished 2nd in the stage and in the overall. Although we desired to win it all, It was definitely an impressive taem effort here in the last 8 days to end our first Pro Continental season. We are now heading to our new Dawn Grand Tour 2018,” reported the Israel Cycling Academy on FB.

Results

Stage 3 – Oct. 13 – Huzhou-Changxing – 134.3km
1. Jakub Mareczko (Ita) Wilier Triestina – Selle Italia 2:52:51
2. Nicolas Marini (Ita) Nippo – Vini Fantini
3. Benjamin Giraud (Fra) Delko Marseille Provence KTM
4. Ryan Macanally (Aus) H&R Block Pro Cycling
5. Jon Aberasturi (Esp) Team UKYO
6. Andriy Kulyk (Ukr) Kolss Cycling Team
7. Guillaume Boivin (Can) Israel Cycling Academy
8. Tino Thömel (Ger) Bike Aid
9. Quentin Pacher (Fra) Delko Marseille Provence KTM
10. Luis Carlos Chia Bermudez (Col) Manzana Postobon

17. Travis Samuel (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling
25. Marc-Antoine Nadon (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling
100. Chris Prendergast (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling
112. Alexis Cartier (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling

Stage 4 – Oct. 14 – Wujiang-Wujiang – 117.4km
1. Jakub Mareczko (Ita) Wilier Triestina – Selle Italia 2:40:49
2. Nicolas Marini (Ita) Nippo – Vini Fantini
3. Andriy Kulyk (Ukr) Kolss Cycling Team
4. Martin Laas (Est) Delko Marseille Provence KTM
5. Carlos Eduardo Alzate (Col) UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
6. Jon Aberasturi (Esp) Team UKYO
7. Ryan Macanally (Aus) H&R Block Pro Cycling
8. Benjamin Giraud (Fra) Delko Marseille Provence KTM
9. Andriy Vasylyuk (Ukr) Kolss Cycling Team
10. Anton Muzychkin (Blr) Minsk Cycling Club

40. Guillaume Boivin (Can) Israel Cycling Academy
51. Travis Samuel (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling
52. Marc-Antoine Nadon (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling
56. Chris Prendergast (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling
96. Alexis Cartier (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling

Stage 5 – Oct. 15 – Nantong-Haimen – 148km
1. Jon Aberasturi (Esp) Team UKYO 3:19:28
2. Jakub Mareczko (Ita) Wilier Triestina – Selle Italia
3. Anton Muzychkin (Blr) Minsk Cycling Club
4. Nicolas Marini (Ita) Nippo – Vini Fantini
5. Benjamin Giraud (Fra) Delko Marseille Provence KTM
6. Guillaume Boivin (Can) Israel Cycling Academy
7. Andriy Kulyk (Ukr) Kolss Cycling Team
8. Zhiwen Chen (Chn) Giant Cycling Team
9. Jure Rupnik (Slo) H&R Block Pro Cycling
10. Marc-Antoine Nadon (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling

18. Travis Samuel (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling
56. Chris Prendergast (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling
107. Alexis Cartier (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling

Stage 6 – Oct 16 – Jiangyan-Jiangyan – 106.4km
1. Jakub Mareczko (Ita) Wilier Triestina – Selle Italia 2:07:53
2. Mihkel Raim (Est) Israel Cycling Academy
3. Anton Muzychkin (Blr) Minsk Cycling Club4. Jon Aberasturi Izaga (Esp) Team Ukyo
5. Zhiwen Chen (Chn) Giant Cycling Team
6. Andriy Kulyk (Ukr) Kolss Cycling Team
7. Carlos Eduardo Alzate (Col) UnitedHealthcare Professional Cycling Team
8. Nicolas Marini (Ita) Nippo – Vini Fantini
9. Tino Thömel (Ger) Bike Aid
10. Marc-Antoine Nadon (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling Team

16. Guillaume Boivin (Can) Israel Cycling Academy
25. Travis Samuel (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling
38. Chris Prendergast (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling
132. Alexis Cartier (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling 4:50

Stage 7 – Oct. 17 – Jurong Chishanhu-Maoshan – 130.6km
1. Jakub Mareczko (Ita) Wilier Triestina – Selle Italia 2:58:58
2. Guillaume Boivin (Can) Israel Cycling Academy
3. Benjamin Girau (Fra) Delko Marseille Provence
4. Vitaliy Buts (Ukr) Kolss Cycling Team
5. Jonathan Couanon (Fra) Delko Marseille Provence KTM
6. Andriy Vasylyuk (Ukr) Kolss Cycling Team
7. Stanislau Bazhkou (Blr) Minsk Cycling Club
8. Kazushige Kuboki (Jpn) Nippo – Vini Fantini
9. Juan Pablo Villegas (Col) Manzana Postobon
10. Ulises Alfredo Castillo (Mex) Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis

17. Travis Samuel (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling
39. Chris Prendergast (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling 0:33
87. Marc-Antoine Nadon (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling 11:44
92. Alexis Cartier (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling 12:50

Final GC
1. Jakub Mareczko (Ita) Wilier Triestina – Selle Italia 19:10:46
2. Guillaume Boivin (Can) Israel Cycling Academy 0:30
3. Carlos Eduardo Alzate (Col) UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team 0:36
4. Vitaliy Buts (Ukr) Kolss Cycling Team
5. Andriy Vasylyuk (Ukr) Kolss Cycling Team 0:40
6. Morgan Smith (Nzl) St. George Continental Cycling Team
7. Serghei Tvetcov (Rom) Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis
8. Magno Nazaret (Bra) Funvic/Brasil Pro Cycling 0:43
9. Matthew Zenovich (Nzl) St. George Continental Cycling Team
10. Travis Samuel (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling 0:45

38. Chris Prendergast (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling 1:41
79. Marc-Antoine Nadon (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling 11:44 12:30
104. Alexis Cartier (Can) H&R Block Pro Cycling 18:24

October 18, 2017 – Rally Cycling brings new meaning to the phrase “keeping it in the family” by signing a dynamic sibling duo to their roster, Canada’s Nigel and Gillian Ellsay. The pair come from Silber Pro Cycling and Colavita Bianchi, respectively, and will be racing together in the same program for the first time in their young careers.

Growing up in Courtenay, British Columbia, the Ellsays often chased each other around Vancouver Island on their bicycles, learning from a bike racing dad as they went, eventually developing into two of Canada’s most promising young time trialists. They bring a unique competitive spirit and loads of raw talent to the team.

From top junior to professional

Gillian trained and raced for a number of years as a result of her dad’s influence, but it wasn’t until her brother started racing that she really embraced the sport.

“Riding on the same team as my brother is going to be a blast! He’s been one of my biggest supporters since I started racing. He passed on a lot of valuable advice and shared his experiences with me, and it’s helped me avoid some common mistakes,” said Gillian.

The move to a bigger team comes at the perfect time in Gillian’s development. As Junior National Time Trial Champion in 2015, she won gold at the Canada Summer Games and that propelled her into her first professional contract with Team Colavita Bianchi in 2017. While there, she competed in some of America’s biggest races and gained valuable experience that will serve her well in her young career.

Gillian raced as a guest rider at Rally Cycling’s hometown race, the North Star Grand Prix, in 2016. She showed the team some of her unique spirit and talent, leading to a full time roster spot for 2018.

“We know what Gillian is capable of, and we are very excited to add her to our growing roster,” said Women’s Performance Director Zach Bell. “We have a lot of Canadians on the team that are tough, smart, great athletes, and we think Gillian will fit right in.”

“I’m really excited to sign for Rally Cycling,” said Gillian. “They have been one the most consistent teams for a while now and a team I have looked up to since I was a junior. You can see the amount of depth, support and opportunities the team has. Consistent, hard working riders and staff is the recipe for success.”

From Under-23 Standout to Elite Contender

Nigel Ellsay started his professional career with the Canadian Silber Pro Cycling outfit in 2014, where he developed into a general classification leader. He excels in the time trial, much like current Rally Cycling rider, former teammate, and countryman Matteo Dal-Cin.

In perhaps the biggest result of his career, Nigel finished 2nd in a nail-bitingly close 2017 Canadian Time Trial Championships to WorldTour rider and former World Time Trial Silver medalist, Svein Tuft. Tuft is known as one of the strongest and most respected riders in the professional peloton, a journeyman. To be within seconds of him spoke volumes of Nigel’s ability.

However, Ellsay felt his performance at the Tour of Utah this year was a major turning point in his career, and showcased that the young Canadian is ready to ride at the upper echelons of the sport.

“TT Nationals was really cool but I’m most proud of my 13th on GC at the Tour of Utah,” said Nigel. “It wasn’t a win, a podium or even a top ten! However, it was a big personal victory. I’ve never climbed at that level before. It was the culmination of a lot of hard work over the winter, then staying focused throughout the season. Looking back, there are ways I could have been better. But I’m most proud of my Utah ride because of the big changes and sacrifices I made to get to there.”

In addition to his Tour of Utah result, Nigel finished in the top ten overall at the Tour of Alberta, Joe Martin Stage race and Cascade Cycling Classic in 2017. This consistency at major stage races is a key reason he landed a spot on the 2018 roster.

“You can see that Nigel is ready to land some big results,” said Men’s Performance Director Jonas Carney. “He is always there at the end of these difficult races. Putting him with our best climbers will push him to reach that next level.”

The Ellsays join Robin Carpenter as the first of some big roster announcements coming this Fall.

October 18, 2017 (Paris, France) – Unveiled at the Palais de Congrès convention centre in Paris in front of nearly 4,000 spectators, the race route for the 105th edition of the Tour de France, which will be held from 7-29 July 2018, proposes different race formats and conditions. Boldness will be a prerequisite on every stage!

Among the highlights and new additions to the 2018 route, the pack will tackle the cobbles of Roubaix over a distance of 21.7km, climb up to the Plateau des Glières on the Grand-Bornand stage, return to Alpe d’Huez and will set off into the Pyrenees on a very short 65 km mountain stage. The final face-off among the favourites will take place during the time trial, on the particularly steep roads of the Basque Country.

At barely more than 3,300 kilometres long, the 2018 Tour de France ranks among the shortest of the 21st Century. This unusual distance results primarily from a proposition made by Christian Prudhomme to the riders, who will have to build their success in these new territories. “We especially wanted to emphasize stage variety and the routes that may prove decisive, whilst combining legendary climbs with brand new ascensions or ultra-dynamic formats, to provide a vision of modern and inspired cycling”.

In fact, the innovations planned for the 105th edition might inspire boldness among the most daring riders in the pack, which will be reduced to 176 riders at the start in the Vendée department and Pays de Loire region. The section of the race in Brittany will repeatedly sap the riders legs on the way to Quimper, before a double climb of the Mûr-de-Bretagne the following day, with additional spicing up thanks to the new bonuses points awarded on the stage finishes in the opening week. The route has been designed so that the favourites can do battle even before entering the mountains, especially on the 21.7 km of the Roubaix cobblestones.

The stakes in the contest will rise again in the Alps. Whilst the riders may feel that they are far from unchartered territory around Grand-Bornand, it will be a different matter altogether on the Plateau des Glières, which the riders will reach after a steep climb and two kilometres on a non-tarmacked track.

The next day, the pack will not only discover the Rosière ski resort, but also the Col du Pré pass on the way there, which could be conducive to glorious feats. The Alps will conclude with a classic mountain stage with the finish at Alpe d’Huez, which could be the opportunity for some revenge and plot twists.

The hostilities will then continue on the climb to the Mende airstrip and even perhaps in Carcassonne, following the climb over Pic de Nore (1205 m). In the Pyrenees, the sprinters could certainly battle for the win at Pau, but the climbers could have the last word in a wealth of different registers: the combative riders will be the ones to watch in Luchon.

The most explosive riders will surely take centre stage on the shortest road stage (65 km) to be ridden since the elimination of half-stages with an all-new finish on the Col de Portet pass (2215 m); the riders with the most stamina will shine on the 200 km separating Lourdes from Laruns via the Col Aspin, Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque passes.

And finally the best all-rounders should come up trumps on the undulating time-trial in the relief of the Basque Country. The final top spots will still be up for grabs on this crucial stage 24 hours before the finish in Paris.

2018 Tour de France – Race Schedule

Stage 1 – July 7 – Noirmoutier-en-l’Ile to Fontenay-le-Comte – 189km
Stage 2 – July 8 – Mouilleron-Saint-Germain to La Roche-sur-Yon – 183km
Stage 3 – July 9 – Cholet (TTT) – 35km
Stage 4 – July 10 – La Baule to Sarzeau – 192km
Stage 5 – July 11 – Lorient to Quimper – 203km
Stage 6 – July 12 – Brest to Mûr de Bretagne Guerlédan – 181km
Stage 7 – July 13 – Fougères to Chartres – 231km
Stage 8 – July 14 – Dreux to Amiens Métropole – 181km
Stage 9 – July 15 – Arras Citadelle to Roubaix – 154km

Rest Day 1 – July 16

Stage 10 – July 17 – Annecy to Le Grand Bornand – 159km
Stage 11 – July 18 – Albertville to La Rosière – 108km
Stage 12 – July 19 – Bourg-Saint-Maurice Les Arcs to Alpe d’Huez – 175km
Stage 13 – July 20 – Bourg d’Oisans to Valence – 169km
Stage 14 – July 21 – Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux to Mende – 187km
Stage 15 – July 22 – Millau to Carcassonne – 181km

Rest Day 2 – July 23

Stage 16 – July 24 – Carcassonne to Bagnères-de-Luchon – 218km
Stage 17 – July 25 – Bagnères-de-Luchon to Saint-Lary-Soulan – 65km
Stage 18 – July 26 – Trie-sur-Baïse to Pau – 172km
Stage 19 – July 27 – Lourdes to Laruns – 200km
Stage 20 – July 28 – Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle to Espelette (ITT) – 31km
Stage 21 – July 29 – Houilles to Paris – 115km

 

October 18, 2017 (Sherbrooke, QC) – Excitement is brewing as the 2017 Canadian Cyclocross Nationals will soon be back in Sherbrooke, QC, on Oct. 28. A tougher and more spectator-friendly course will see Maghalie Rochette (Clif Pro) on the start-line looking to defend the Elite women’s maple leaf jersey she won for the first time last year in Sherbrooke.

Meanwhile new Elite men’s champion will be crowned as Jeremy Martin (Focus CX Canada), who also won his first national title last year, has since retired opening the door for many contenders who would love to capture the coveted cyclo-cross title.

The grassy course located in Sherbrooke’s Parc Jacques Cartier can turn into a muddy track in a few hours. This is what happened at the 2016 nationals, when freezing temperatures hit the city overnight creating many ruts all around the course. Epic battles unfolded as Quebec’s Rochette and Martin both took solo wins on what had become a very tricky course.

According to event organizer Stéphane Vallières, registrations are ahead of the year and he and his team are excited to welcome the best Canadian crossers again with some exciting surprises. “The team tents will be near the start to make it more convenient for racers, and the big tent near the food concession will be a great spot for fans to catch all of the action. The new flyover will be near the water as you can see on the map below – also on our web site,” added Vallières.

The first half of the course remains pretty much the same with lots of twisty turns before heading to a technical downhill and uphill section in front of Sherbrooke’s Lac des Nations.

The event’s promotional video gives a great overview of the event.

2017 Canadian Cyclocross Nationals – Promo Video – 4k from Antoine Caron on Vimeo.

Rochette has had a strong start to the season recently on the podium at the Charm City Cross in Baltimore, Md. and the KMC Cross Fest in Thompson, Conn. Quebec’s Christel Ferrier-Bruneau (SAS-Macogep) is another rider to watch following her top-10 at the Waterloo UCI Cyclocross World Cup last month and recent podium at the Gran Prix of Gloucester. It is yet to be confirmed if ex-champions Catharine Pendrel (Clif Pro) and Mical Dyck (Naked Bikes) will be racing, along with regular top finishers Sandra Walter (Liv Canada) and Natasha Elliott (Garneau-Easton).

With Martin not on the Elite men’s start line this opens the door for a new men’s champion. While last year’s runner-up Aaron Schooler (Focus CX Canada) is not racing as well, 2016 top finishers Geoff Kabush (Scott Maxxis), Michael Van Den Ham (Garneau-Easton) and Mark McConnell (Hot Sauce) will be the main contenders, along with new Canadian MTB champion Peter Disera (Norco Factory XC Team).

Registration here for the 2017 CX Nationals is still open in every category, from youngsters to masters.

Visit the event’s website and facebook page for more details.

October 09, 2017 (Baltimore, Md.) – Cloudy skies, a little rain and a lot of humidity seemed to ignite the second day of competition on Sunday at Charm City Cross for USA Cycling’s Professional Cyclocross calendar (ProCX). The Category 2 races began with Kaitlin Keough (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com) taking her second victory on the weekend at Druid Hill Park, attacking on the signatures stairs to gap second-place finisher Maghalie Rochette (Clif Bar Pro Team). Reigning U.S. National Champion Stephen Hyde (Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com) would narrowly snag the win in the Elite Men’s race over youngster Spencer Petrov (Aspire Racing) in the final turns of the course.

In the Women’s Elite C2 race, Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com teammates Keough and Emma White would control the first part of the race, similar to the team tactics used Saturday in the C1 event. Canadian National Champion Rochette was in the mix, as well as Rebecca Fahringer (Stans NoTubes p/b Maxxis/gof) and Crystal Anthony (Maxxis Shimano Pro Cyclocross) and France’s Caroline Mani (Van Dessel).

Keough and Rochette would attack with two laps to go establishing a solid lead, with White holding steady in third place. As they reached the pavement for the final time, Keough would just edge Rochette for the win. It would be the fifth time Rochette would finish second in a ProCX event this year, a third time to Keough.

“Maghalie (Rochette) really made me work for it,” said Keough, who earned her seventh podium spot, five of those wins, this ProCX season. “She (Rochette) raced really smart today. She didn’t put her nose in the wind once until the last lap, which was really smart for her. Emma and I were up there together and it was two against one for a while, so that was good. But I was motivated today. This is my last race for a little bit at the end of a big block, so I’m happy to do well here this weekend.”

With the win, Keough continues as the solid leader for the women in the Sho-Air US Cup-CX Series. White and Rochette are second and third, respectively. Rebecca Fahringer (Stans NoTubes p/b Maxxis/gof) and Crystal Anthony (Maxxis Shimano Pro Cyclocross) are tied for the fourth spot.

A group of six would stick together on the tacky course until the final laps in the Elite Men’s race. With four laps to go, 19-year-old Petrov would animate the race with several attacks, forcing Hyde to chase. It would come down to a battle between these two riders and a small crash after the big steps in the final half lap. The results would find Hyde remounting from the mishap cleanly and holding a small gap for the win.

“It was a fight between him (Petrov) and I. I had a little slip of my front wheel, and of course, it was wet right there,” Hyde said about the tumble with Petrov on the final lap in the “W” section of multiple turns. “He rode over top of me, and we both got tangled up. I was the first one back on the bike. You don’t want it to play out like that, you want it to be like legs-on-legs. Then from there on out I had like a four-second gap. I tried to hold it. I don’t think he was able to get into his pedals really quickly after the stairs. I just dug deep and held it. That was it man, I just dug deep.”

Petrov would earn his second runner-up finish in an Elite Men’s ProCX race this year, having finished in the silver spot at the C1 contest at KMC Cross Fest in Conn. last weekend. In the mix all day was Kerry Werner (Kona Factory CX Team), who finished a solid third place on Sunday. Saturday’s winner and current ProCX point leader Tobin Ortenblad (Santa Cruz/Donkey Label Racing) would finish fourth.

It was the second ProCX win of the year for Hyde, the first as a C2. The win kept him close to overall Sho-Air US Cup-CX leader Ortenblad in the men’s standings, in second place. Werner is third overall, followed closely in the points by Petrov. Curtis White (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com) is fifth in the series.

The Sho-Air Cycling Group partnered with four ProCX events and offers a total prize purse of $20,000, to be shared equally for the top woman and man at the final event in Louisville, Ky. on Nov. 4.

Next weekend, Oct. 14-15, ProCX will continue with Category 2 competitions in New England and Colorado. The first of four events for the Vittoria Northeast Cyclocross Series presented by Clif Bar will begin at the CRAFT Sportswear Gran Prix of Gloucester in Mass. Elite Women’s and Elite Men’s races will be held at historic Stage Fort Park in Gloucester for a 19th year, which has given the event the label of the “New England Worlds”. Boulder, Colo. will feature the U.S. Open of Cyclocross at Valmont Bike Park. This event will feature UCI cyclocross events for Under-23 Men and Junior 17-18 Men

Results (brief)

Elite Women

1. Kaitlin Keough (USA) Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com 44:13
2. Maghalie Rochette (Can) CLIF Pro Team 0:03
3. Emma White (USA) Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com 0:38
4. Caroline Mani (Fra) 1:01
5. Rebecca Fahringer (USA) Stan’s NoTubes p/b Maxxis / gof 1:26

32. Dana Gilligan (Can) Garneau-Easton p/b Transitions -1 Lap
36. Siobhan Kelly (Can) To Wheels Epic Sports Performance -1 Lap

Elite Men

1. Stephen Hyde (USA) Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld 59:56
2. Spencer Petrov (USA) Aspire Racing 0:07
3. Kerry Werner (USA) Kona Factory CX Team 0:14
4. Tobin Ortenblad (USA) Santa Cruz / Donkey Label Racing 0:21
5. James Driscoll (USA) Donnelly Sports 1:25

12. Michael van den Ham (Can) Garneau – Easton Cycling p/b Transitions Lifecare 3:12
14. Gunnar Holmgren (Can) Team Ontario / Centurion Next Wave 3:25
19. Trevor O’Donnell (Can) Lakeside Storage Cyclocross 4:22
21. Nicholas Diniz (Can) NCCH Elite p/b MGCC 4:59
45. Christian Ricci (Can) Lakeside Storage Cyclocross -3 Laps

October 06, 2017 (Vancouver, B.C.) – The 5th annual Evening of Champions gala fundraising dinner hosted by Cycling BC was a massive success once again raising over $150,000 as 265 supporters and athletes gathered at the Vancouver Convention Centre to share a glass and celebrate another milestone year.

MC’d by Richard Wooles and Alex Stieda, the who’s who of cycling joined special guests like Pierre Lafontaine, CEO of Cycling Canada and countless stars, Olympians, Paralympians, and world champions such as Catharine Pendrel, Tristen Chernove, Maggie Coles-Lyster, Tory Nyhaug, Aiden Caves, Holden Jones, Sandra Walter, Sara Bergen, Gillian Ellsay, Erin Atwell and many more riders.

About 2/3 of the guests were corporate supporters such as Hayward Securities including former hockey greats like Trevor Linden.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a cheque for $61,750 to Cycling Canada for a Canadian Junior Cycling Development Fund launched by Wooles in late Sept. – his 45th birthday present to the sport – with a goal of $25,000 that some guests contributed $10,000 to on the spot.

Funds raised at the evening of celebration will support youth and junior development programs, the Canadian junior national team, iRide programs, training camps, competitive opportunities for young cyclists, and BC’s rising stars.