“The Sprint Abitibi Challenge is a good opportunity to identify potential threats earlier in the week, since good sprinters can surprise us at the end of races,” commented Mr. Bruno Gauthier, vice-president and technical director. Indeed, the Sprint Abitibi Challenge put the spotlight on several new cyclists, including Jay Major, member of the GS CycleLife team and winner of the Carribean junior category, in 2010.
The Popular Ride : An Awaited Family Classic
More than thirty people took part in this opening event of the 45th edition of the Tour de l’Abitibi Desjardins, which has become a well-established Tour tradition over the years. With several children and young cyclists from Rouyn-Noranda’s Vélo-Action cycling club present, security was a priority for the organization, which assured above average supervision of the course.
Several Nations Present
Many citizens attended the team presentation, which officially launched the 45th edition of the Tour de l’Abitibi Desjardins. This year, nine nations are represented by twenty-two teams, including five national teams. The hilly Abitibi-Temiscamingue roads will certainly be challenging for some cyclists, who are used to other types of courses.
An Edition You Don’t Want to Miss
Present for the last 45 years in the region, the Tour de l’Abitibi Desjardins has extended outside Quebec, being now classified as one of the most important junior competitions worldwide. In total, around 140 cyclists participate in the Tour every year.
Official Start list here.
Final Results
1. Edouard Dumas-Longpré (André Cycle-Kaycan-RDS)
2. Julien Roussel (Rocky Mountain-Lessard Bicycles-Apogée)
3. Peter Vollers Jr. (Mid-Atlantic Development Foundation)
Full results here.