July 27, 2009 (Val-d’Or, QC) – The 41st edition of the Tour de l’Abitibi/Nations Cup ended on a dramatic note as several riders crashed near the finish line. Spectators impatiently awaited the arrival of Austria’s Marco Haller, wearing the orange jersey, and two Abitibians, Pierrick Naud and Jean-Samuel Deshaies, who were among the top ten when a brutal crash occurred 400 meters from the finish line.

A skirmish among the front riders on the last corner of the race caused one of them to fall, leading to an 8-rider pile up. Among those who fell was Haller, the Tour’s star, and two of the region’s favorites, Naud of the Canadian National Team and Deshaies of Team Quebec. Upset and with tears in their eyes, the unfortunate riders involved in the crash crossed the finish line. Haller nevertheless leaves the Tour proud of his orange jersey as overall points leader, while Andrew Barker (USA) conserves the brown jersey as the overall time leader, and Anders Newbury is awarded the blue jersey for best first-year junior.

Despite everything, Austria won the final stage thanks to Andreas Hoffer who was able to avoid the crash and place himself at the head of the pack finishing first, followed by Tanner Putt of South Eastern Regional and Marc-André Bonneau of EVA Devinci. Amos native Jordan Brochu of Team Quebec worked his way up to fifth place. Finally, Canada finishes first overall in the teams classification.

The combative spirit of the riders was higher than usual today. There were several breakaways between Seneterre and Val-d’Or, one in particular involving a New-Zealander and a Japanese rider that lasted the better part of 30 kilometers. The Dane and Austrian who were at the front of the pack just before arriving in Val-d’Or were able to conserve their position for the first three laps. This allowed them to avoid the first crash, involving several riders, on the very first lap.

This about wraps up the 2009 edition of the Tour de l’Abitibi/Nations Cup. We sincerely hope the competition met your expectations. Until next year, then, when we meet again.

Brown jersey (first individual classment):
Andrew Barker (USA National Team)

Orange jersey (points leader):
Marco Haller (Austria)

Blue jersey (first year best junior):
Anders Newbury (Baraboo Shark)

Stage 7 full results here.
Final GC here.

Results

1. Andreas Hoffer (Autriche) 2:34:17
2. Tanner Putt (South Eastern Regional)
3. Marc-André Bonneau (EVA Devinci)
4. Ty Magner (Florida Velo Development)
5. Jordan Brochu (Équipe du Québec)
6. Nawuti Liphongy (Thaïlande )
7. Kevin Massicotte (Canada)
8. Curtis Jung (Ouest du Canada)
9. Tucker Gerald (Western Regional)
10. Taylor Gunman (Nouvelle-Zélande)

Final GC

1. Andrew Barker (USA National Team)
2. Charlie Avis (USA National Team) 0:04
3. Taylor Gunman (Nouvelle-Zélande-BikeNZ) 0:19
4. Anders Newbury (Baraboo Sharks) 0:21
5. Antoine Duchesne (Canada) 0:32
6. Stuart Wight (Canada) 0:39
7. Jordan Brochu (Équipe Québec) 1:29
8. Nicolas-Amstrup Madsen (Danemark) 1:31
9. Ty Magner (Florida Vélo Development) 2:03
10. Martin Weiss (Autriche) 2:16