January 26, 2007 – Canadian ‘cross racers have gathered at the Cycling Center, a half hour away from the course at Hooglede-Gits, Belgium to prepare for this weekend’s UCI Cyclocross Worlds 2007. Through the week, the team has been pre-riding the course and making last minute adjustments while the excitement builds for the most important ‘ race of the year. The weather has been cold and rainy, and the forecast is for mud.

The course is challenging, and with the mud it will be a true measure of a champion racer to even finish the race. Anything can happen at any race on the calendar, and with the conditions as they are, even Sven Nys, the pre-race favorite, will be at the mercy of good luck. On Saturday, the Canadian Espoir and Junior teams get the first crack at the course.

Sunday, in the Elite Women’s race, Hamilton’s hometown favorite, Tara Ross, will be capping off a full season of ‘cross racing bumping elbows with the best. In the elite men’s race, Greg Reain, Canada’s National Champion, will looking to building on his 20th place finish at last weekend’s final round of the cyclcross World Cup at Hoogerheide, while Mike Garrigan will be soaking up the experience in only his second European cyclocross race.

Live coverage is available at www.cycling.tv with the Women’s Elite race coverage starting at 5:30 am EST and Men’s Elite coverage at 8:00 am EST.

Weekend updates will be available at www.pedalmag.com and at www.cyclocrossontario.com

Canadian Team – UCI Cyclocross Worlds 2007
Hooglede-Gits, Belgium – Jan.27-28, 2007

Elite Women
– Tara Ross (ON)

Junior Men
– Spencer Smitheman (AB) Junior Men National Champion

U23 Men
– Kyle Douglas (ON) National Champion
– Aaron Schooler (AB)
– Shaun Adamson (AB)
– Brian Robinson (AB)

Elite Men
– Greg Reain (ON) National Champion
– Michael Garrigan (ON)