June 26th, 2004 (Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec) — The weather at Ste. Anne has been a mixed bag. We have had heat, sun and a few crazy storms that reeked havoc on the tech site. Despite the weather and a Quebec Cup held on part of the World Cup circuit on yesterday, the course has held up nicely leaving all the riders excited to race.

Despite slightly smaller fields in both the men’s and women’s race (93 and 43 deep) the top riders made the trip and seem very happy to have come. The women start off at 11am with two start loops and four laps and the men with two start loops and six laps. With rain showers threatening should make for an interesting race.

Here are a few quotes on the course:

Liam Killeen – Team Gary Fisher/Subaru:
“This is the 3rd time I have been over for the MSA W.C. The MSA race organization is very good and the course is one of my favourites for sure. It has a little of everything, hard technical climbs and descents that flow really well. The crowd here is great, super supportive, making it a real fun but tough race.”

Chris Sheppard – Team Haro
“Anyone who complains about the course needs to be beat upside the head. Some how they managed to make the climbs seem shorter and the technical descents longer!”

Alison Sydor – Team Rocky Mountain/Business Objects
“I’ve been coming to Mont Ste-Anne for many years and I think that this is one of the best courses ever. It is good to have a course where the winner has to be a good technical rider as well as fit.”

Kiara Bisaro – Team Gears Racing
“I love the crowds here. It is the best in North America, there is an enthusiasm here that you don’t get on the rest of the continent. I love it.”

Good luck to all racers at the Road Nationals in Kamloops, B.C.! A cross-country race report will follow tomorrow”¦