September 4, 2009 – The Canadian National Women’s Cycling Team started the final project for the 2009 season on August 22nd at the World Cup – Grand Prix de Plouay. The project is part of preparations for World Championships that will be held in Mendrisio, Switzerland on September, 26th.

Trophée D’Or Race Report by Stefan Wyman, Director Sportif:
Trophée D’Or was very different then the GP de Plouay. The riders had generally got over there problems and had recovered a little more from the travel.

The Race itself was not as hard in terms of both the course and the other riders, but was a very good race and one in which the team could compete.

The first 3 stages were largely uneventful. We tried a few things but more as drills to get the women working together and for me to see what everyone was capable of.

Stage 4 started with Julie pulling out. She needed to do it as a pre world’s precaution due to a back problem. We then put in an alternative plan and the team rode fantastically well and we managed to keep Joëlle in the mix with her finishing 6th. This was the feature stage of the race, and was the only stage to make a big difference on. It was an impressive ride for a sprinter to be finishing in the lead group on a very hilly day.

With confidence on the up, we hit stage 5 well, with Alison out front solo for 60km, followed by 40km in the lead group of 10 riders. They were caught with 5kms to go, and Joëlle went on to win the sprint by more than 50 meters from the peleton. A really good team ride. She also put herself 6th overall and into the young riders jersey.

Stage 6 (final stage) was about getting Joëlle to the finish and keeping her jersey and GC spot. A simple stage with lots of negative tactics helped us, and she even moved up to 5th in the final rankings.

Coming Up:
Up next is the Tour de l’Ardeche and then the final preparations for World Championships. Erinne Willock and Tara Whitten will join the team for l’Ardeche. The announcement for the road Worlds team will be made September 4th and for the ITT on September 14th.