01.13.11 - SIX CYCLISTS TO TAKE ON CYCLO-CROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

2011 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships held in St. Wendel, Germany, January 29-30

(January 12, 2011 – Ottawa, ON) The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) is pleased to announce the six cyclists who will be representing Canada at the 2011 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, held January 29-30, 2011 in St. Wendel, Germany.

Canada’s team at the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships has two riders with previous participation at the event. Both Derrick St-John and Natasha Elliott of St. Andrews, Ontario, engaged to each other, have participated at the 2009 UCI World Championships held in Hoogerheide, Netherlands. St-John finished 54th in the men’s elite race, while Elliott finished 21st in the women’s elite race.

The cycling couple is optimistic about their performances at the event: “We are excited to be able to race the World Championships in Germany. We think it will definitely be a challenging course regardless of the weather conditions.”

These Championships will be the first experience for Craig Richey of Smithers, BC, who is entered in the Men’s Elite category.

“From the video I have seen, the course is very hilly and looks like it will suit my strengths. It should be a good one for me,” said Richey, who is currently ranked 83rd in the UCI World Cup standings.

In the Men’s junior racing, Canada will have three riders expected to take the start: Benjamin Perry of St. Catharines, Ontario, Karl Hoppner of Carp, Ontario and Yohan Patry of St-Jérome, Québec. None of the junior riders have previously participated at UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships.

Czech rider Zdenek Stybar is the outgoing World Champion in the Elite Men’s race, while Marianne Vos of the Netherlands will be defending her title in the Women’s race.

The first Cyclo-cross World Championships were held in 1950.

Belgium has a strong cyclo-cross program, currently with six riders in the Top 8 of the 2011 UCI World Cup rankings. Canada’s top ranked rider in the World Cup standings is Mike Garrigan in 70th place. Garrigan will not participate at the World championships in Germany.

Cyclo-cross races last approximately one hour. Races are held on technical and hilly circuits of 2.5-3.5 km. Cyclocross provides a real education in cycling as it requires accomplished bike handling skills and unfailing physical fitness. Competitors have to carry their bikes over some sections.

For more information on the event, please visit: http://www.sankt-wendel.de/en/sports/worlds-cyclo-cross/

CANADIAN DELEGATION – 2011 UCI CYCLO-CROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

ELITE WOMEN
ELLIOTT, Natasha (St. Andrews, ON)

ELITE MEN
ST-JOHN, Derrick (St. Andrews, ON)
RICHEY, Craig (Smithers, BC)

JUNIOR MEN
PERRY, Benjamin (St. Catharines, ON)
HOPPNER, Karl (Carp, ON)
PATRY, Yohan (St-Jérome, QC)

SUPPORT STAFF
Matthew Knight (Ottawa, ON) – Team Manager
Alex Sanna (Waterloo, ON) – Soigneur and Mechanic

PLEASE MAKE A DONATION
Please make a donation to help support the team and alleviate some of the financial burden on the athletes. Donations forms are available or e-mail Matthew Knight at matthew.knight@canadian-cycling.com for more information. Tax receipts are issued for Donations of $25 or more. All proceeds go directly towards covering the athlete’s expenses.

The Canadian Cycling Association is the governing body for competitive cycling in Canada. Founded in 1882, the CCA aims to create and sustain an effective system that develops talented Canadian cyclists to achieve Olympic, Paralympic and World Championship medal performances.

With the vision to be a leading competitive cycling nation by 2020 celebrating enhanced international success, increased national participation and world class event hosting, the CCA manages the National teams, hosts national and international events, and administers community programs to promote Cycling in Canada. For more information, please visit: www.canadian-cycling.com.