01.30.11 - VOS, STYBAR CROWNED WORLD CHAMPIONS IN CYCLO-CROSS

Canadian Natasha Elliott and Craig Richey top Canadians

(January 30, 2011 – St. Wendel, GER) Despite suffering from two flat tires and being slowed down by a crash in front of her during the women’s elite race, Canadian cyclist Natasha Elliott of St. Andrews, Ontario finished in 31st place at the 2011 UCI Cyclo-cross Championships in St. Wendel, Germany,

The only Canadian women at these World championships, Elliott lost significant amount of time and some valuable spots in the race as the result of the flat tires and the crash. She went on to cross the finish line with a time deficit of 5 minutes, 33 seconds over the winner and new World Champion, Marianne Vos of the Netherlands.

“I was riding really well. With one lap to go, I flatted and it cost me 10 spots,” said Elliott, 33 years of age after the race “It felt really good to be back at Worlds. I'm confident that next year I can go for a Top 10.”

Elliott was fifth at the 2010 Cyclo-cross Nationals in Toronto, ON.

Under sunny conditions and temperatures of -4 degrees celcius, Marianne Vos went on to win the event with a time of 40 minutes 31 seconds. At age 24, Vos is already an accomplished cyclo-cross rider having won three World titles in the elite category and one as a junior.

Katherine Compton of the United States took the silver medal, while Katerina Nash of the Czech Republic won the bronze.

Craig Richey of Smithers, BC, posted the top Canadian result in the men’s elite race finishing in 46th position.

Richey, fifth at the Canadian Cyclo-cross Nationals, was feeling good throughout the race. “The start was chaos. There were crashes all over the place. I went down, but my bike was ok so fortunately I didn't need to pit,” commented Richey. “I was feeling good and moving up the field until I got pulled.”

Derrick St. John of St. Andrews, ON, who was fourth at the Canadian Cyclo-cross Nationals, finished 51st at the World Championships.

Zdenek Stybar of the Czech Republic successfully defended his 2010 World title in the men’s elite race, winning the race with a time of one hour 6 minutes and 37 seconds. Stybar, 26, also won two World titles in the U23 category.

Belgium cyclists Sven Nys and Kevin Pauwels won the silver and bronze medals respectively.

Complete results can be found on www.uci.ch.

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 a 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.