05.21.11 - HUSBAND AND WIFE TAKE WINS IN BOTH ELITE RACES AT OPENING CANADA CUP EVENT OF 2011 SEASON

Matt Hadley and Catherine Vipond, married to each other, both win the cross-country Elite races

(Mont-Tremblant, QC – May 21, 2011) Matt Hadley of Fredericton, New Brunswick and Catherine Vipond of Oshawa, ON, married to each other, took the victories in the opening cross-country races of the 2011 Canada Cup Series at Mont-Tremblant, Québec.

In the elite men race, Matt Hadley (Xprezo-Boraso) completed the 6-km course in a time of 1:51:26. Peter Glassford (Trek Canada Race Team) took the second place, crossing the line with a time of 1:53:01, followed by Cameron Jette (3 Rox Racing) at1:53:27 in third.

“My legs felt great today, the climbing was good and the other guys were strong on the climbs, but I was really able to just let the bike go on the descent and build on my lead each lap, on the downhill,” said Matt Hadley.

In the women’s elite race, Catherine Vipond (Norco Factory Team) took the top honours of the race, winning with a time of 1:47:11. She was followed by Jean Ann Berkenpas (Xprezo-Boraso) in second and Brandi Heisterman (Team Whistler) third.

“We all just settled into a rhythm off the start and I was having a slow start. On the start of the second lap, I refocused and began to real in Jean Ann, and get by her, I spent the 3rd and 4th laps riding my own race. I am happy to have leader’s jersey again and am going to be gunning for my first Canada Cup series win this season,” said Catherine Vipond

This is the second consecutive victory for Vipond at the Canada Cup in Mont-Tremblant, QC.

In doing so, both winners take the lead of the Cross-country Canada Cup series. In total, athletes will fight for the ultimate championship title in five races throughout the spring and summer. The Canada Cup Champions will be crowned at the last event of the season in Panorama, BC.

Over 550 athletes competed in the cross country events, in all categories both gender included: Minime, Peewee, Cadet, Junior, Masters and Elite.

The next race on the Canada Cup Series race will be held tomorrow in Mont-Tremblant, QC with the presentation of the first downhill (DH) race of the series.

The Canada Cups races in Mont-Tremblant are also considered as Quebec Cup races and also count toward provincial standings.

The Canada Cup event in Mont-Tremblant is the result of collaboration between the CCA, the Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes (FQSC) and the Mon-Tremblant resort.

The Canada Cup National Cycling Series represents the highest calibre of coordinated domestic racing in Canada. The series is a stepping stone for any riders with the goals of achieve international success. There are two goals of the series: to provide athletes from across the country with the best possible competitive preparation to aspire to national and international level events, and to develop and promote the sport of cycling in Canada through the encouraged participation of all age and ability categories.

The series is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Since its inception in 1991, the Canada Cup Series produced elite athletes notably Olympians Catharine Pendrel (Luna Pro Team), Marie-Hélène Prémont (Maxxis-Rocky Mountain) and Geoff Kabush (Maxxis-Rocky Mountain), World Championships silver medallist Steve Smith (Devinci Global Racing) as well U23 National Champion Emily Batty (Subaru-Trek) just to name a few.

RESULTS – 2011 CANADA CUP – MONT-TREMBLANT, QC – XCO #1

WOMEN

1. Catherine Vipond (Oshawa, ON) 1:47:11.07

2. Jean-Ann Berkenpas (Maple Ridge, BC) 1:48:33.40

3. Brandi Heinserman (Whistler, BC) 1:49:34.31

Full results: http://canadian-cycling.com/disciplines/?q=mountain/events/canada-cup

MEN

1. Matt Hadley (Fredericton, NB) 1:51:26.34

2. Peter Glassford (Orangeville, ON) 1:53:01.10

3. Cameron Jette (Toronto, ON) 1:53:57.13

Full results: http://canadian-cycling.com/disciplines/?q=mountain/events/canada-cup