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MARIE-CLAUDE MOLNAR WORLD CHAMPION IN WOMEN’S C4 ITT AT PARA ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN PORTUGAL

Cascais, Portugal (June 10, 2021) — Two-time Paralympian Marie-Claude Molnar can now call herself a Road World Champion for the first time in her career. Despite heavy winds and a very technical course, she was able to clinch the rainbow jersey in the women’s C4 Individual Time Trial on the second day of the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships with a time of 41:49.47.

“The race was great. It was tricky because of the wind but overall, I felt great the entire race,” said Molnar. “I really made sure to focus on the present and on my cadence. I really made sure to make every decision at the right moment. I’m really proud of the result for sure. I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time and the support from Cycling Canada has been making a big difference and I truly want to thank everybody.”-C

This marks the first international road race for Canadian Para athletes in nearly two years, with races taking place until Sunday, June 13 for all categories. For full race information and results, click here.

CANADIAN PARA SQUAD SET TO RACE IN PORTUGAL FOR PARA ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Cascais, Portugal (May 27, 2021) – After nearly two years without any international road competitions, the Canadian para-cycling team is heading to Cascais, Portugal to compete at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships on June 9-13.

A total of 16 Canadian athletes were selected, with nine set to race overseas. The Championships do not count towards Paralympic Games qualification, but will serve as a way for athletes to gauge training and competition as they head into the rest of the season. Those who were selected but have chosen not to attend will focus on their training domestically as they gear up for future racing.

“We are excited to be able to race on the road for the first time since September 2019,” said Sebastien Travers, Para Head Coach for Cycling Canada. “This Road World Championships will serve as great validation for those who will be attending the Games, but also allows a first World’s participation for a group of development athletes. We look forward to racing our bikes again and are aiming to do so as safely as we possibly can.”

Team Canada

Kara Douville – H4 [Calgary, AB]

Carla Shibley (pilot: Meghan Brown) – Tandem [Calgary, AB]

Charles Moreau – H3 [Victoriaville, QC]

Lowell Taylor (pilot: Ed Veal) – Tandem [Lethbridge, AB]

Matthew Kinnie – H2 [Riverview, NB]

Louis-Albert Corriveau-Jolin – T2 [Sainte-Claire, QC]

Shelley Gautier – T1 [Toronto, ON]

Marie-Ève Croteau – T2 [Quebec City, QC]

Marie-Claude Molnar – C4 [Longueuil, QC]

 

Canada’s Paralympic cycling team is set to be announced on July 7.

CYCLING CANADA ANNOUNCES 2021 NEXTGEN ATHLETES

Ottawa, ON (November 18, 2020) Cycling Canada is pleased to announce the names of the 47 athletes who were selected to join the BMX, Mountain Bike, Para-cycling and Track NextGen programs for the 2021 season. Selected athletes will be working with Cycling Canada’s NextGen coaches, as well as coaches from across the country including former Olympians Tory Nyhaug, Joe Veloce and Tanya Dubnicoff.

“I am excited by the depth of talent we have across all cycling disciplines looking to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond,” said Jenny Trew, Cycling Canada’s NextGen Lead Coach. “As we start this quad with enhanced NextGen programs, we are already setting considerable goals with the aim of achieving medal success in Paris. Our athletes, coaches and staff are excited and motivated for the opportunities that lie ahead.”

In addition to its NextGen programs, Cycling Canada will be launching a new coaching program for road athletes, providing them with the opportunity to be trained by National Team coaches. Four athletes will be entering the pilot version of the program, with the goal of expanding the program in the coming years.

BMX

James Hedgcock – Ancaster, ON [Coach – Brendan Arnold, Team – Milton BMX]
Curtis Krey – Etobicoke, ON [Coach – Brendan Arnold, Team – Milton BMX]
Carson Kowaski – Red Deer, AB [Coach – Tory Nyhaug, Team – Red Deer BMX]
Riley Lavorato – Lethbridge, AB [Coach – Brendan Arnold, Team – Lethbridge BMX]
Teigen Pascual – Squamish, BC [Coach – Arielle Martin, Team – Squamish BMX]
Molly Simpson – Red Deer, AB [Coach – Adam Muys, Team – Red Deer BMX]
Ryan Tougas – Pitt Meadows, BC [Coach – Adam Muys, Team – Ridge Meadows BMX]

Mountain Bike

Raphaël Auclair – Lac-Beauport, QC [Coach – Jeff Ain, Team – Pivot Cycles – OTE]
Quinton Disera – Barrie, ON [Coach – Jeff Ain, Team – Norco Factory Team]
Emilly Johnston – Comox, BC [Coach – Jeff Ain, Team – Pendrel Racing]
Dylan Kerr – Barrie, ON [Coach – Jeff Ain, Team – Angry Johnny’s]
Jérémie La Grenade – Gatineau, QC [Coach – Jeff Ain, Team – Ride with Rendall]
Juliette Tétreault – Val-des-Monts, QC [Coach – Jeff Ain, Team – Ride with Rendall]
Roxane Vermette – Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, QC [Coach – Jeff Ain, Team – Vélo Club MSA]
Carter Woods – Cumberland, BC [Coach – Jeff Ain, Team – Norco Factory Team]

Para-cycling

Louis-Albert Corriveau-Jolin – Quebec City, QC [Coach – Eric Van Den Eynde]
Joey Desjardins – Hawkesbury, ON [Coach – Sébastien Travers]
Kara Douville – Calgary, AB [Coach – Phil Abbott]
Matthew Kinnie – Moncton, NB [Coach – Guillaume Plourde]
Michael Shetler – Kirkland, QC [Coach – James Jacek-Côté]
Carla Shibley & Meghan Brown (pilot) – Calgary, AB [Coach – Phil Abbott]
Lowell Taylor & Ed Veal (pilot) – Lethbridge, AB [Coach – Phil Abbott]

Track – Sprint

Jackie Boyle – Toronto, ON [Coach – Dave Jack]
Madison Dempster – Milton, ON [Coach – Jenny Trew, Team – Midweek Cycling]
Ryan Dodyk – Edmonton, ON [Coach – Alex Ongaro, Team – Juventus Cycling Club]
James Hedgcock – Ancaster, ON [Coach – Brendan Arnold, Team – Madonna Wheelers Cycling Club]
Andrew Scott – Oakville, ON [Coach – Joe Veloce]
Gavin Thomas – Calgary, AB [Coach – Tanya Dubnicoff, Team – Cyclemeisters/Bow Cycle]

Men’s Track Endurance

Evan Burtnik – Edmonton, ON [Coach – Jenny Trew, Team – XSpeed United]
Chris Ernst – Kitchener, ON [Coach – Jenny Trew, Team – XSpeed United]
Amiel Flett-Brown – Vancouver, BC [Coach – Houshang Amiri, Team – Red Truck Racing]
Mathias Guillemette – Trois-Rivières, QC [Coach – Pascal Morin, Team – XSpeed United]
Jackson Kinniburgh – Calgary, ON [Coach – Tanya Dubnicoff, Team – Digital Commerce Bank]
Ethan Ogrodniczuk – Vancouver, BC [Coach – Richard Wooles, Team – Glotman Simpson]
Sean Richardson – Vancouver, BC [Coach – Tim Sherstobitoff, Team – TAG Cycling]

Women’s Track Endurance

Erin Attwell – Victoria, BC [Coach – Jenny Trew, Team – Cyclery Racing]
Ngaire Barraclough – Edmonton, AB [Coach – Alex Ongaro, Team – InstaFund La Prima]
Hayley Basterash – Edmonton, AB [Coach – Kevin Clark]
Miriam Brouwer – Cambridge, ON [Coach – Jenny Trew, Team – Cyclery Racing]
Devaney Collier – Edmonton, AB [Coach – Jenny Trew, Team – Cyclery Racing]
Adèle Desgagnés – Montreal, QC [Coach – Yannick Bédard, Team – Équipe Cycliste Québecor Stingray]
Lily Plante – Sutton, QC [Coach – Yannick Bédard, Team – Équipe Cycliste Desjardins-Ford]
Kaitlyn Rauwerda – Hamilton, ON [Coach – Chris Rozdilsky, Team – Cyclery Racing]
Callie Swan – Prince George, BC [Coach – Richard Wooles, Team – Macogep-Tornatech-Girondins de Bordeaux]
Sarah Van Dam – Victoria, BC [Coach – Richard Wooles, Team – Red Truck Racing]
Ruby West – Dundas, ON [Coach – Jeremy Powers, Team – Proximus-Alphamotorhomes-Dolticini CT]

CYCLING CANADA UNVEILS PRELIMINARY PARALYMPIC NOMINATIONS

Ottawa, ON (September 1, 2020) – Cycling Canada has made its preliminary nominations for the Tokyo Paralympic Games, presented in a ranked order based on performances up to March 3, 2020. This list will be used to name the starters and non-travelling alternates once Canada’s Paralympic quota is announced on June 14, 2021, while leaving open the possibility additional athletes may be named to the list in the event of exceptional performances at the first two World Cups in 2021.

At the top of the women’s ranked list is 2016 Rio Olympian Kate O’Brien, who broke the C4 500 m time trial world record on her way to winning gold at the 2020 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships. C4 athlete Keely Shaw is the second ranked women with strong performances at the UCI Para-cycling Track and Road World Championships in 2018 and 2019. Marie-Ève Croteau is currently ranked third, having represented Canada at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics.

Defending Paralympic champion and multiple world champion on both the road and track, Tristen Chernove headlines the men’s rankings, followed by Ross Wilson, who has won medals at the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Road Worlds as well as the 2018 and 2019 Track Worlds. Charles Moreau, who won two bronze medals at the 2016 Paralympic Games, is ranked third.

Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic and the postponement of the Tokyo Paralympic Games, Cycling Canada amended the selection criteria with athletes’ health as the first priority. As such, pre-selecting athletes via a ranked list will allow them to focus on Paralympic preparation while not putting their health at risk by travelling or undertaking the intense training required for peak performance during the pandemic.

Based on the current qualification ranking, Canada is projecting a quota of four women and five men; however, this could be affected by the outcome of the final qualification events and other factors such as the exclusion of certain nations from participating in the Games. Two para-cycling World Cups in 2021 remain in the qualification process for the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

“Given these uncertain times, we are satisfied the selection amendments strike the best possible balance between our priorities,” said Para-Cycling Head Coach Sébastien Travers. “The amendments respect our core value of health, while allowing athletes to prepare optimally for the Games. The current list of pre-selected athletes makes a very strong team, reinforcing our confidence in the performances we can expect in Japan. By adding an exceptional selection clause, the 2021 spring events will also give a chance for athletes to qualify. This is a key point, given the lack of para events since the start of the pandemic. These last two World Cups will certainly motivate our athletes to perform next season.”

Cycling Canada ranked nominations list for the Tokyo Paralympics

WOMEN

Rank Name Class Targeted Events
1 Kate O’Brien C4 Track Time Trial
2 Keely Shaw C4 Track Individual Pursuit
3 Marie-Ève Croteau T2 Road Race
4 Shelley Gautier T1 Road Time Trial
5 Marie-Claude Molnar C4 Track Individual Pursuit
6 Kara Douville H4 Road Time Trial and Road Race
7 Carla Shibley/Meghan Brown B Road Time Trial and Road Race

MEN

Rank Name Class Targeted Events
1 Tristen Chernove C2 Track Time Trial, Track IP, Road Race
2 Ross Wilson C1 Road Time Trial
3 Charles Moreau H3 Road Time Trial and Road Race
4 Michael Sametz C3 Road Time Trial
5 Alex Hyndman H3 Road Time Trial
6 Joey Desjardins H3 Road Time Trial and Road Race
7 Matthew Kinnie H2 Road Time Trial and Road Race

CYCLING CANADA LAUNCHES PARA-CYCLING DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Ottawa, ON (July 15, 2020) – Cycling Canada is launching a new initiative to support the recruitment and development of Para-cycling athletes. The Para-cycling Development Funding program will provide between $5,000 and $15,000 each to cycling clubs and provincial sports organizations.

Funding and technical assistance from Cycling Canada will be provided to programs that are looking to develop and recruit para athletes through two types of agreements. The first will focus on introducing athletes to competition and helping to meet athlete quotas for the Canada Summer Games in 2025, while the second type of agreement will focus on recruitment activities.

“The overarching goal is to build a strong network of reliable resources that will help maintain a healthy talent pool for Para-cycling, strategically covering the vast territory of our wide country,” said Guillaume Plourde, Cycling Canada Para-cycling NextGen (East) Coach. “Funded organizations will be expected to work closely with Cycling Canada to ensure the continuity of their respective projects in the future, always aiming at consistently delivering new Para-cycling talent.”

Eligible programs include provincial sports organizations, cycling clubs and Para sport organizations. Successful applicants will be provided with funding and assistance for one or for multiple years, subject to annual evaluations. Funding will be available to existing and emerging programs. All organizations are asked to submit their application via the Para-cycling Development Funding Application online form and carefully read the Para-cycling Development Funding Guidelines. The deadline to apply online is Oct. 1, 2020.

FOUR MEDALS AND MULTIPLE RECORDS FOR CANADA AT THE MILTON PARA TRACK WORLDS

Milton, ON (February 3, 2020) – The 2020 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships concluded on Sunday after four days of intense competition at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre in Milton, Ontario. Canada had a strong outing, with riders winning four medals – one gold and three silver – as well as setting two world records and multiple Canadian records.

“It’s been a really good Worlds for Team Canada this week,” said Sebastien Travers, Head Coach of the Para-cycling program. “Racing on home soil is exceptional for us and we are so thankful to have this experience. All of our athletes were able to achieve personal bests, which means that our preparation was successful and our athletes were able to showcase what they are capable of.”

A total of 151 athletes, representing 31 nations participated in the Championships, the final international track event before the Paralympic Games in Tokyo. A record number of 36 world records were set at the Championships, testifying to the depth of competition as nations build towards the Games.

CANADA CONTINUES TO IMPRESS AT MILTON PARA TRACK WORLDS

Milton, ON (February 2, 2020) – Canada’s Tristen Chernove won two more silver medals in front of a home crowd at the 2020 UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships on Saturday after winning his first medal in the Kilo on Friday. Canada has now earned four medals at these championships- one gold and three silver.

Chernove came into the men’s C2 final Omnium race second in the standings behind Alexandre Leaute of France, as the riders started the Scratch Race, where Chernove was the defending champion. Chernove rode a smart, tactical race, however, unheralded Spanish rider Maurice Eckhard snuck away in the final six laps and opened a gap when the favourites hesitated. Chernove attacked in the final lap and a half, but was half a bike length short at the finish line, having to settle for silver in both the race and the overall Omnium championship after four events.

“I feel good about the race and the way I raced; I stepped up my confidence again after a pretty rough start to the weekend. Maurice got the win, which is terrific for him. With a couple of laps to go I realized it was up to me, and I had to risk burning matches. I reeled him in, but was just a second or two too late,” said Chernove.

In other Canadian results, the new Canadian men’s tandem team of Lowell Taylor and his pilot Ed Veal set a new Canadian record in their first ever attempt at the 1000 metre time trial, with a time of 1:04.722, while Keely Shaw came within 75-thousandths of a second of winning the bronze medal in the C4 women’s Individual Pursuit.

CHERNOVE WINS SILVER ON DAY 2 OF PARA TRACK WORLDS

Milton, ON (February 1, 2020) – World records continued to fall on the second day of the 2020 UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre in Milton, ON, with Canadian Kate O’Brien breaking her second world record in as many days, while teammate Tristen Chernove also broke an existing world record on his way to a silver medal.

O’Brien, who won gold on the opening day of the Championships in the 500 metre time trial in the women’s C4 category, followed that up with another win in the Flying 200 metre competition. O’Brien obliterated the existing record with a time of 11.519 seconds, 1.438 seconds faster than the previous mark.

In the men’s C4 1000 metre time trial, Chernove broke the previous record with a time of 1:12.231. However, Alexandre Leaute of France was even faster, dropping Chernove to second. Later in the day, Chernove broke the record for the Flying 200 metre race with a time of 12.141 seconds, only to once again finish second to Leaute. After three races in the four event Omnium, Chernove is second in the standings to his French rival, with 108 points, 10 points out of the lead.

“I broke the world record in both events but it wasn’t enough because Alexandre is going really fast,” said Chernove. “I have to settle for being second going into Day 3 of the Omnium, but it was a much better day than [Day 1], so I’m going to take the positives out of it. It feels good and it’s humbling to see how far the level of the C2 category has just rocketed up.” In the men’s C1 category, Ross Wilson set a personal best time for the Flying 200 metre, at 13.114 seconds, to finish third.

For more information or tickets, visit 2020uciparatrack.com/.

KATE O’BRIEN MARKS HER RETURN TO CYCLING WITH A GOLD MEDAL AT PARA TRACK WORLDS

Milton, ON (January 31, 2020) – Canada opened the 2020 UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships on Thursday with a gold medal on their home track in Milton, ON. Kate O’Brien of Calgary, AB, became world champion in the women’s C4 category 500 metre time trial, setting a world record of 35.223 seconds at her first international para-cycling competition.

A former National Team sprinter who represented Canada at the Rio Olympics in 2016, O’Brien has returned to competition after a two year battle with injury. After months of rehabilitation, she has joined the Para program, scoring a stunning victory in her first competition.

“I am pleasantly surprised,” admitted O’Brien, “and looking forward to wearing the rainbow stripes [as world champion]. The world record was certainly a surprise. It was really, really fun and amazing to be back competing. I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”

CANADA READY TO WELCOME THE WORLD AT THE 2020 UCI PARA-CYCLING TRACK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN MILTON

Milton, Ontario (January 28, 2020) – After a highly successful weekend hosting the Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Cup, Cycling Canada is ready to host the 2020 UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships from January 30 to February 2 at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre.

Over the weekend, seven athletes will be representing Canada, including the newly classified 2016 Rio Olympian Kate O’Brien who is returning to the boards of Milton, where she won a Team Sprint gold medal at the Pan American Games in 2015. The former bobsledder turned track cyclist will race in the sprint events in the C4 category.

“We are very lucky to be welcoming Kate to our team for this event, as she has already contributed to the positive vibe of our squad in our preparation camp in Los Angeles,” said head Para-cycling coach Sebastien Travers. “Being a sprinter, Kate will definitely add to our existing performances, especially in events where we didn’t put as much focus. We look forward to having her on the team and are excited to see her perform at the Milton velodrome again.”

The field gathering in Milton will be deep, with 168 athletes from 32 nations represented. Big names include a 23-rider strong British squad led by Paralympic champions Sarah Storey, Steve Bate and Lora Fachie. Australia will also bring a deep unit with six riders defending their world championship titles, including C2 athlete Darren Hicks. 2016 Paralympic champions Rio Vincent Ter Schure and pilot Timo Fransen will lead the Dutch team, while Ricardo Ten Argilés headlines the Spanish selection.

Viewers will be able to follow the action via the free CBC Gem streaming service, cbcsports.ca, the CBC Sports app for iOS and Android devices, and CPC Facebook page, as well as the Radio-Canada Sports app and radio-canada.ca/sports. The live streaming will cover all finals, and coverage begins on Thursday January 30 at 3 p.m. ET (12 p.m. PT).

For more information, visit www.2020uciparatrack.com.