09.25.07 - Road cycling – World championships - Canadians cyclists still confident for time trials despite bikes being stolen

September 25, 2007 – Canada is fielding a 13-member team for the world championships in road cycling set for September 26-20 in Stuttgart, Germany. While the road races are hard to forecast, Canada is focusing primarily on the time trials. However unforeseen circumstances threatened Canadian participation.

On Monday, the Canadian team had nine bikes stolen including all the time trial bicycles owned by Canadian under-23 riders Christian Meier and David Veilleux. ‘’We were actually lucky in our bad luck,’’ said Kris Westwood, high performance director for the Canadian Cycling Association. ‘’The Gerolsteiner team opened its doors to us and told us ‘’take what you need.’’’’

Back in the saddle with bikes and tires, the Canadians can now focus on its preparation.

Goal: top-10 for women

Anne Samplonius of Montreal, who competes on opening day, is vying for a top-10 finish in the time trial. ‘’The goal is to obtain an additional spot for the Olympic Games,’’ said Westwood. ‘’Our goal in the men’s time trial is top-15. It won’t be easy but we can do it.’’ Top hopes for the men are Svein Tuft of Langley, B.C., and Ryder Hesjedal of Victoria.

The time trial course has no flat sections. ‘’It’s a grinding course,’’ said Westwood. ‘’There are some technically-challenging turn. There’s a lot of variety. The winner will be good not lucky. The guys really liked it.’’

Road race

In the road race, Westwood won’t announce the Canadian goals. ‘’It’s just so unpredictable’’ he said. ‘’In the women’s elite race, we should start seeing some action at the end of the race. Everyone will be vigilant. Our goal will be to keep Erinne Willock (Victoria) and Alex Wrubleski (Regina) in the best possible position until the end.’’

The men’s race should be fast from the start. ‘’The teams will have to be ready for a breakaway early because no one will be able to dictate the race.’’

Competition gets underway Wednesday with the time trial for the women’s elite and men’s under-23. The elite men’s time trial is Thursday. The road race for women’s elite and men’s under-23 is on Saturday and the men’s elite road race on Sunday.

Team Canada

Elite women:
Erinne Willock - Victoria, BC (road race)
Alex Wrubleski - Regina, SK (road race and time trial)
Leigh Hobson - Toronto, ON (road race)
Anne Samplonius - Ottawa, ON (road race and time trial)

U23 men:
David Veilleux - Quebec, QC (road race and time trial)
Keven Lacombe - Amos, QC (road race)
Brad Fairall - North Vancouver, BC (road race)
Ryan Anderson - Spruce Grove, AB (road race)

Elite men:
Svein Tuft - Langley, BC (road race and time trial)
Cam Evans - Delta, BC (road race)
Ryder Hesjedal - Victoria, BC (time trial)
Dominique Rollin - Boucherville, QC (road race)
Alternate: Andrew Randell - Toronto, ON (road race)