11.13.07 - Paracycling – Pan American championships - Second gold medal for Cloutier and Chalifour

November 12, 2007 - Alexandre Cloutier of Quebec City and Daniel Chalifour of Mont-Laurier, Que., earned their second gold medal on Monday at the Pan American Open paracycling championships with a victory in the 1,000-metre tandem race.

The pair clocked one minute and 05.432 seconds. Éric Bourgault of Orford, Que., added a silver in the individual pursuit race for the LC2 disability category clocking a personal best 5:05.165.

Canadian national team coach Éric Van Den Eynde was satisfied with Chalifour and Cloutier’s performance. ‘’We can really see their potential,’’ he said. ‘’They were slowed by mechanical problems at the world championships and now they’re getting the results they expected. This shows they are on the right track. But still it’s obvious they need to modernize their equipment and they need a velodrome at which they can train year-round. With adequate equipment they could gain hundredths of seconds which can make a big difference.’’

On Sunday, Cloutier and Chalifour took gold in the 4,000 individual pursuit bettering the Canadian record by nine seconds.

‘’As for Éric in the pursuit, he wants to win but lacks experience. He made some mistakes that can be corrected in time. But without doubt he has really improved. The proof is the personal best time.’’

In the individual pursuit for the LC1, Mark Breton of Charlesbourg, Que., finished eighth in 5:11.665. ‘’He did better than I expected,’’ said Van Den Eynde. ‘’Mark was injured all of last season and has recently returned to training. The eighth place is very encouraging and he was only two seconds off his personal best (5:09).’’

Breton was pleased to hear the coach’s comments and is anxious to regain his previous form. ‘’I’m a little disappointed because I know I can be better,’’ Breton said. ‘’But like Eric said it’s a big job to come back after a year off, so it’s encouraging to see such a rapid progression.’’

Competition continues until Sunday.