05.14.08 - Tim Hortons National Cycling Championships to showcase Canada's best riders

With Canada's top cyclists gearing up for big performances at this year's summer major games, the five-event Tim Hortons National Cycling Championships series promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years.

"We are proud to be the title sponsor of the National Cycling Championships" says Marcia Stewart, National Promotions Manager, Tim Hortons. "For over a decade, Tim Hortons' relationship with Canadian cycling allows us to share in the excitement of the competition with cycling fans across Canada."

In addition to the exciting elite competition which occurs at the events, the Tim Hortons Nationals is also a cycling celebration and the series will attract more than a 1,000 riders from across Canada and determine national champions in dozens of events for men and women in numerous age groups.

''Tim Hortons has been a long time partner of these national championships and their impact on the development of Canadian cycling is immeasurable,'' said Lorraine Lafreniere, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Cycling Association. 'In this exciting year, it's a great opportunity for Canadians to see some of their top cyclists in their final tune-ups for World Championships, Olympic and Paralympic Games''

The first of five Tim Hortons National Cycling Championships gets underway May 17-18 in Abbotsford, B.C., with the BMX Nationals. BMX is making its Olympic debut this summer in Beijing. It is also one of the most popular cycling events with young riders and the battles for the age group titles should be fierce.

The Tim Hortons National Championships in Track Para-Cycling for athletes with a disability is next on the schedule on June 25 in Bromont, QC. These amazing athletes also have a big year with the Paralympic Games set for Beijing in September and Canadian riders have been trailblazers in the sport.

The Tim Hortons National Championships in Road are set for St-George-de-Beauce, Que., from June 27-30 and July 4-6 which will feature both able-bodied and Paracyclists. Canada is an emerging threat in women's road racing with Alexandra Wrubleski of Regina one of the hottest riders in the world this year. She is surrounded by established veterans such as Anne Samplonius of Montreal and Susan Palmer-Komar of Hamilton and Gina Grain of Vancouver.

The Tim Hortons National Cycling Championships heads for the hills with the mountain bike nationals set for Mont-Ste-Anne, Que., July 19-20 with the cross country competition. The championships will be a homecoming for Olympic silver medallist Marie-Hélène Prémont, who comes from nearby Chateau-Richer and is already a three-time World Cup medalist this season.

The Track Nationals follow the Olympics August 27-31 in Burnaby, B.C.