05.21.11 - BRONZINI WINS ROAD RACE AT GRAND PRIX CYCLISTE GATINEAU AT THE SPRINT

Numainville came close to defend her 2010 title as Bronzini was the fastest in the Sprint to the finish line

(Gatineau, QC – May 21, 2011) On a sunny day in the National Capital region, Italian cyclist Georgia Bronzini of Team Colavita Forno D’Aso won the Grand Prix Cycliste de Gatineau in the final meters of the race, edging at the finish line Canadian cyclist Joëlle Numainville of Team ‘Tibco To The Top’ and American cyclist and teammate Theresa Cliff-Ryan.

Bonzini was the fastest of the large contingent of 73 riders in the race, completing the 103 kilometres course in 2h38m45s.

“The girls offered a great performance today and always ready to cover the breaks. Leah Kirchmann shone as part of the main break for a few laps, and finished just at the doorstep of the podium in 4th place,” said Vincent Jourdain, head coach of the Canadian road cycling team. “Moreover, several Canadian members of various professional cycling teams offered good performances. This shows that women's cycling continues to grow. It is very encouraging.”

The Grand Prix Cycliste Gatineau is the most important women’s road cycling race in Canada this season. As a category 1.1, the GP Cycliste Gatineau attracted some of the best women in the world.

Leah Kirchman was the top athlete on the National Team, finishing fourth in the final sprint at 2 seconds behind the Bronzini. Clara Hughes, winner of the Chrono Gatineau time trials, cracked the top 10 and finished 8th in the peloton sprint.

The Canadian Cycling Association wishes to congratulate the local organising committee led by John Large, as well the city of Gatineau, which was represented by Remi Bérubé for organizing this flawless event.

RESULTS – 2011 UCI 1.1 GRAND PRIX CYCLISTE GATINEAU – ROAD RACE

1. BRONZINI, Georgia (ITA) Colativo Forno D’Aso 2:38.45

2. NUMAINVILLE, Joelle (CAN) Tibco To The Top s.t.

3. CLIFF-RYAN, Theresa (USA) Colativo Forno D’Aso s.t.

4. KIRCHMAN, Leah (CAN) +0:02

5. OSHURKOVA, Ielizaveta (UKR) +0:02

6. LABONTE, Veronique (CAN) Juvederm-Specialized +0:02

7. CANUEL, Karol-Anne (CAN) Vienne Futuroscope +0:02

8. HUGHES, Clara (CAN) +0:02

9. GUARNIER, Megan (USA) Tibco To The Top +0:02

10. LONGO-CIPRELLI, Jeannie (FRA) West Québec Wheelers +0:02

Full results: http://www.grandprixcyclistegatineau.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/RESULTATS-FINAL.pdf