05.19.11 - DESPITE MECHANICAL ISSUES, McNEELY FINISHES 42ND AT WORLD CUP IN GREAT BRITAIN

McNeely comes 42nd, Caron, 49th at World Cup in Dalby Forest, GBR

(Dalby Forest, GBR – May 21, 2011) Three Canadian mountain bikers were in action today in Dalby Forest, Great Britain on the opening day of the second UCI World Cup of the season.

Today were held the Junior races as well as the U23 race for the Men.

In the U23 men race, Evan McNeely of Kingston, Ont. was Canada’s top rider with a 42nd position. Despite suffering from mechanical problems, McNeely completed the course in 1:36:23.

“It was hard. The start was the craziest thing I’ve ever done. It’s certainly not like racing in Canada. It’s a whole different experience. The only way to get this experience is to race here,” said McNeely, the Canadian Junior champion. “There was an open road section. Two guys hit each other in front of me and both went over the handlebars. I was about three bike lengths back and one of the bikes went into my drive train and messed up my shifting for the last two laps.”

Antoine Caron of Stoneham, QC placed 49th with a time of 1:37:4. Francis Morin, riding for his professional cycling team BH-Suntour-Peisey Vallandry, placed 58th.

“It was my first World Cup as a U23, and a good experience. My legs weren’t 100%, but I’m pretty happy with how it worked out. Evan and I both started on the last row, and passed nearly half the field. That will give us a better start at the next World Cup race. Now I’m focused on Offenburg and I know I will do much better there,” said Caron.

Head Coach Dan Proulx had good things to say about the Caron and McNeely, racing for the National team today: “Both Evan and Antoine were strong today. It was their first experience at this level. They were both in the Top 10 at the Junior Worlds last September. In a very short time, they’ve made the jump in the U23 category, and they’ve almost made the top half of the field today after starting last on the grid. Their performances indicate that they’re still on track for world-class performances in the future.”

Canada did not have any junior riders at the event.

The UCI World Cup in Dalby Forest continues tomorrow with the Elite races for both Men and Women, as well as the U23 women.

RESULTS – 2011 UCI WORLD CUP – DALBY FOREST, GBR – MOUNTAIN BIKE XCO

JR WOMEN

1. FORCHINI, Ramona – SUI – 1:04:41

2. MOSCHETTI, Margot – FRA – 1:04:55

3. CLAUZELPerrine – FRA – 1:06:02

Full results: www.uci.ch

JR MEN

1. SCHUERMANS, Jens – BEL – 1:10:03

2. FRISCHKNECHT, Andri – SUI – 1:10:32

3. URRUTY, Maxime – FRA – 1:10:51

Full results: www.uci.ch

U23 MEN

1. GEHBAUER, Alexander – AUT – 1:29:25

2. KERSCHBAUMER, Gerhard – ITA – 1:29:30

3. SCHULTE-LUENZUM, Markus – GER – 1:29:30

42. MCNEELY, Evan – CAN – 1:36:23

49. CARON, Antoine – CAN – 1:37:40

58. MORIN, Francis – CAN – 1:39:45

Full results: www.uci.ch