09.02.11 - BOUCHARD WITHIN TOP 30 AT FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THE U23 CATEGORY

With five of the six Canadian riders in their first year in the U23 category, the future looks bright for Canada

(Champéry, SUI – September 2, 2011) The 2011 UCI World Championships continued on Friday in Champéry, Switzerland with the presentation of the cross-country race for the Men U23 category.

Canada had six mountain bikers in the race, and five of the six were competing for the first year in the U23 category. With almost all riders rookies to the category, which is significantly of higher level than junior racing, the results are very positive for the near future for Canada.

Léandre Bouchard of Alma, QC, the 2011 Canadian U23 Champion, posted Canada’s best performance of the race, finishing 29th with a time of 1:43:18.

“I managed my race very well, at my maximum throughout the race. I raced well, and despite a few mistakes, I always came back. I think I may have gained 10-15 position in the second half of the race, which is very encouraging,” said Bouchard. “It was slippery, yes, but in mountain biking, riders have to adapt to the conditions. Typically I do very well in those conditions.”

“It’s always nice to race at the international level. The pace is really, really fast and riders are physical. We must create our own place and protect our space,” continued Bouchard.

Jeremy Martin of Boischatel, QC was the second Canadian to cross the finish line, finishing his 2011 World Championships experience in 42nd position.

Thomas Litscher of Switzerland won the World title on home soil, in front of a large enthusiastic crowd. Litscher completed the 6-lap, 31.8-kilometre race with a time of 1:32:30. Litscher was able to take the lead in the opening start loop, and continued to improve lap after lap. At the last World Championships in Canada, Litscher won the silver medal.

Marek Konwa of Poland won the silver medal, trailing the winner’s time by 1:45 seconds. In third came Henk Jaap Moorlag of the Netherlands with a time of 1:32:30.

Other Canadians in the race were Mitch Baily of Barrie, ON, (50th) Antoine Caron of Stoneham, QC, (51st) Evan Guthrie of Peachland, BC (52nd) and Evan McNeely of Kingston, ON (56th). All were overlapped or finished outside the time limit.

The 2011 UCI World Championships continues tomorrow with the presentation of the cross-country races for both Elite categories.