11.23.11 - CANADIAN CYCLING ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE OF NATIONAL ROAD CYCLING COACH VINCENT JOURDAIN

(November 23, 2011 – Ottawa, ON) The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) has determined that a reorganization of its road coaching structure is necessary as a result of the review of the intense program and preparation emphasis leading into the Olympic year of 2012.

As a result, Vincent Jourdain will be leaving the Canadian Road Cycling program to pursue other interests effective December 31, 2011. He is currently assisting with the transition to the reorganized structure and providing information on program contacts that will assist the association going forward.

Vincent has provided a great deal of energy and expertise to the program and the focus on preparing riders in Europe to handle the challenges of international racing. He has been instrumental in the development of the Canadian Cycling base in Tielt-Winge, Belgium and the services that have been developed around that base.

CCA High Performance Director and Head Coach Jacques Landry comments: “It is not without sadness that the CCA parts company with Vincent after many years of service as development coach, Para-cycling coach and just recently road head coach. After many conversations and discussions, Vincent has come to the conclusion that it has become increasingly hard for him to manage a work-life balance that can optimally benefit both parties. What is comforting is that Vincent will continue to provide guidance and insights when necessary.”

“Working with the elite cyclists in Canada during all those years has been a privilege. Sport, cycling in particular, is my passion. I am honored to have contributed in the success of Canadian cycling. I will continue to follow the successes of our Canadian cyclists, and will continue to growing the sport as a private coach,” said Vincent Jourdain. “I wish all Canadian cyclists competing in London next summer as well as those preparing for major events the best of successes. Canada has a lot of talent, and we must all work to support that talent.

The reorganized road program will be under the lead of Denise Kelly, who will work with Gord Fraser who will manage the Elite Men’s program and Luc Arsenault as the Development Coach with a focus on 2016 and beyond. The Road Program Coordinator, Matthew Knight, will also be tasked with additional responsibilities throughout the remainder of this quadrennial.