03.31.12 - CYCLIST JOELLE NUMAINVILLE ON THE PODIUM AT WEST FLANDERS WOMEN’S WORLD CUP RACE

(Belgium – March 31, 2012) Canadian cyclist Joëlle Numainville of Montréal, QC sprinted to the third place at the famous and coveted West Flanders women’s World Cup race today in Belgium.

Wearing the Team Canada colours, Numainville went on to cross the finish line third in a sprint against Kristen Wild of the Netherlands after 127 kilometers of racing, with long stretches on cobbled streets.

“I'm so stoked to be on the podium. I was so nervous last night because I knew my form is good and my capabilities. It's also the first race in Europe. It went from the worst night to the best day,” said Numainville. “I was at the front for a long time in the sprint, but I thought it was better to stay there. I was really calm. I saw Kristen Wild beside me and knew we would be pushing the same watts as we had the same fatigue from the race. I just gave it everything I had.”

She then added, speaking of the course: ““I thought it was an easier course than last year plus I felt better. It is a great course for me because there are climbs but they don't last for 20 km. The Oude-Karemont climb which was second to last was the hardest climb and I rode it quite well.”

Judith Arndt of Germany and Kirsten Armstrong of the United States finished first and second, and managed to separate themselves at the famous Oude-Karemont climb, and rode together to the finish line.

The Canadian team racing in Belgium today was headed by Denise Kelly, the Canadian Cycling Association’s women’s road head coach, and she was proud of the accomplishment by Numainville: “It's a thrill to be part of Flanders and getting on the podium for Joelle and Canada is amazing. She's had some good results in the States prior to coming here but it’s completely different racing as all the best in the world were here. It's fantastic to carry the momentum from UCI Pan-American Championships to Europe for our spring campaign. The entire team is looking strong which bodes well for the rest of the month over here.”

The women’s program will continue its course in Europe until the end of April with a series of races across many European countries, and then will come back to Canada in May for the Chrono Gatineau and the 2012 IMMUNITY-FX Canadian Road Championships in June.

RESULTS – WOMEN – ROAD CYCLING WORLD CUP – WEST FLANDERS, BEL
1. Judith ARNDT (GER) Greenedge-Ais 3:19:05
2. Kristin ARMSTRONG (USA) USA National Team +0:02
3. Joelle NUMAINVILLE (CAN) Canada National Team +0:30
4. Kirsten WILD (NED) AA Drink-Leontien.nl Cycling Team +0:30
5. Adrie VISSER (NED) Skil 1T4I +0:30
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26. Denise RAMSDEN (CAN) Canada National Team +0:30
41. Leah KIRCHMANN (CAN) Canada National Team+1:52
45. Clara HUGHES (CAN) Team Specialized-Lululemon +1:52