05.10.12 - LARGER CREW OF CANADIAN MOUNTAIN BIKERS TO COMPETE IN NEXT TWO WORLD CUPS

Next two World Cups are important events in the UCI Qualification process

(Ottawa, ON – May 10, 2012) A larger crew of Canadian mountain bikers will be racing the next two UCI Worlds Cup events, hoping to score some very precious points for Canada in the UCI Olympic qualification process.

There are two events left on the Olympic qualifying calendar for the 2012 Olympic Games: UCI World Cups in Nove Mesto Na Morave, Czech Republic, and in La Bresse, France.

Canada is ranked comfortably in first place of the women’s UCI Olympic Nations Ranking, and in 13th place of the men’s ranking with 1633 points. According to the UCI Olympic selection protocol, countries ranked 6-13 will receive two spots on the start line of the Men’s Olympic race, while Canada has secured the maximum two spots for the women’s Olympic race.

Catharine Pendrel of Kamloops, BC (Team Luna Pro) is the reigning World Champion in the discipline, and is currently holding the World Cup Leader jersey, sitting on top of the 2012 UCI World Cup standings. Emily Batty of Brooklin, ON (Team Subaru-Trek) is sitting in fourth place of the UCI World Cup standings after a medal-winning performance in Pietermaritzburg, while Marie-Hélène Prémont of Château Richer, QC, is ranked in 19th place.

A total of 18 Canadian athletes will race these World Cups, either representing the Canadian National Teams or their respective professional cycling teams, in the Elite and U23 categories. UCI Olympic qualifications points are awarded to the nation of the competing riders in the elite category.

The UCI World Cup in Nove Meso Na Morave will be held from May 11-13, while the UCI World Cup in France will be held the following weekend, from May 18 to 20.

For additional information on the UCI World Cup tour, please visit: http://www.uci.ch/templates/UCI/UCI5/layout.asp?MenuId=MTUzNDI&LangId=1

CANADIAN ATHLETES – UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUPS (CZE, FRA)
MEN ELITE
Kabush, Geoff (Scott-3RoxRacing)
Jette, Cam (Scott-3RoxRacing)
Wagler, Tyson (Scott-3RoxRacing)
Morka, Adam
Plaxton, Max (Team Specialized Racing USA)
Zandstra, Derek (Scott-3RoxRacing)

MEN U23
Guthrie, Evan (Canadian National Team)
McNeely, Evan (Canadian National Team)
Moreau, Etienne (Team Xprezo-Borsea)

WOMEN ELITE
Sin, Amanda (Scott-3RoxRacing)
Kofman, Mikaela (Scott-3RoxRacing)
Premont, Marie-Helene (Rocky Mountain Bicycles Factory Team)
Pendrel, Catharine (Team LUNA Pro)
Vipond, Catherine (Canadian National Team)
Batty, Emily (Team Subaru-Trek)
Berkenpas, Jean Ann (Canadian National Team)

WOMEN U23
Bietola, Laura (Canadian National Team)
Pichette, Andreanne (Canadian National Team)