05.20.07 - Canadian cyclists on medal prowl at Pan Am champs

May 20, 2007 – Canadian male cyclists can earn their first qualifying points in the Olympic selection process at the Pan American championships scheduled for Valencia, Venezuela, May 21-27.

‘’For the men it’s a nice opportunity to earn Olympic qualifying points,’’ said Kris Westwood, Director, High Performance Programs. ‘’The first event for the Canadian women to earn Olympic qualifying points is in June.’’

Canada is set to field an 11-member team for the Pan Am championships. The Canadian Cycling Association had the option to send a larger squad but decided to go with medal contenders. ‘’All the selected athletes can win a medal,’’ said Westwood.

Racing on the track are Zach Bell and Gina Grain of B.C., Ryan McKenzie, Cam MacKinnon and Monique Sullivan of Alberta and Martin Gilbert, Lawrence Leroux and Yannick Morin of Quebec.

For the road events, Canadian team members are Bell, McKenzie, Gilbert, Grain as well as Quebec racers Charles Dionne, Keven Lacombe and David Veilleux.

The track events are scheduled for May 21-24 while the road races take place May 25-27.

Gina Grain is one of Canada’s top medal threats. She won the silver medal in the scratch race at the 2006 World Championships. ‘’She is our top Olympic medal hope on the track and should do well at the Pan Ams Championships,’’ said Westwood.

On the road, the competition is expected to be fierce, tactical and unpredictable.