Created in 1969, this road cycling event is the only North American stage of the UCI Junior World Cup. This year, Tour de l’Abitibi represents the 9th stage of the 12-stage Junior World Cup, where the best junior cyclists compete. This event is also the longest, major and most popular one on the circuit.

After 6 stages of the prestigious junior road race, Team Canada leads the overall rankings, with Mark Hinnen, 18 (Oakville ON), in 1st place, owning both brown jersey (individual ranking leader) and orange jersey (points leader). He is followed by Eric Smith, 17 (Calgary, AB) in 2d and William Goodfellow, 18 (Laval, QC), in 3rd. Then comes Charlie Bryer, 18 (Hamilton, ON), in 4th. US Kevin Soller is 5th, while Guillaume Boivin, 16 (Longueuil, QC), takes the 6th position and the blue jersey, as top first year junior.

Not surprinsingly, these top five Canadian riders have already been selected to the Junior National Team to compete at the upcoming Junior Road World Championships in Gent, Belgium from August 10-13.

"Canada undoubtedly leads the Tour de l’Abitibi, says Vincent Jourdain, Road National Team coach, but the time difference is very tight. Junior riders still need to learn and work as a team, not for individual leadership. Hopefully, they will have some more stages to do so. The Tour de l’Abitibi is actually a great a preparing event for the upcoming World Championships in August."

There are three more stages until Sunday: tonight Friday, a 107.6 K road race will be staged between Amos and Val-d'Or. On Saturday, another 94,4 K road race will be held in the evening, between Preissac et Val d’or. And on Sunday, the 54.6 K criterium event in the city of Val d’Or around the City Hall.

Full results available here

Daily media coverage:

http://www.canadiancyclist.com/default2.html

http://www.pedalmag.com

source-contact:
Florence Bourg
Communications Manager
Canadian Cycling Association
Tel: +1-418-824-9207
Cell: +1-418-558-4559
florence.bourg@canadian-cycling.com