Pedal Fashion 2017

FASHION 2017

FASHION GUIDE Hot Looks for Cool Cycling

WOMEN IN CYCLING BC BIKE RACE PIRELLI GLOBAL LAUNCH ROAD AND MTB NATIONALS WILIER TRIESTINA FACTORY TOUR $4.95 www.pedalmag.com

HOT RIDES

Cervelo, Liv, Rocky Mountain

RAPS

Registration Number 9874 Agreement Number 40064311 Printed in Canada

Tuft, Pendrel, Veal, Stieda, Harnett

CONCEPT The combination of pure power and speed

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CONTENTS

FASHION 2017, VOLUME 31, ISSUE 3

26 28 58

36 SPECIAL FEATURES

GEAR

COMPETITION

26 Pirelli Global Launch of

32 Cervelo R3 and R5 BIKE TEST

58 B.C. Bike Race Rocks

34 Rocky Mountain Element

62 2017 Road Race Wrap

PZero Velo Tires

by Ben Andrew

28 Wilier Triestina Factory Tour

by Tim Lefebvre

by Ben Andrew

990 RSL BC Edition BIKE TEST

by Paul Newitt

36 Women in Cycling

40 Liv Pique Advanced 1 BIKE TEST

Women’s Initiatives

by Maggie Coles-Lyster

by Paul Newittt

by Ben Andrew

64 Canada MTB Cup 2017

by Sandra Walter

66 UCI MTB World Cup 2017 Update

Marianne Shelawa Adventure

by Sandra Walter

by Tiffany Baker

68 2017 MTB XCO Nationals

41 Fashion Guide

Hot Looks for Cool Cycling

by Jack Cracker

DEPARTMENTS 4 Tread

by Jack Cracker

8 Out in Front 18 Tuft Enough

FASHION 2017

20 MTB Frontlines FASHION GUIDE 17 Hot Looks for Cool Cycling

WOMEN IN CYCLING BC BIKE RACE PIRELLI GLOBAL LAUNCH ROAD AND MTB NATIONALS WILIER TRIESTINA FACTORY TOUR

HOT RIDES

$4.95

Cervelo, Liv, Rocky Mountain

www.pedalmag.com

RAPS

Registration Number 9874 Agreement Number 40064311 Printed in Canada

Tuft, Pendrel, Veal, Stieda, Harnett

www.pedalmag.com

Canadian talent, Kirsti Lay (Rally Cycling) of Rio Women’s Team Pursuit bronze medal fame, won a hat-trick of victories at this year’s B.C. Superweek.

HEINZ RUCKEMANN

22 Veal Report 70 Back Pedaling 71 Sportif Stieda 72 Last Word FASHION 2017 PEDAL 1

THE MAKING OF CHAMPIONS

publisher/editor Benjamin Sadavoy graphic design Steven Boyle contributors Ben Andrew, Tiffany Baker, Maggie Coles-Lyster, Curt Harnett, William Humber, Audrey Lemieux, Tim Lefebvre, Paul Newitt, Catharine Pendrel, Mike Sarnecki, Alex Stieda, John Symon, Svein Tuft, Ed Veal, Sandra Walter photographic contributions Ben Andrew, Emily Batty, Michal Cerveny, Club Cycliste D’Amos, Cycling Canada, Geoffroy Dussault, Drew Goldsack, Peter Kraiker, René-Pierre Normandeau, Pirelli, Chris Redden, Marcus Riga, Heinz Ruckemann, Marianne Shelawa, David Silver, Alex Stieda, Guy Swarbrick, Tornanti.cc, toronto.ca, Bojan Uzicanin, Cor Vos copy editing Claudia Brown circulation/admistration Crystal Burs production Crackerjack Enterprises advertising sales Benjamin Sadavoy webmaster David Irving

THE STORY OF THE GROWTH OF XC SKIING IN CANADA, THE USA AND THE WORLD • Contributing chapters by Roger Allen, Marty Hall, Anton Sheier, Jack Sasseville, Dave Wood and Louis Bouchard • Championship races in Canada, the USA, International, including the Olympics

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Pedal, a division of 1198189 Ontario Inc., is published 6 times annually: Annual Buyer’s Guide, Spring/Summer, Fashion, Fall, Winter, at 260 Spadina Ave., Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2E4. The entire contents are the property of Pedal Magazine and may not be reprinted or reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher. Unsolicited material or contributions must be accompanied by return postage. Pedal assumes no responsibility for such photographs or manuscripts. 2nd Class Publications Mail Registration #9874, paid at 969 Eastern Ave., Toronto, ON M4L 1A5. If undeliverable or address changed, please notify: 260 Spadina Ave., #200, Toronto, ON M5T 2E4. U.S. Office of Publication: 240 Portage Road, PO Box 670-25, Lewiston, NY, 14092. Periodicals postage paid at Niagara Falls, NY. 2nd Class U.S. Publications, USPS Registration #012177.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pedal Magazine, PO Box 553, Niagara Falls, NY 14304

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L E N S

T E C H N O L O G Y

TREAD

U23 rider Peter Disera (ON, Norco Factory) claimed his first Elite Men’s title at the 2017 MTB Nationals in a riveting race against former champion Raphael Gagné (QC, Cannondale-3 Rox) – full story on pages 68-69 4 PEDAL FASHION 2017

www.pedalmag.com

What a rock ‘n roll season it’s been with Peter Disera (Norco Factory Team) capturing the Elite Men’s MTB title as pictured here while our cover girl, Kirsti Lay (Rally Cycling), has proven that she can deliver on the road or track earning a hat-trick of victories at this year’s B.C. Superweek. Lay’s teammate Matteo Dal-Cin took home the Elite Men’s road title while Emily Batty (Trek Factory Team) defended her Elite Women’s national MTB crown and recently launched a “Get More Kids on Bikes” project as well – nice. Check out our feature stories direct from Italy covering Pirelli’s PZero tire launch along with our Wilier Triestina factory tour. And get an insider’s look at the legendary B.C. Bike Race from our intrepid reporter Paul Newitt. Of course, our Women in Cycling feature is an annual favourite along with our popular Fashion Guide highlighting the coolest clothing styles and trends for the “fashionista” in you. Lookin’ good. — BAS www.pedalmag.com

PHOTO: CHRIS REDDEN

Rock ‘n Roll Season

FASHION 2017 PEDAL 5

CONTRIBUTORS

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By B O i r a t n OrE O

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bicycle d e fi i t r e r 1,250 c sit and i v , t With ove a e o places t is your e friendly k i B y tario B ce sleep, On planning resour trip premier nces. e i r e p x e g for cyclin

Sandra Walter Sandra Walter began contributing regularly to Pedal magazine in 2002, while earning a B.A. in writing at the University of Victoria and training to be an Elite XC MTB racer. Walter has traveled all over the globe in pursuit of podiums and sweet trails and has participated in four World Championships. She spent three seasons in Europe, and traversed Costa Rica in La Ruta de los Conquistadores in 2008. Despite having sampled some of the planet’s best off-road offerings, she still prefers home dirt to anything else, which she confirmed while contesting the BC Bike Race in 2009. In addition to race reports and bike reviews, she shares with readers the inside scoop on many of Canada’s top cyclists and her lifelong passion for the sport.

© (2017) Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation - Sudbury

Ben Andrew Ben Andrew has been racing on the road for seven years, competing in events such as the Tour de Beauce and Tour de Saguenay. Apart from racing, he has spent nearly as long working in the cycling- and outdoor-retail industries. When he isn’t on his bike, Andrew enjoys spending his time outdoors around Ottawa, Ont., where he lives, as well as traveling to new places. Look for his race coverage and athlete profiles/interviews, along with product reviews and news reports in both Pedal and SkiTrax.

ils tes & tra u o | r s e id rs aps & Gu nts & tou e v | E Cycling M s g listin | Business FOllOw uS

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/ontariobybi

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6 PEDAL FASHION 2017

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om/ontario

instagram.c

Audrey Lemieux I started cycling in 1997 in Alma, Que. at age 11. Seven years later, I signed my first Professional contract with the Quark Cycling Team. I found success in 2005 with a win at the Joe Martin Stage Race Criterium in a solo breakaway, a berth on the Canadian Team at the World Championships and a ninth-place finish at the Rotterdam World Cup. In 2008-2010, I rode for a team in France and raced in the 10-day Tour de l’Aude twice. In 2014, I began training as a tandem pilot for a visually impaired athlete, and in 2016, Robbi Weldon and I competed together at the Rio Paralympic Games, finishing in fifth place in the women’s road race. It was an amazing experience.

As part of my journalism gigs, I am an analyst for women’s cycling races on RDS (Réseau des sports TV network).. www.pedalmag.com

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2017 BC SUPERWEEK Canada’s Kirsti Lay Wins Hat-trick

BY BEN ANDREW

Women’s Gastown podium (l-r) Sara Bergen, Kendall Ryan, Allison Beveridge

Kirsti Lay leads Sara Bergen and Allison Beveridge

PHOTOS: HEINZ RUCKEMANN

Men’s White Rock Crit podium (l-r) Felix Cote-Bouvette, Florenz Knauer, Campbell Stewart.

USA’s Steve Fisher and Canada’s Joelle Numainville celebrate their Omnium victory.

Kirsti Lay takes the MK Delta Criterium series opener.

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anada’s Kristi Lay of Rally Cycling and Rio Team Pursuit bronze medal fame was on fire this summer taking home a hat-trick of wins at this year’s BC Superweek, July 7-16, one of North America’s most prestigious cycling series.

The talented Lay, who is originally from Medicine Hat, Alta., but lives in Montreal, is a powerhouse on the track and can deliver in spades on the road as well. She previously won the KOM at the Tour of California, also finishing second behind teammate Leah Kirchmann at the 2017 GP Gatineau road race in May. The 2017 BC Superweek included nine races over 10 days with over $140,000 in cash prizes and it attracted top riders for the women and men’s events.

Racing kicked off with the three-day Tour de Delta, with Lay taking the win in the opening MK Delta Criterium, while in the Pro Men’s race her Rally Cycling teammate Eric Young took top honours.

The always fast Ladner Criterium was once again full of excitement, with Cycling New Zealand’s Holly Edmondston taking the top step of the podium in the Pro Women’s race. In the Pro Men’s event, it was American fast-man Justin Williams of Cylance Cycling who claimed the win.

The UCI Tour de Delta road race concluded the opening weekend as Kendall Ryan (TIBCO–Silicon Valley Bank) won from a field sprint, while John Murphy (Holowesko Citadel) took the men’s win in similar fashion.

Next up on July 11, the inaugural New West Grand Prix saw racers take the start of the latest edition to the BC Superweek 8 PEDAL FASHION 2017

schedule. The Pro Women’s race saw Lay add to her podium count, taking her second of the series, while in the men’s event Florenz Knauer (Stradalli Safatti) of Germany won his first race at this year’s Superweek.

The Gastown Grand Prix was once again the centrepiece of this year’s BC Superweek, with racers taking to the cobbled streets of Old Gastown on July 12. In the Pro Women’s race, it was Ryan taking her second victory of this year’s series, while Young took another win in the Pro Men’s race.

At the Giro di Burnaby on July 13, newly crowned Canadian women’s road race champion Allison Beveridge of Rally Cycling took the top step of the podium. The Pro Men’s event was won by Campbell Stewart of Cycling New Zealand.

On July 14, Ryan claimed her third win of this year’s Superweek at the PoCo Grand Prix, while Stewart doubled up on his ride from the previous day, taking the victory.

The BC Superweek finale featured the two-day Tour de White Rock. On July 15, Australian Josie Talbot of ISCorp p/b Progress won the opening Pro Women’s criterium while Knauer put in a strong ride to take the win in the Pro Men’s competition.

The following day in the final White Rock road race, Lay took her third win of this year’s Superweek for a stellar series, while Canadian Joelle Numainville (Cylance Cycling) won the Tour de White Rock Omnium by a one-point margin. In the Pro Men’s road race, American Steve Fisher took the win in a two-up sprint, also securing the men’s Omnium overall. www.pedalmag.com

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SCOTT-SPORTS.COM | MICASPORT.COM © SCOTT SPORTS SA 2017 | Photo: John Gibson

Gran Fondo Mont-Tremblant is becoming an annual ritual in the region.

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s the gran fondo cycling scene across Canada continues to grow, offering new challenges for seasoned riders while welcoming new inductees, Pedal was stoked to take on the fifth annual Gran Fondo Mont-Tremblant this summer.

Amazing weather was the order of the day as 1,750 cyclists had big smiles on their faces for this event, which is becoming an annual ritual in the region.

As a former pro cyclist and currently a Paralympic national team member, I was looking forward to this more relaxed approach to the sport. With four distances offered, 160km (Super Fondo), 125km (Gran Fondo), 80km (Medio Fondo) and 45km (Molo Fondo), my goal was to complete the 80km route. Everything was dialed, from the weather to the co-ordination surrounding the event, which most take for granted, but not Simon St-Arnaud, Gran Fondo Mont-Tremblant CEO, and his crew.

“We are working long hours all year long for this gran fondo, I have a big team behind me and we are trying to expand the event for next year and make a cycling festival,” commented St-Arnaud. “We plan to introduce some new concepts around the grand fondo, like a criterium race.”

The event already features many ancillary activities, including the Devinci Sunset Ride on the evening prior, an introductory clinic with Sébastien Delorme, a reconnaissance mission for more experienced riders led by Francois Parisien and Maxime and Charly Vivès, and a Coffee Ride on Sunday, which makes for a complete experience for those who want to spend the weekend at Mont-Tremblant.

Security is excellent with over 75 cycling guides, which is great for beginner cyclists but also veterans like myself. Safety is always a top concern and Gran Fondo Mont‑Tremblant delivered once again, including a King of the Mountain section

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10 PEDAL FASHION 2017 TIME-CA-brand.indd 2

RENÉ-PIERRE NORMANDEAU

Gran Fondo Mont-Tremblant Celebrates 5th Year of Success

allowing riders to go as hard as they like.

So how was my ride? Superb, with Mother Nature providing beautiful sunshine and a festive atmosphere. I had a great workout on the rolling course which included a longer hill in the middle where we were able to push our limits. At the finish, we were treated to a fabulous meal with lots of smiling faces, an exhibition village, live music and a party atmosphere.

Last year I became a fan of this event and with year two under my belt I’m convinced that it’s going to be a must-do ride for me every year. For more information, visit www.granfondotremblant.ca. — AL

XP RO

www.pedalmag.com 10/13/17 11:38 AM

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Argon 18 Partners with Cycling Canada New European Offices and First World Tour Win

www.pedalmag.com

BOJAN UZICANIN

I

n mid-summer, Argon 18 became the official bike supplier to Cycling Canada as a multi-year partnership was announced. The Montreal-based bike manufacturer will support the association’s track, road and para-cycling programs through to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, along with providing frames to Team Race Clean, the NextGen road and track endurance program. Argon 18 also joins Cycling Canada’s Podium 2020 committee to develop specific elements on their bikes for the Tokyo Games.

With distribution in over 70 countries and cutting-edge smart bike technologies, Argon 18 is proud to come full circle and partner with Cycling Canada. “We’ve grown into a worldwide company but our roots remain Canadian,” said Gervais Rioux, founder and CEO. “It is a natural collaboration to join forces with Cycling Canada and encourage the next generation of cyclists with the same pride I had when I was riding, now as the bike manufacturer.”

Pierre Lafontaine, CEO of Cycling Canada, shared the federation’s excitement regarding the partnership adding, “We are very pleased to be able to partner with Argon 18 for this upcoming Olympic and Paralympic cycle. ‘Made in Canada’ is central to our identity

Top Canadian track riders (l-r) Hugo Houle, Stefan Ritter, Amelia Walsh, Kate O’Brien, Tegan Cochrane

and Argon 18 manufactures some of the top-performing bikes in the world to help us achieve our goals and reach the podium.”

Earlier, Argon 18 announced a multi-year partnership with Astana Pro Team as part of the UCI World Tour and opened a new international sales office in Busnago, Italy, to establish a larger base and presence in Europe. The Canadian high-end bike manufacturer also celebrated its first World Tour victory courtesy of Denmark’s Jakob Fuglsang, who won the overall at the Criterium du Dauphine stage race on Argon 18’s Gallium Pro model that features their 3D system. For the full range of Argon 18 bikes including the Nitrogen Pro, E-118 and much more, visit argon18bike.com. — JC

FASHION 2017 PEDAL 11

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O’Brien Injured in Training Crash

Emily Batty Project Launched

Olympian Kate O’Brien suffered a serious crash while training in Calgary but is recovering well.

seconds – a record that had stood since 1996 – by almost a full 10th of a second.

At Hong Kong last year, O’Brien earned a careerbest 10th in the individual sprint while she and Sullivan were a best-ever fourth in the Team Sprint.

In February of this year, O’Brien and Amelia Walsh earned Canada’s first World Cup medal in the Team Sprint, taking the silver at Los Angeles. The duo was recently fifth in the Team Sprint at the 2017 Track Worlds in Hong Kong.

Her friends and teammates have rallied in support during this difficult time and have put together a journal of all messages of support from around the world. Expressions of well wishes can be directed to high-performance director Kris Westwood at kris.westwood@cyclingcanada.ca, and they will be forwarded to O’Brien’s family.

James Piccoli is having a breakout season and signs with a new team.

“Piccoli has taken a big step up in the last year and has really impressed us,” said director Heath Blackgrove. “He is consistently at the front end of every hard race and I am positive that with the help and support of our team, he will continue to progress.”

Piccoli has joined several of his new teammates in California for an altitude training camp. This has doubled as a great way to jump straight into the team environment.

“The transition to the new team has been super-easy because of how great the staff and riders have been and how welcoming they are,” said Piccoli.

The Emily Batty Project aims to get more kids on bikes.

12 PEDAL FASHION 2017

COURTESY OF EMILY BATTY

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n June, professional cross-country mountain bike racer Emily Batty launched a non-profit campaign with a simple and powerful mission: get more kids riding bikes.

The Emily Batty Project is aiming to raise at least $50,000 in 2017.

Batty first became involved in racing by handing water bottles to her father and older brothers as they competed in cross-country mountain bike races. That early introduction to cycling laid the groundwork for a career that includes racing at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

“I’m aiming for Tokyo 2020, and beyond; in the meantime, the least I can do is give back by starting the Emily Batty Project and play a role in supporting the next generation of riders at the grassroots and recreational level,” said Batty. “My sponsors Trek Bikes, Red Bull, Pfaff Auto and Lululemon have already pledged their support.”

Through the development of her Ambitions video series, Batty connected with Brydon and Stacey Cruise, who are equally passionate

about the prospect of encouraging more youth to ride bikes. Together, Brydon and Stacey have supported the development of the Emily Batty Project behind the scenes.

A partnership with Coast to Coast Against Cancer was initiated thanks to Brydon’s role as a Coast to Coast board member. With Coast to Coast accepting donations on behalf of the Emily Batty Project, any contributions made by Canadians will be eligible for a tax receipt

James Piccoli of Montreal has joined the Elevate-KHS Pro Cycling Team for the 2017 and 2018 seasons bringing an impressive depth of climbing to the squad for the upcoming Tour of Utah and Colorado Classic. The signing follows his stong performances racing for the Canadian National Team at the Grand Prix Cycliste Saguenay and his solid fifth place finish on the Oak Glen stage at the Redlands Bicycle Classic.

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lympic track cyclist Kate O’Brien continues to recover from a serious training crash that occurred on July 24 during a motor-pacing session at the Glenmore Velodrome in Calgary. She was taken to the intensive care unit at the Foothills Medical Centre and initially placed under sedation there.

Initial neurological tests showed encouraging results, and the pressure on her brain soon reduced to normal levels. O’Brien began responding to family and medical staff and no longer required sedation. In early August, O’Brien’s recovery took a big step forward when she was moved into the neurosciences ward.

The talented former bobsledder from Calgary recently turned 29 and quickly made a name for herself following her transition to the track winning Team Sprint gold at the 2015 Pan Am Games with Monique Sullivan while setting records as well. Soon after, she claimed her first national track titles on the new Milton track.

Earlier, on June 5 in 2015, she turned heads when she broke US Olympian Connie Paraskevin Young’s 200m record of 11.569

GUY SWARBRICK

PICCOLI SIGNS WITH ELEVATE-KHS PRO CYCLING

INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF OLYMPIANS AND PARALYMPIANS The federal Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, Carla Qualtrough, announced up to $10 million in annual funding to support athletes who have demonstrated medal potential for future Olympic or Paralympic Games.

“As a Paralympian, I know firsthand the impact that our athletes’ accomplishments have in inspiring all Canadians, especially our young people,” said Qualtrough who is visually impaired and formerly competed as a swimmer.

The investment – $5 million from Continued on page 14 www.pedalmag.com

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Nieuwold & Vialle Win 2017 Marathon XCM Titles

CYCLING CANADA

Women’s podium (l-r) Gray 2nd, Nieuwold 1st, Villeneuve 3rd.

Men’s podium (l-r) Wallace 2nd, Vialle 1st, Daigle 3rd.

CYCLING CANADA

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lyse Nieuwold (Angry Johnny’s Evolution p/b Norco & Horseshoe) of Newmarket, Ont., defended her title as she raced to victory in the women’s division at the 2017 Marathon (XCM) Canadian Championships on July 16 in East Hereford, Que. In the men’s category, Alexandre Vialle (Toyota St-Eustache) of Prevost, Que., took his first Marathon title, cracking the four-hour barrier while doing so.

The 82km race, the longest event in the cross-country (mountain bike) discipline, opened with a long climb, punctuated by sections of singletrack. After a descent at the 30km mark, riders began a series of climbs to the highest point of the course at 864m of elevation 60km into the race, before descending steadily to the finish.

Nieuwold was clearly the strongest rider in the women’s field, stopping the clock at 4:44:55.4, a time that would have put her 13th among the men. Heather Gray (Angry Johnny’s Evolution), the 2015 Marathon champion, finished at 4:48:44 and Caroline Villeneuve (Le Pedalier) of Quebec City, landed third on the podium with a time of 4:49:42. Eight women completed the event.

Vialle completed the men’s race with a time of

Continued from page 12

3:57:11 ahead of veteran marathon racer Cory Wallace (Kona), the 24 Hour Solo world champion, at 4:16:04.

In third place was Marc-André Daigle of Montreal, just behind Wallace, finishing in 4:16:45. Some 49 men completed the event.

Canada’s Lemieux Wins London RedHook Crit No. 3

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ROSSIGNOL EXPANDS TIME SPORT IN CANADA Following its acquisition of TIME Sport International in February last year, the brand has now been established at Rossignol Group’s Canadian headquarters in Montreal.

SPASO Sports has been assigned to represent TIME across the country in addition to Felt Bicycles which Rossignol Group acquired in February of this year.

Founded in 2002 by Carol Adams and Bruno Warnotte, SPASO Sports was the exclusive distributor of Felt Bicycles, later transitioning from independent distributor to become Felt’s exclusive sales agency in 2012 working with some 200 independent bicycle dealers.

“Considering their previous and current success with the Felt brand, we feel very confident that we’ve chosen the perfect agents to generate increased exposure and sales opportunities for TIME products in Canada,” said Ron Steele, president of Rossignol Group North America.

“Best-in-class frames and pedals, unique manufacturing processes, legendary quality and hand-made craftsmanship by artisans in France position TIME as one of the most sought-after brands for committed cyclists,” commented Adams, SPASO general manager.

BARISTA AND CYCLING CANADA ANNOUNCE NEW NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP

Raphaele Lemieux took the biggest win of her career in London.

TORNANTI.CC

anada’s Raphaele Lemieux (Team iBike) has taken the biggest victory of her career by winning the women’s London RedHook Crit No. 3 on July 22, attacking on the last lap through the chicane to get a gap that she was able to hold to the line.

Eleonore Saraiva (FRA, Aventon) finished second while Jasmine Dotti (ITA, IRD Carrera Squadra Corse) was third. Pre-race favourite Dani King (GBR, Cylance) was unable to shake her rivals and ended up fifth. The men’s race went to Filippo Fortin (ITA, Team Bahumer).

Last year, Lemieux was Quebec’s female criterium champ and finished third at the Criterium Nationale, which was held in the early evening the day prior to the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Montreal. She also took the iBike women’s title and won her division at the 2016 Mardis Cyclistes de Lachine.

The RedHook Crits are a series of fixed gear criteriums for master riders. Lemieux was the only Canadian competing in London.

the federal government, $4 million from the Canadian Olympic Committee and $1 million from the Canadian Paralympic Committee – is designed to complement the current investments in the sport system. It will support additional coaches, improve the daily training environments of athletes, and invest in sport science and sport medicine services. As a result, athletes will be better prepared (physically, mentally, technically and tactically) when they reach the level of top international competition.

Cycling Canada announced in June that Montreal artisanal coffee roasting house Barista will become an official partner, providing coffee for athletes and the support team.

Barista will also be attending various events, such as the Global Relay Canadian Road Championships p/b Lexus in Ottawa.

Barista will additionally select two new podium ambassadors within the national team, each having their Continued on page 16 www.pedalmag.com

OUT IN FRONT Continued from page 14

Canada’s Dussault 4th at Transcontinental Race

BY JOHN SYMON

16 PEDAL SPRING/SUMMER 2017

challenge was hot weather of about 40° C and he had to drink a lot of water to prevent heatstroke.

Dussault’s girlfriend awaited him at the finish in Meteora and the couple spent a few days relaxing in Greece before heading back to Quebec City. Dussault says his next big challenge is to start a family.

Jenny Trew

Franck Durivaux

CYCLING CANADA HIRES NEXTGEN COACHES JENNY TREW AND FRANCK DURIVAUX Quebec’s Geoffroy Dussault claimed fourth overall at the 4,000km Transcontinental Race in Europe.

A shop helped repair Dussault’s wheel after he was hit by a car in Italy.

Dussault celebrates with his girlfriend at the finish in Greece.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GEOFFROY DUSSAULT

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anadian rider Geoffroy Dussault (@teamgris) finished the extreme, unsupported 4,000km 2017 PEdAL ED Transcontinental Race from Belgium to Greece in fourth place. His result was even more remarkable as Dussault was hit by a car in Italy. His bicycle sustained damage but luckily he was uninjured.

Dussault, previously with Garneau-Quebecor, left Belgium on July 28 and covered the 4,000km journey in 10 days, reaching the finish line in Greece on Aug. 7. The race was won by British rider James Hayden, who finished on Aug. 6 with a time of eight days, 23 hours and 14 minutes. It was the race’s fifth annual staging.

The incident in Italy occurred on Aug. 1 and caused Dussualt ongoing mechanical problems during the rest of his ride. Only a few days earlier, the tragic death of Dutch participant Frank Simons stunned everyone, as some reports suggested he was the victim of a hit‑and-run driver.

“Frank Simons’ death in the early hours of this race is a tragedy that has affected the cycling community deeply, and will continue to affect everyone close to the Transcontinental for a long time to come,” read a statement on the event website.

The damage to Dussault’s bike was addressed initially by a bike shop in Italy.

“Philippe and his team succeeded in restoring my rear wheel so that it is functional,” wrote Dussault on Facebook. Later, he needed a replacement wheel and a “clandestine” bike shop in Slovakia installed a mountain bike wheel compatible with his road bike.

The 300 riders who participated in this year’s event were free to choose their own itineraries but had to pass fixed control points. Dussault travelled from Geraardsbergen, Belgium, heading for Schloss Lichtenstein, making the 600km trip to the first control in less than 24 hours.

The next control point was Semonzo, Italy, where Dussault arrived at 10:56 a.m. on July 31. From there he headed for The High Tatras, Slovakia. where he arrived at 9:12 on Aug. 3, followed by a stop in Romania at 3:43 p.m. on Aug. 5. He finally reached the finish at the Meteora Monasteries near Kalambaka, Greece, at 10 p.m. on Aug. 7.

Dussault planned his route, making hotel reservations along the way, but generally “dined” at gas stations to save time. A major

Cycling Canada is investing in the next generation of Olympic contenders with the hiring of a Women’s NextGen Track Endurance Coach and an Assistant Sprint Coach.

Jenny Trew will continue the work that was previously started

by Cam Jennings in the Women’s NextGen Track Endurance Coach position. Her role will be to identify and prepare female track endurance riders to graduate into the Olympic Performance Pool, led by Craig Griffin.

The women’s Track Endurance Program has consistently won Olympic and world championship medals since London in 2012.

Trew’s experience in both road and track cycling with both the Ontario Cycling Association and Cyclery4iiii will be an asset in her role to increase the talent pool of future Olympians for medal potential at Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.

The Track Sprint Program will also benefit from the hiring of coach Franck Durivaux who worked as a development track sprint coach at the French Cycling Federation (FFC) for several years. Durivaux will work closely with Cycling Canada’s sprint head coach to improve the skills of our Development Performance Pool of riders, while collaborating with Jesse Korf, Pathway Development Manager, to create more initiatives to detect sprint talent across to the country. www.pedalmag.com

CREDIT - CYCLING CANADA

own espresso blend and retaining a portion of profits. Barista will also provide social media workshops for athletes to help them develop their personal brands.

“Barista has always been involved in high-level sport,” said Alex Sereno, co-founder and coach of the Café Barista Triathlon Team.

“Whether it be through athlete coffee blends, social media training or financial support, we help them achieve their goals.”

“Barista has already supported Canadian athletes in the past and will now support cycling programs through their Cycling Canada coffee,” commented Matthew Jeffries, director of marketing at Cycling Canada.

UNIOR HOME PRO TOOL SET For aspiring home mechanics, Unior delivers a well chosen and executed tool set in a convenient travel case with 18 tools included. Nothing beats a dedicated set-up that makes missing tools conspicuous with cut-outs for each while covering common demands at home or at events: Allen and Torx wrenches, cable cutters, two screwdrivers, wheel truing, chain, outboard bottom bracket and cassette tools. Rounding out the kit and perhaps most appealing for many riding on new disc bikes: a rotor truing tool. SRP is $485. nrgenterprises.com.

NEW

GEAR FMB SLALOM 33 TIRES Delivering the ultimate in performance, FMB is one of few brands producing handmade tubular tires covering multiple disciplines and catering to a broad spectrum of tastes.

François Marie – the ‘FM’ of ‘FMB” – carefully constructs each 33mm Slalom cyclocross tire for the intense rigours of racing. The standard, ultra-supple cotton casing is shod with a fast-rolling tread most would consider an “all-rounder”. Available in black tread for maximum durability or green for enhanced grip at low temperatures, the two Slalom 33 options cover a broad spectrum of conditions, from warm and dry to cold and wet.

SRP is $185 for standard casing in black or green; $265 for Pro version. arg-sports.com

www.pedalmag.com

RACER E-GLOVE 2 Winter cycling is a grind when your hands are painfully cold, and tuning gloves across a broad range of temperatures and intensity on the bike is often challenging. France’s Racer brand takes their 90 years of experience making performance gloves for winter sport to deliver a close-fitting heated glove to keep you pedaling comfortably all winter. Using their R-WARM heating system, which is powered by built-in lithium-ion polymer batteries, the gloves offer up to four hours of heat and three levels of intensity. Their softshell outer provides breathability and water and wind resistance, while silicone-enhanced Clarino palms deliver durable grip. SRP is $255. distributionslyncee.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 PEDAL 17

OU T I N F RO NT

Tuft Enough Riding Grand Tours

BY SVEIN TUFT

W

How do you start your day during a Grand Tour like the Giro?

Generally, I like to get some time in nature and see the sun asap. If there’s an ocean nearby, then I make the effort to get there. This is my optimal reset for a stage race. It’s taken some years to realize the benefits of this approach, but I’ll tell you, when you feel it, it’s very addictive.

Tell us how you manage to stay fueled during a Grand Tour.

At a certain point in a Grand Tour you’re just trying to get energy in. It can be tricky because most of the time the first options are the sugary simple carbs. I try to balance that. Good fats through coconut oil, avocado and eggs are the best options and teams are providing these things more as riders are demanding them.

How do you fuel for five-hour endurance training ride versus a five-hour stage at a Grand Tour?

There can be a big difference between the two. A five-hour stage in the mountains of a Grand Tour around stage 18 can get tricky. Your body is at its limit and you are just trying to absorb as much food as it will allow, whereas during training you can really control the nutrition. Sometimes while out touring I might not eat for the first four hours. Obviously the intensity is totally different, but I will say a big part of the carbohydrate demand for cyclists in racing has a lot to do with the brain demanding simple fuel. Racing is so different from what you can try to replicate in training. A big part of that energy demand is caused by the stress of being in a bunch and making a million tiny decisions in split seconds.

There is still a lot of talk about riders using painkillers, antiinflammatories, etc. Is this happening?

These things are crutches for a lot of riders who feel they need to add things when they think their body is not capable. I think the reason these things are still around is because of the placebo effect. Until we can break that mentality, I don’t see it stopping. In my opinion, a 22 year old who feels it’s necessary to take painkillers and anti- inflammatories to get through the day should really reassess how they’re going to be feeling at 40!

What are your thoughts on gadgets and devices that athletes can use for recovery?

Ha! I’m constantly trying to get gadgets and electronics out of my life. To the point where screens and the blue light emitted from them I find extremely annoying. I think humans are pretty amazing and invent some incredible devices. But what I’ve come to learn over these years is that we will never trump Mother Nature. The Earth, cold creeks, sunlight, magnetism, oxygen-rich forests, salt mineraldense oceans, plants and animals, to name a few. I’ve been down a lot of recovery rabbit holes, but nothing comes close to the simplicity nature offers.

18 PEDAL FASHION 2017

COR VOS

e caught up with legendary Svein Tuft for a quick interview on the do’s and don’ts of riding at a Grand Tour, one of the toughest challenges for any pro cyclist during their career.

You’re on Twitter but have no website, Facebook, or Instagram accounts. Are you a bit anti-social?

Ha! As I’ve stated, I’m trying to get as far away from those things as possible! I think these types of social media have developed quicker than our primitive brains can adapt. When I look around today out in the world, people are obsessed and somewhat zombie-like as they scroll through their feeds of useless information. I also think the hard drives in our brains are only capable of retaining so much information.

These attention-grabbing platforms just seem to rob you of living a healthy, productive life and, unfortunately for many, sending them into the dark holes of depression.

Is pro cycling putting the health of the riders first or is the focus always on performance?

I think this is getting much better as teams really start to look at the big picture. Instead of turning riders out every one or two years if they don’t perform, teams are working on a more positive holistic approach to help riders achieve what the team originally saw in them. In such a performance- and results-based environment, I don’t think it’s a super-easy decision for cash-strapped teams, but it’s the only way. I’ve always viewed cycling as one part of my life and not sacrificed my long-term health just to be a good cyclist.

So I looked outside of the box and began to alter my environment to offset the stress. Balance is the key. When I’m home, it’s all about grounding back to my reality and when I’m leaving it’s about mentally preparing and accepting what I’m getting myself into.

If you were managing a Grand Tour team, describe your ideal day from pre-race to bedtime to optimize performance and health?

Ideal days are when you can get on the bike feeling like you haven’t just raced 10 days in a row and can sleep with ease in the evening.

I still get these days at the age of 40 and I chalk it up to this. The mornings where I can get in the sea, feel full sunlight on my body, barefoot, and feeling the earth below me. I’ll go through a movement routine and work the kinks out of the body. I’ll do some different breathing techniques to take the stress out of the diaphragm. Then off to brekky where our A-1 chef Nicky has the nutrition aspect covered perfectly. After the stage when you I get to the hotel, I’ll take a walk and find my morning place for the following day. Walk a bit barefoot. Recount the day. What went right and wrong. Back for massage. Good dins again with Nicky. Followed by another walk, hopefully to see the sunset. I’m a big believer in getting that redorange light in your eye before bedtime. Oh! One last thing. Nothing beats a good dip in an ice-cold creek in the mountains. This trumps all ice baths!!! www.pedalmag.com

O UT I N F RO NT

MTB Frontlines

Dropper Seatposts for XCO Racing

Dropper seatposts are great for recreational riding and some types of racing but it depends on the course and your style of riding

D

ropper seat posts are extremely popular these days and for good reason. They can transform your comfort on steep terrain, allowing you to lower your centre of gravity and increase your stability. With more room to move vertically up and down on your bike, it’s also easier to jump, manual and lean the bike through a corner.

I started the season with a dropper seat post on my full suspension bike wanting to be open to give it a go. These days they add a pound to your bike, which can be well worth it if they help you gain more seconds in corners and descents than you possibly lose on climbs.

But the question is, after years of racing pretty gnarly courses with your seat up, are you able to gain more seconds? There have been courses where I have loved having the increased stability pushing over rock gardens and long descents, but others where due to the up-and-down nature of the course, I felt having a dropper cost me more time than it gained me.

Seats down for a pure descent is one thing, but cross-country trails are constantly going up and down. When cresting a steep climb in a light gear and turning immediately into a short descent that you must then 180 and head back up, often the first priority is going to be gear selection and opening or closing suspension.

Adding one more thing just takes more time that you want to be 20 PEDAL FASHION 2017

using to attack the next section. Yes, I am talking racing where every second counts. For recreational riding and racing and adventure racing blind stages, these seconds may not feel that significant compared to what a dropper can offer. But when you’re striving for the fastest, most efficient race, it is definitely something I think about.

More recently, I am leaning towards not racing with one. For cross-country racing, particularly at a high level, you have the opportunity to spend a lot of time on course getting dialed in before you line up to race. You typically become as comfortable and efficient on every feature with your seat up as with it down, and nearly as quick negating the dropper’s benefits.

If you do still find it to be an advantage, as it will be on some courses, part of your preparation then has to become practising where you are going to use it. You will go far faster entering and exiting a descent with speed with your seat up than you will entering more slowly because you took the time to lower your seat, railed the downhill part, but then felt inefficient exiting with your seat down because that always seems to make your gears feel too light.

Like anything, whatever you want to try in racing you have to spend a lot of time dialing in during training. I will 100% keep a dropper on my bigger suspension bikes. But for cross-country racing, seat up still gets the thumbs up most of the time. www.pedalmag.com

MICHAL CERVENY

BY CATHARINE PENDREL

e k i B n i a t n Mou Placid, Lake ington & Wilm ac Lake n a r a S

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OU T I N F RO NT

Veal Report Fear of Living

BY ED VEAL

22 PEDAL FASHION 2017

a pile of bikes and riders in a millisecond. No sprint glory to be had but I did collect some new scars and a set of bruised ribs.

Now some may shy away from racing because of this kinda stuff, but for some it might make racing even more appealing. I can tell you it hasn’t changed anything for me. I knew crashes were always a part of the game. I signed up for the good, the bad and the ugly and I’m very aware of the consequences involved. Not everyone jumps back up and brushes themselves off, though. I feel very lucky once again just to be hurt and not injured. I write this still pretty banged up with sore ribs and road rash still sticking to my T-shirt but I know it could have been so much worse.

We have all seen it in sport, horrible accidents changing people’s lives in an instant. Maybe you have gone through it yourself or seen it with close friends and family. I know I have.

These days I can’t stop thinking about fellow trackie, Kate O’Brien, and her long road to recovery.

What happened to her is scary and while I sense what she is going through, I feel so helpless. It is a reminder that life is so very fragile, but there is something I want you all to know: This scary racing life style is what I and many other high-performance athletes call “living”.

I’m at my happiest when bombing down the track full gas, fighting in the chaos of a bunch sprint or descending at over 100kph. Life is chasing these spectacular moments. I wake up every day dreaming about being in these hair-raising situations again and again. Fear of hurting myself or even dying isn’t even on the radar.

What I am fearful of is not living.

We only get one chance at this thing called life and I want to enjoy it to its absolute fullest. Racing gives me so much pleasure and enjoyment. I can’t speak for everyone but if something were ever to happen to me, you all need to know I was happy and exactly where I wanted to be. I still haven’t figured out if I found racing or if racing found me, but regardless I’m thankful for it every day.

Love you, Kate. You are a true warrior and if anyone can make this massive comeback, it’s you. Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is not taking the risk to be alive.

GUY SWARBRICK

I

f I asked what your favourite part of cycling is, what would your answer be? There could be so many great responses, as this wonderful sport has so many amazing disciplines and caters to all levels and abilities. I would love to say mine is just cruising along on my road bike with the wind in my hair – but I would be lying for two reasons.

One, I don’t cruise; it is all about speed and racing for me. And two, I don’t have any hair to blow in the wind. I am a cyclist but the truth is I am much better defined as a bike racer. I love the speed, the risk and the danger. Racing is “life” for me.

Here is one definition of racing. “In sport, racing is a competition of speed, against an objective criterion, usually a clock or to a specific point. The competitors in a race try to complete a given task in the shortest amount of time. Typically, this involves traversing some distance, but it can be any other task involving speed to reach a specific goal.”

Have you heard the expression “speed kills”?

Well, in bike racing, speed is the name of the game, and with high speeds come crashes. I have had my fair share of crashes over my career.

Yet for the amount of racing I do, I don’t crash much at all, but it is bound to happen and this year I had two beauties only a month apart.

First was at the Tour De Delta UCI road race. I was going uphill absolutely full throttle just centimetres off the wheel in front of me when my bars were swept from behind by a passing rider. It happened so fast. I hit the deck before I even knew what had happened. My bars twisted to the right and I slammed down on the left. Stunned, I fought to get up and tried to chase back on. My helmet was smashed and swaying side to side on my head with every pedal stroke. I decided I needed to call it a day and get checked out.

Last weekend at the Two Days of Buffalo, it happened again just as fast. We were all strung out, doing 50kph in the lead-out train approaching 600-700m to go and a rider a few bikes in front of me turned his head to look behind and his bike moved with him. This simple mistake took out 10 riders. I was up over my bars landing on

www.pedalmag.com

THANK YOU for your support!

OU T I N F RO NT

Club Cycliste d’Amos

Small Northern Town Excels in Cycling

CLUB CYCLISTE D’AMOS

BY JOHN SYMON

Club Cycliste d’Amos has produced quite a crop of talented riders for one small cycling club.

A

t the 2014 UCI Road Worlds, Canada’s Karol-Ann Canuel (now with Boels-Dolmans) shared the women’s team time trial victory, becoming Canada’s first-ever world champion road cyclist. This remarkable rider was later part of the winning squad in 2015 and 2016, giving her three gold medals.

She began her cycling career riding with the Club Cycliste d’Amos based 600km north of Montreal. MarcAntoine Soucy (Silber Pro), Community support is strong who finished second in the road race at the 2017 Canadian nationals, is another club alumni, as is his brother, Jean-François Soucy (Garneau-Quebecor).

Pierrick Naud (Rally Cycling) also hails from Amos as does Keven Lacombe (formerly SpiderTech), along with U23 riders Felix Boutin and newly crowned junior men’s road race champ, Charles24 PEDAL FASHION 2017

Étienne Chretien. This is quite a crop of talented riders for one small cycling club!

Most surprisingly, the town of Amos only boasts a population of 12,000, and is about six hours north of the nearest big urban centre where cycling tends to be popular in Canada. Summers are also short here.

“The Club Cycliste d’Amos was founded in 1966,” notes president Christine Meunier. “We currently have some 40 members from age eight to 16.

Our mission is to develop youths into adults who are involved in their community.” Meunier is the stepmother of Jean-Samuel Deshaies, a lesser-known cyclist from Amos who nonetheless won the 2009 Canadian national criterium championship.

Not only is road cycling popular in Amos, but mountain biking is also big with its own club; the two clubs co-exist fairly well.

Hockey is another big sport in Amos.

“In the youngest age categories, we see essentially parity between boys and girls,” says Meunier. “But it is hard to keep our girls once they become cadets.”

Meunier recounts how a “sports-étude” cycling program was set up with the local high school around 2005. Some 22 students from grades six through 11 are currently enrolled, practising their sport between six and eight periods every nine days. A big challenge for students is the long travel time – often14 hours return – to get to most races, which are often scheduled before the end of the school year in late June. The local school tries to be flexible, however.

CCA hired a head coach, David Bernard, who has a degree in physical education, to supervise the sports-étude program. In the summer they hire a second coach and the town of Amos hires a third.

The cold climate and local terrain offer additional challenges, and Meunier remembers years when road cycling was not possible before the month of May, giving little lead time before the provincial race calendar that starts in mid-May. “The Abitibi region is known for its flat www.pedalmag.com

PowerCranks

New Improved Model More Reliable

The UCI Tour de l’Abitibi, a sports-étude cycling program, and support from former stars help fuel the Amos success story.

terrain with few hills for training. So for hill-climbing practice, we tend to go up and down the same hills many times,” quips Meunier.

Nonetheless, Amos has a well earned reputation as a cycling town.

“We’ve always had at least a few passionate riders locally,” she continued, “even when cycling was less popular. Many people of all ages practise the sport at different levels. Former cyclists are always present to support the younger ones, riding with them many times each year. Recently, Keven Lacombe helped us to open a highperformance training centre with equipment that you would find in bigger centres.”

Community support for cycling is strong from local businesses.

Meunier also mentions the junior IAMGOLD team (the title sponsor is a gold mining company), which is well-integrated into the club. She also mentions time trials sponsored by the local credit union, and support from the school commission and from a local Hyundai dealership.

Local newspapers are also good at covering cycling events.

Another factor in the club’s favour is the renowned UCI Tour de l’Abitibi junior men’s race, now in its 49th year, attracting many international riders. “Being able to race at the Tour is the ultimate objective of many of our riders,” says Meunier. “The race alternates from year to year between different towns, being held this year in Amos; it always draws many spectators and few locals complain about blocked roads.”

Asked how other small towns can replicate the cycling success story of Amos, Meunier says “it is important to develop a cycling culture in the community with older cyclists helping younger ones.

And you have to talk up success stories.”

Pedal first reached Meunier on the sidelines of the Canadian nationals in Ottawa, almost six hours from Amos. Naturally, she was there supporting local riders.

Just the Facts Club cycliste d’Amos 819-727-6480 Christine.meunier@outlook.com www.clubcyclisteamos.com www.pedalmag.com

P

owerCranks are an innovative device used successfully by a wide range of athletes, from recreational to professional, in rehabilitation, prehab, training and racing in many sports and disciplines in which co-ordination and strength are a must.

PowerCranks are independent bicycle cranks that replace the regular cranks found on a typical bicycle or exercise machine. A patented training tool, PowerCranks integrate a one-way clutch in each crank arm so each drives the chain but not each other.

The idea is similar to completing one-legged drills, with each leg working independently.

As such, one leg cannot help the other to make the pedals go around, so in order to pedal the bike one must actively raise each pedal using the hip flexor and hamstring muscles, which are generally undertrained muscles in most athletes. Whether done correctly or incorrectly, this provides the rider with feedback.

Many of the world’s best cyclists have trained with PowerCranks including Cadel Evans, Neils Albert, Paolo Bettini, Johan Museeuw, Stefano Garzelli and Vincenzo Nibali.

The locking mechanism found in the original PowerCranks is a collar that slides in and out of two positions: locked and unlocked.

In the locked position, the PowerCranks act like a regular set of crank arms working together to propel you forward. In the unlocked position, the crank arms move independently.

The new model offers two positions with the first replacing the original locked mode but now featuring 2-3º of movement while the second position, or unlocked mode, has 10º of movement.

The 2-3º movement in the first position is very slight so the PowerCranks feel like regular cranks and it’s also very difficult to determine any pedaling technique flaws. In the 10º position, it becomes quite obvious when there is a technical flaw by both how it feels and the sound it makes.

Along with this improvement, PowerCranks have become more reliable, quieter and lighter. Less steel is used in the design, and the cranks can be taken out on a long ride or used during a training race.

Crank arm length, as in previous models, remains adjustable, so one can really feel how crank length impacts pedaling technique and power. According to PowerCranks, most power is lost because cranks are too long and riders do not pedal over the top efficiently. The new cranks make it easy to feel any inefficiencies and are an ideal crank-length fitting tool as well. Available late summer 2017. - MS FASHION 2017 PEDAL 25

PIRELLI GLOBAL LAUNCH OF NEW PZERO VELO TIRES WITH SMART SILICA

BY BEN ANDREW

compound by Pirelli.

26 PEDAL FASHION 2017

tire uses a 127tpi casing and is made only in 700c, as with the other two models in the PZero range.

The blue label on the 4S indicates the tire’s all-season and colderweather capabilities. This model shares a similar design to the Velo, but with increased grooving in the tread pattern. It is manufactured using a compound optimized for colder-temperature performance.

Instead of producing a “rain tire”, the company has sought to maintain the performance of the PZero range across the board, which Pirelli believes it has achieved through consideration of the tire’s temperature. The 4S also comes in 23mm (205g), 25mm (220g) and 28mm (250g) widths and also uses a 127tpi casing.

Finally, the TT model, featuring a red label, is a full slick tire and is the lightest and fastest of the range. The TT is available in a 23mm width with a 127tpi casing and the suggested weight is 205g.

Central to the PZero line is a new patented compound of Pirelli’s creation: SmartNet Silica. With the goal of improving upon the

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PIRELLI

P

edal Magazine was on the ground near Milan, Italy, recently for the global launch of Pirelli’s new PZero Velo range of tires. The two-day event provided journalists and industry members with the chance to see the new tires, view the extensive Pirelli headquarters and testing centre, as well as log some kilometres on the new PZeros.

Pirelli is best known for its hold on the motorsport and performance road car industry, being the current provider of tires to the Formula One Championship, manufacturing tires for many of the world’s fastest production vehicles, and being heavily involved in the world of Moto GP and Superbike.

However, the company’s 110-year sport competition history also includes a strong involvement in cycling as Pirelli’s tubulars saw heavy use in the early 20th century. During the first edition of the Giro d’Italia in 1917, a total of 30 of the 49 finishers had their wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber.

Excited to return to its cycling roots, Pirelli has introduced the PZero Velo line of three clincher road tires: the PZero Velo, PZero Velo 4S and PZero TT. The new PZero tires share the same colour coding as Pirelli’s F1 tires. The silver on the Velo for road racing is pegged as the most versatile of the range. The tire has an alternating tread pattern, with the narrower portion of the grooves in contact with the ground when riding in a straight line, and increasingly more tread coming in contact the further the bike is leaned over during cornering.

The grooving, according to Pirelli, has been optimized for maximum performance in terms of water outflow, dry and wet grip, mileage, responsiveness and comfort. The Velo is available in three widths – 23mm (195g), 25mm (210g) and Central to the 2 8 m m PZero line is ( 2 3 0 g) .

SmartNet Silica, T h e a new patented

The PZero Velo really shone when you leaned the bike over to corner, performing equally well on the soaking wet test track. www.pedalmag.com

Pirelli’s Vizola test track located outside of Milan was the perfect venue to test their PZero Velo tires in a variety of conditions.

compounds already in use within the cycling tire market, Pirelli’s chemistry labs created a new type of silica with a patented molecular structure. Designed in the company’s Milan Bicocca Technology and Innovation Centre, SmartNet Silica brings the traction benefits of silica compounds to the PZero line, however with lower rolling resistance.

Silica is a powder that normally has a spherical molecular structure and disperses unevenly into a rubber compound mix. Pirelli’s team of researchers, the same group who worked on the tires currently used in F1, have designed a new compound in which the silica is positioned into linear rods within the molecular structure and run in the same direction as the rotation of the tire. The uniformed silica is claimed to increase the tire’s elasticity, which Pirelli suggests leads to decreased heat generation and rolling resistance, all while maintaining the benefits commonly associated with silica compound tires, including excellent grip in wet conditions. In addition, the SmartNet Silica is claimed to have a structure that creates a “net” acting as a natural anti-puncture layer.

TEST REPORT The company’s testing department has reportedly logged over 100,000km of road tests during the development of the PZero line.

The test team was on hand for the global media launch and led a testing session on bikes outfitted with the standard PZero Velo tire in 25mm. The testing took place on a 50km road ride followed by laps on Pirelli’s Vizola test track outside of Milan.

The Velo rolled well to be sure, and handled harsh road conditions including paved and pitted tarmac with a dampening effect that increased the overall comfort of the ride. However, the tires really shone when you leaned the bike over while cornering.

Aboard a new machine and with little knowledge of the road conditions to come, the Velo promoted confidence very quickly, especially in corners as mentioned. While this might be less surprising when considering the nearly 40-degree heat, the tires performed equally well on the soaking-wet test track which Pirelli had prepared. The slick hairpin corners were easily navigated by the PZero Velo tires, which seemed to bite into the asphalt. www.pedalmag.com

For those looking for a performance road tire providing excellent cornering grip while also promising to be one of the fastest rolling tires on the market, the PZero range is up to the challenge..

The PZero Velo line is set to hit the European, North American and Asia Pacific markets beginning in August 2017. Pirelli has stated that it chose to focus solely on the PZero line of performance road clinchers, but the tire giant says other models are in the pipeline. Senior staff also hinted at a possible partnership with a World Tour squad, however no details have been released as of yet.

If Pirelli’s presence in F1 and motorsport arenas is testimony to their expertise and potential, expect to see the yellow and red Pirelli logo a lot more at the top end of the sport of cycling.

FASHION 2017 PEDAL 27

WILIER 28 PEDAL FASHION 2017

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BEN ANDREW

Rossano Veneto in the province of Vincenza, Italy, Wilier Triestina produces bicycles steeped in Italian cycling heritage. The newly expanded headquarters seems to mirror the brand itself, with a sleek and modern look that blends into the older factory, combining old and new into a single functioning and impressive design.

Pedal was stoked to have a chance to visit their factory this summer and I was met at the front entrance by Mauro Moretto, sales manager at Wilier Triestina. We were soon joined by Angelo Caccia, who began to tell me about the upcoming completion of their new headquarters.

The room adjacent to the main entrance is not yet complete, but I am told the space, which could easily house a luxury car dealership, will become a new showroom and museum of Wilier bikes and memorabilia from the company’s 111-year history. A short walk away, a small room houses a collection of prized Wiliers from various eras, including the bikes of 2008 world champion Alessandro Ballan and both the road and time trial bikes of Marco Pantani, who rode on Wilier bikes in 1997. That year, Pantani won two stages of the Tour de France, including stage 13 on Alpe d’Huez, and finished third overall.

Now, Wilier has both a professional road and mountain bike team bearing its name. On the road, the Wilier Triestina – Selle Italia team was founded in 2017 and is led by Italian star Filippo Pozzato. Wilier is set to continue sponsorship of the team in 2018. On the dirt, Team Wilier Force is a mountain bike squad which is focused on the World Cup and the Italian and UCI Marathon Series. Up until 2017, Wilier was also the bike supplier of American Pro Continental team UnitedHealthcare.

The factory in Rossano Veneto handles all mid- to high-end assembly of every single Wilier bike produced. Frames are brought in from Asia and then assembled on a small assembly line located in the centre of the factory. We enter through a large warehouse which stores components from manufacturers such as Shimano, Campagnolo, FSA and Selle Italia. Eight mechanics work quietly at their stations. Each performs a specific task, from initial frame prep at one end to wrapping the handlebars and covering the bike with protective foam at the other. As each mechanic completes their portion of the work, the bikes are pushed on rolling work stands around to the next station. According to Moretto, the assembly line is capable of building 45 bikes per day.

Just next to the assembly line is a smaller warehouse which holds frames from Wilier’s Infinitamente custom paint program. Customers can customize the Zero6, Cento10Air, Zero7 and 101X along with Wilier Alabaroa integrated bar and stem. Two frames that catch my eye are a Superleggera and Cento10Air. Both are painted in the Romato copper colour that Wilier became known for in the 1940s. The Superleggera is offered in Romato as one of three colour schemes, but if you want your carbon Wilier in this classic colour, it will cost you extra – as much as €1,000, Moretto suggests, explaining that this paint process is extremely difficult prior to passing Wilier’s quality control.

Wilier is now recognized as a leader in high-end bicycle manufacturing across Europe, North America and Asia. The company aims to expand its reach while retaining the quality and emotion of the Italian brand. According to Caccia, Wilier will continue to leverage its 100-plus years of experience to develop more products. “The company’s philosophy is to develop the bicycle,” Moretto adds, including the engineering process, functionality, performance and aesthetics.

Wilier Triestina’s new factory in Rossano Veneto, Italy.

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Assembly line at the Wilier factory

CEOs Enrico (l) and Michele Gastaldello

One area of expansion includes the development of electrical-assisted bikes, especially for European markets. Wilier currently offers three e-mountain bikes, the E803TRB, E803XB and E803XN, along with two urban e-bikes – the Refill and the Magneto.

Moretto wheels out an E803TRB with excitement, explaining how the bike uses Shimano’s STEPs drive system to aid riders to cover greater distances, meaning more great trails in a single day. The electric motor-equipped mountain bike is certainly a departure from the steel bicycles Wilier began making over a century ago, but Moretto and Caccia believe that e-bikes hold an important place in the future of cycling.

As the tour comes to an end, a partially built bike which is casually leaning against a mountain of boxes catches my eye. Before I can ask, Moretto begins to excitedly explain that it is the new Cento10NDR, an endurance road bike based on the Cento10Air platform. Apart from a slightly more relaxed geometry, the bike has two very notable features – a small damper located at the seatstay and downtube junction which reduces road noise, and the ability to mount either disc brakes or direct-mount rim brakes on the frame. Coupled with aero tube profiles, ample tire clearance and an integrated stem system, the Cento10NDR looks to be a capable and fast option for those looking for an all-day performance bike.

The Wilier Triestina factory, along with the brand itself, offers a striking look into the progression of one of the oldest Italian bicycle manufacturers.

The company continues to seek to move forward, all while preserving the culture and the patriotic motto from which its name is derived – Wl’Italia Libera E Redenta, meaning “Long live Italy, free and redeemed.”

Wilier’s cool Cento10Air

Just the Facts Wilier Triestina S.p.A. Via Fratel Venzo, 11 36028 Rossano Veneto (VI), Italy www.wilier.com

Wilier’s new E803TRB e-bike...the future of cycling

Sneak preview – Wilier’s new Cento10NDR for fast all-day performance.

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www.pedalmag.com

THE MOUNTAIN BIKE STAGE RACE

‘‘They have created a world-class mountain bike event in the City of Quebec that will forever put them on the list of “must do” stage races.‘’ Paul Craig, Pedal Magazine

7 STAGES ››› 7 DAYS ››› 7 EXCEPTIONAL DESTINATIONS ››› DAY 8: ATTEND THE UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP

›››

AUGUST 4 TO 10, 2018 | quebecsingletrack.com

TEST

GEAR

CERVELO R3 AND R5

BY TIM LEFEBVRE

CERVELO R3 Price

$6,500 Weight n/a Components Shimano Dura-Ace 9100, 11-speed Frame/Fork Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered R3 Fork Geometry Head tube 73°, Seat-tube 73° Sizes 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 Comments Suprisingly incredible ride

Cervelo first unveiled their R series in 2005 under the CSC squad of Bjarne Riis. Through several re-designs and test pilots from Fabian Cancellara to Mark Cavendish, the Canadian company continues to impress.

T

he new R3 and R5 bicycles have placed an emphasis on fit, handling and comfort – and these were the impetus behind the much anticipated changes.

The racier and more exotic R5 that was first debuted under the Dimension Data squad at the 2017 Tour of Dubai has had its head tube lowered after feedback from the team about getting low and aerodynamic on their race bikes. In fact, of the two size 56s that Pedal was lucky enough to get hold of, the head tube on the R5 was 8mm shorter than the older version.

Both framesets have experienced some changes in hopes of improving the handling. The wheelbase has actually been lengthened and the bottom bracket was lowered 72mm, giving the frames an increased trail of 57mm. This will allow the frames to accommodate the popular 28mm tires – an adjustment from Cervelo that came from wheel manufacturing data that confirmed increased aerodynamics with wider tires.

As we touched on prior, the R5 is the race model and had been designed for speed and performance. Toronto’s own Graham Shrive, a Cervelo engineer, felt that the carbon Squoval tube-shaped walls (think square and oval tubes combined) could not be thinner, so the weight of the frame remains the same – perhaps that’s why they refer to it as the Squoval Max. The tubes have been re-designed to fortify crosssections and to squeeze every ounce of performance out of what is left.

The difference is a 21% increase in torsional stiffness, along with a 13% increase in the bottom bracket stiffness and an overall 10% lighter weight overall on the rim model and 16% on the disc model.

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Yet it is the R3 that has been garnering a lot of attention lately as the ride is boasting some qualities that many are happy to report.

Focusing on weight and the stiffness-to-weight ratio, the R3 is now as light as the old R5. Using the same Squoval tube shape while also being able to accommodate a 28mm tire, the R3 has a higher stack height up front and a lower stand-over height with extra toe clearance at the pedals. These changes make it a more comfortable ride with exceptional performance. The R3 also boasts a 4% stiffer head tube and 4% stiffer bottom bracket.

The R3 and R5 frames have both had some trick alterations to augment the overall product. An integrated chain-stay protector has been designed to alleviate chain suck. A cable management platform on the downtube (which is as wide as the UCI will allow) will be able to accommodate all future derailleur and brake systems. The R5 has spring-loaded thru axles (Rapid Axle Technology) on all models while the R3 has it on the disc model only.

One difference to note in the two frames is the seat collar. The R3 utilizes the traditional seat collar while the R5 introduces new technology with an integrated hidden seat clamp.

The R5 has been getting most of the attention on the race scene as Cervelo touts it as the stiffest rim brake-equipped road frame it has ever produced. It also arrives with an integrated cockpit set-up that introduces new AB06 bars with space for the Di2 junction box inside, and it’s more comfortable and aerodynamic than its predecessor. Add in the CS26 carbon stem that also allows for internal Di2 routing and you have a very clean sight line from the top tube. www.pedalmag.com

CERVELO R5 Price

$9,000 Weight n/a Components Shimano Dura-Ace 9100, 11-speed Frame/Fork Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered R5 Fork Geometry Head tube 73°, Seat-tube 73° Sizes 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 Comments Ultimate race bike

Pedal Magazine’s Cervelos both arrived dressed in Shimano’s 11-speed mechanical Dura Ace 9100 gruppo. The major difference, straight away, was the wheelset they were spec’d with. The R5 has a Mavic Kysrium Elite package while the R3 houses the Mavic Aksium wheelset.

Excited to test both at the same time, I couldn’t resist throwing a leg over the R5 first. Sleek and stealthy, the R5 is as smooth as any high-end carbon machine in terms of tracking straight. With its purported new pro fit, stable and responsive handling, and unrivalled stiffness, the test was sure to be fun.

Standing up and testing the stiffness is unparalleled. The bike jumps at every watt you throw at the drivetrain. Absolutely no lateral flex, and any such feelings on steep inclines was via the wheelset and componentry. It handles incredibly smoothly through tight corners, giving a controlled feeling of confidence. Under severe braking, the front end performs admirably as it soaks up the torque and again tracks very straight and smooth.

We anticipated the ride to be smooth and fast as the pro riders had pressed Cervelo to lower their bikes and make them as fast as possible.

With the refined geometry and subtle changes to the frameset, the bike has progressed into a smooth but quickly adaptable ride.

Stomping up some short, steep inclines, the bike snaps forward and is quick to impress.

Longer rides of three to four hours were not a problem as long as the bike is dialed in. With a stem length that is perfect, your favourite saddle and comfortable shoes makes a huge difference on a high-end, incredibly stiff ride like this. www.pedalmag.com

Already winning stages in the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France under Edvald Bossan Hagan, the jury is “in” with regards to the performance and competency of this renowned bike.

The R3 test was an entirely different feel that maintained Cervelo’s renowned race-fit geometry. Focused on its stiffness-to-weight ratio, the R3 frame is said to be lighter, stiffer and more aerodynamic than its predecessor – and the ride proved it.

This bike has an incredibly comfortable feel with respect to dampening and overall ride quality. Geometry and pro-fit engineering have plenty to do with creating this effect and riders from novice to pro will be able to feel it.

Performance is absolutely there as the R3 handles everything I threw at it from sharp cornering to quick accelerations on climbs. The Dura Ace gruppo has a lot to do with inspired performance, but the shifting, shifting under pressure, braking and braking under pressure were exceptional. Tracking through corners and longer descents was a pleasure as everything works so nicely in unison.

As the bike certainly checks all the important boxes, I was left scratching my head why it would be spec’d with a Mavic Aksium wheelset. If there is room for improvement on such an accomplished ride, it definitely would be an upgrade to the wheelset.

Available in both rim and disc brake versions by the end of 2017, in multiple build and price options, the colours remain stealthy matte black/green for the R5 and an attractive blue/red for the R3. www.cervelo.com FASHION 2017 PEDAL 33

TEST

GEAR

ROCKY MOUNTAIN

ELEMENT 990 RSL BC EDITION

BY PAUL NEWITT

When it comes to mountain bike companies, you can’t get much more Canadian than Rocky Mountain Bicycles, and when it comes to producing a bike that harnesses the incredibly varied terrain along BC’s west coast you would be hardpressed to outdo Rocky’s Element 990 RSL BC Edition.

How do we know? Well, after a week of BC Bike Race competition on Rocky’s latest edition of the Element, we have some pretty amazing memories and some solid tire-on-trail evidence.

As one of the original pioneers of the mountain bike movement, Rocky has been fine-tuning and perfecting its off-road offerings for more than 30 years, including their Element line, which was introduced as the Element Race back in 2000. Both Rocky and the technology we enjoy today have come incredibly far since then and this year’s Element 990 RSL BC Edition highlights the benefits of such progress.

Designed specifically with the BC Bike Race terrain in mind, the Element 990 RSL BC Edition provides an excellent marathon stage race bike that balances cross-country finesse with the ability to tame the occasional A-Line temptation.

For 2017, Rocky has refined the BC Edition’s main features, such as the geometry and suspension performance, and “sweated over the small stuff” such as rigidity, handling and the ability to carry enough water bottles on board to survive a marathon stage. The DNA of this 29er machine is carbon, in the form of a Smoothwall Carbon C13 34 PEDAL FASHION 2017

frame with fully sealed cartridge bearings, a press fit BB, internal cable routing and RIDE-9 adjustable geometry and suspension rate.

The RIDE-9 adjustment system allows you to dial in your head and seat tube angles using allen keys to nine possible configurations, customizing the ride to your specific sweet spot. Once we had our position set, we ran the configuration throughout the entire seven days without a change or a second thought. The same can be said for the suspension system, which we dialed in on day one of our ride.

Up front, the Element BC Edition is equipped with a RockShox Pike RCT3 120mm fork and balances out with a RockShox Monarch RT3 100mm rear shock. The four-bar Smoothlink suspension system handled every form of trail condition we encountered along the BC Bike Race route. Whether we were on the edge of the saddle powering up steep, loose gravel grades, flowing through rollercoaster-like berms, speeding along root-roughened single track or dropping off an A-line plunge, we never felt out of our element… on this Element. www.pedalmag.com

THE BIKE Price:

$7,199 Weight: 13.2 KG Components: Shimano, Race Face, WTB, Stan’s rims.

Frame/Fork: Shock: Carbon C13 with RockShox Pike RCT3 and Monarch RT3 shock.

Geometry: Headtube 69-70° Seat-tube 74.5-75.5° Sizes: S, M (tested), L, XL, XXL Comments: Blurring the lines between XC race

Shredding the rugged North Shore trails and technical terrain that is offered up during the Squamish and Whistler stages of the BC Bike Race was second nature to the Element 990 RSL, its first nature being that of a cross-country race machine. But, unlike XC rigs of the past, offering 100mm or less of travel on skinny rubber, this BC version of the Element boasts some back-country bonuses, such as 120mm of travel, a RockShox Reverb Stealth 30.9mm dropper seatpost, a Race Face SixC 800mm bar, and meaty Maxxis DHR II 29 x 2.3 / Minion SS 29 x 2.3 EXO TR tires. All performed incredibly well to keep us in control and in line when the descents got gnarly, and sans the odd bar-wedge issues on some narrow bridges and through tight tree lines, we didn’t have an issue and wouldn’t change a thing.

The Element 990 RSL BC Edition also features a solid drivetrain with Shimano at the heart. The XTR shifters and rear derailleur, www.pedalmag.com

along with the XT 11-46T, offered a 1x11 system that provided us with all the ratios we needed over the week. While the terrain varied in the extreme from 14% climbs to high-speed gravel-road descents, we never found ourselves searching for more gears – more legs maybe, but not more gears! The Shimano XT brake levers and 180mm brakes also supplied plenty of two-finger control and lived up to the needs of seven days in the saddle without an issue.

While we’re sure some may argue there are plenty of bikes on the market that would be better suited, specifically, to handle the steep climbs or rugged descents you encounter on courses such as the BC Bike Race, few would be as capable of tackling all conditions with such balance as the Element 990 RSL BC Edition. www.bikes.com FASHION 2017 PEDAL 35

WOMEN

IN CYCYLING

More and more women are getting on bikes and creating positive forces to enrich and encourage participation by other women in their community and across the nation. This year, Pedal profiles Edmonton’s Marianne Shelawa, who cycled alone across Canada for an adventure of a lifetime covering 7,700km. She hopes to empower women everywhere and one day touch all of the oceans around the world by bike. Plus we look at female-driven cycling initiatives along with women’s bike tests.

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SPECIALIZED

BY TIFFANY BAKER

www.pedalmag.com

Realizing the need for more female-focused cycling activities, women are joining forces and forming race series, clubs, rides, and associations – even female-owned bike shops are popping up across the country.

X Elle Women’s Cycling Association, Kelowna, BC

Bikes on Wheels Women (BOWW), Toronto, Ont.

X Elle Women’s Cycling Association is a not-for-profit organized by women for women. In its fourth season, this friendly, shop-neutral road cycling club welcomes all women-identified cyclists and has grown to nearly 100 members. Weekly no-drop rides run May through September, accommodating novice through to advanced riders with four different pace groups led by 17 experienced women ride leaders. X Elle’s robust program also includes monthly education sessions and fully supported destination rides throughout the Okanagan Valley. New this year, X Elle hosted the first annual Black Sage Women’s Road Ride, a 50km jaunt through the South Okanagan’s beautiful wine region, and developed the X Elle Racing Team supporting women of all ages who want to race bikes together. xelle@balancepointracing.com; xellecycling.com.

Does early-morning riding appeal to you? Biking approximately 40km every Tuesday and Friday at 6 a.m., BOWW is a dedicated space for female-identified, trans and non-binary road cyclists to ride with support and encouragement. Created to promote a welcoming space for women, their mission is to foster a positive cycling community in the city of Toronto by offering an encouraging and challenging no-drop group ride. This benevolent group believes in giving back to the community, and as a collective have raised over $13,000 for various charities in the past year alone. bikesonwheelswomen.tumblr.com.

Women on Wheels YEG (WOW), Edmonton, Alta.

WOW is an Edmonton-area women’s mountain biking group that encourages women to ride by offering a social, encouraging and non-intimidating environment. Affiliated with Revolution Cycle and Hardcore Bikes, their rides never leave anyone behind and provide coaching and mentoring on more technical sections. Offering Tuesday beginner and Wednesday intermediate rides from AprilMay to September, there are options for most everyone. Beginner rides focus on skill development and building confidence on the trails. Intermediate rides focus on flow but also include sessions on technical sections. Wednesday rides continue past September, weather permitting, with night rides and winter fat biking. womenonwheels25@gmail.com; womenonwheelsyeg

Shift Happens Bike Repair, Devon Alta.

As a mom-and-daughter owned bike shop, you’ll find both women on the sales floor and in the service department wrenching on bikes.

With years of experience racing, riding, coaching and wrenching, they are experts in the field. And along with that expertise comes the awareness of the barriers and challenges that exist for women in cycling. To combat some of these barriers they offer a number of female-only cycling programs – like a ladies-only basic bike maintenance clinic called Wenches with Wrenches and Wine, and a ladies-only intro to cyclocross and mountain biking. Their focus is on grassroots development in the community and getting more women hooked on bikes. www.shbr.ca.

Trek Dirt Series, Various locations The Trek Dirt Series Mountain Bike Camps offer personalized instruction, professional programming and an incredibly skilled, enthusiastic and supportive coaching staff. Since 2001, the program has run over 200 weekend camps – women-only and co-ed, beginner through advanced, cross-country, all-mountain and downhill inclined. Their efforts are often credited with being a founder and inspiration for women in mountain biking. Their 2017 season included 16 women-specific and four co-ed camps in BC, Alberta, Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. All camps offer top-notch coaching, proven progressions and an incredibly supportive community to learn from and ride with. www.dirtseries.com.

www.pedalmag.com

Shred Sisters, Canmore, Alta.

Shred Sisters is a group of passionate coaches dedicated to providing high-quality instruction that takes mountain biking skills to the next level in a safe, fun and supportive environment. With rides, camps and yoga retreats in Calgary, Bragg Creek, Canmore, Golden and Invermere, they offer a community where women can connect, share their passion and feel empowered to push their limits. Their customized services including private mountainbike and yoga retreats, workshops and lessons for cycling clubs, and cover beginner to advanced mountain biking, cross country, downhill or fat biking. If you like, or think you might like, knobby tires – check them out. www.shredsisters.ca.

Pedal Wenches, Saskatoon Pedal Wenches is Saskatoon’s first and only women’s road cycling club that delivers fitness through a fun-first attitude by welcoming riders of all experience levels. At 100 members strong, they help cyclists improve their skills and fitness in an encouraging environment. In the off-season, they also run indoor cycling training sessions to allow riders to build on their spring and summer fitness and prepare for the next road season. pedalwenches (Facebook).

Ride Like a Girl, BC Ride Like a Girl is a BC-based not-for-profit that provides a mentorship and bursary program designed to support young female mountain bike athletes as they develop their talent. They support girls in British Columbia up to the age of 20 who are currently racing cross-country, downhill or enduro mountain biking, or who are honing their skills as a freeride athlete. This support also includes a mentorship program that provides opportunities for young athletes to ride with and receive guidance from professional female athletes in their discipline. In 2017, ten young female riders were matched with mentors. www.ridelikeagirl.ca.

WOWride, Vancouver, B.C. Created three years ago by three women passionate about riding, WOWride Cycling Club is more than just a cycling club, it’s a strong movement to bring like-minded dynamic women together to ride in a strong and safe environment. With a brand of #strongertogether, on and off the bike, their goal is to help women be fast and strong while focusing on safe, savvy riding strategies. With 27 ride leaders, or “domestiques”, they offer cycling clinics, riding camps, three weekly rides with varying speed options, training programs for ‘realistic’ racers, support for youth cycling development, and free clinics (cycling and non-cycling topics). www.wowridecycling.com.

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goal g term One lon round the a e d ri is to h all of nd touc e. world a y bik b s n a e the oc

MARIANNE SHELAWA

Shelawa rode over 7,700km from Tofino,BC, to Cape Spear, Nfld.

COAST-TO-COAST ADVENTURE

BY TIFFANY BAKER

M

arinne Shelawa is not yet 30, and she has seen more of this country than most of us see in a lifetime. Cycling over 7,700km (on a 70-lb. bike!) from Tofino, BC, to Cape Spear, Nfld., afforded her an uninterrupted view of Canada that can only be seen from the seat of a bicycle. Through the summer of 2016, she awoke each morning thinking, “Today my job is

Don’t worry about the destination, just enjoy the ride!

38 PEDAL FASHION 2017

to ride my bicycle, and that’s a pretty great job!” What a job indeed!

It’s a feat that you’d think requires super-human fitness and Tour de France training to accomplish. But as a down-to-earth Edmontonian whose training came mostly from commuting and simply riding her bike everywhere she could, Shelawa would tell you otherwise. In her mind, “cycle touring isn’t about racing up the hill the fastest; it’s about enjoying the ride.” And enjoy the ride she did. When asked her favourite section of the 7,700km ride, without hesitation she responds, “Cycling the Cabot Trail!”

She quickly notes that her biggest surprise was the reception she received from those she encountered along the way. Offers of lodging, money, food and support were commonplace from complete strangers.

She was even invited to a house-warming party! Such support from strangers was in stark contrast to the tumultuous relationship she found between cyclists and motorists in Edmonton.

One might think cycling across Canada would complete the adventure cycling section of your bucket list, but not for Shelawa.

In February 2018, she is riding across Ethiopia with We Ride (www. werideafrica.com) in an effort to raise $1 million and awareness for the women of Ethiopia – women who walk over 10km each day just to get clean water for their families. Shelawa will be part of a team of four cyclists raising money for water wells in these communities, which will enable the women to focus on growing sustainable businesses rather than daily necessities.

While adventure cycling is a passion for her, so is empowering women, which makes this ride and cause a perfect marriage. It’s not every day that riding your bike can have such a significant impact on the lives of other women.

Canada, Ethiopia – why stop there? While many lament the exit of their 20s upon turning 30, Shelawa has a better idea: she’s going to ride across America in 30 days for her 30th birthday. Participating in www.pedalmag.com

I want to truly test myself and find out where my limits are.

Cycling is a passion for Shelawa and so is empowering women.

All you need is a

bike passion

the Trans America race, Shelawa plans to ride across the United States fully self-supported, trying to average around 220km a day to meet her 30-day goal. Why? “Because I want to truly test myself and find out where my limits are.”

With plans in place to conquer cycling across three different countries before her 32nd birthday, her long term goals of riding around the world in a year and touching all of the oceans by bike just seem to make sense. And while your definition of adventure and Shelawa’s may differ, we could all benefit from her approach to cycle touring: don’t worry about the destination, just enjoy the ride!

and the

to end MS.

Her biggest surprise was the reception she received from total strangers along the way. www.pedalmag.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARIANNE SHELAWA

Be part of the largest fundraising cycling series in North America and join the fight to end Canada’s disease.

1-800-268-7582

msbike.ca

FASHION 2017 PEDAL 39

TEST

GEAR

T

LIV PIQUE ADVANCED 1

he Liv Pique Advanced 1 is another addition to the now-popular Trail category of mountain bikes. The days of full suspension bikes being heavy, poor climbers unable to adjust to a variety of terrain are over. The bike industry is now focused on refining these rides to fit a variety of riding styles, trail conditions and evolving lifestyle of riders.

Liv is a women’s-specific bike company that was formed as an offshoot of Giant Bicycles back in 2014. The focus of the company is to create bikes and products that “help women discover new possibilities through cycling.” Today, Liv operates as a stand-alone brand with Liv contact stores starting to appear across the globe.

Although still in its infancy, the Liv Pique Advanced 1 has benefited from Giant’s many years of engineering top world-class bikes. Like its brother the Trance, the Pique has the ability to climb like a crosscountry bike and tackle most technical descents like a downhill bike.

The frame of the Pique Advanced 1 uses Giant’s in-house advancedgrade composite technology for the main triangle creating a light, stiff and aesthetically pleasing look. The rear triangle uses their proprietary ALUXX SL aluminum with an Advanced Forged composite upper rocker. The combination of these materials helps to increase the stiffness and ride qualities when married with the shock and fork.

The Pique Advanced 1 uses the Fox Float CTD Factory fork with 120mm of smooth absorption travel and a Fox Float Factory EVOL in the rear. Together, along with the frame and rear triangle, they are the finishing touches to bringing Giant’s Maestro Suspension System to life.

A time-proven full suspension mountain-bike system, the Maestro is built around four pivot points and two linkages, which allows the suspension to settle in and aid traction when climbing and then to float and adjust to a variety of terrain conditions from small to large obstacles on descents.

40 PEDAL FASHION 2017

BY MAGGIE COLES-LYSTER

The Pique Advanced 1 benefits from Giant’s in-house manufacturing by being spec’d with their proprietary Contact SL handlebar and stem which provides a light and stiff feel to the front end. I especially loved Giant’s Contact SL Switch/R Trail seatpost, which allowed for a smooth, user-friendly ride. This dropper post was quick and easy to change for climbing and descending. To top it off, the Liv Contact SL Forward saddle provides women’s-specific comfort for a long day on the trails.

With the changing of wheel sizes over the past few years, it is great to have the 27.5 as the go-to choice for trail bikes. The wheels on the Pique Advanced 1 allowed for good, responsive control on technical terrain, yet still carried high speeds while hammering on the flats.

Giant also supplies the Pique with its own XCR 1 Composite DBL wheel system.

The bike is outfitted with a full Shimano Deore XT group. The hydraulic disc brakes come stock with 160mm rotors, providing smooth on-trail modulation and solid stopping power. Having confidence in the brakes allowed me to challenge steeper, more technical terrain while still keeping both feet on the pedals.

The 11-speed drivetrain setup consisted of a 30T front ring and an 11x46 cassette. Over the years, and the refinements of a single ring setup, I was impressed to find I had all of the gears to spin up the climbs and still win the day-end sprint to the car.

The majority of my off-road experience has been confined to a hardtail, and although I knew that bikes like these existed, it wasn’t until I got out on my local trails on the Pique Advanced 1 that I became aware of how amazing a bike like this can be. I immediately fell in love with the feminine, bold colours of the paint job and then was totally blown away by the confidence it provided to venture outside of my comfort zone on the trails. A bike like the Liv Pique Advanced 1 is definitely on my wish list! www.pedalmag.com

FASHION GUIDE 2017

www.pedalmag.com

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BICYCLE LINE The Corona technical short-sleeve jersey from Bicycle Line is made of high-quality and highly elastic Asteria fabric and features lateral mesh panels, maximum breathability, antibacterial, anatomic sleeves, silicone gripper, reflective imprints, UPF protection of 50+ and full-length YKK zipper. $140

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www.pedalmag.com

ASSOS The Assos women’s Bonka LaaLaLai jacket is both warm and breathable with high-stretch technical fabrics for optimal moisture movement, wind protection and minimal stitching. Includes Assos TwinDeck fabric for insulation and integrated neck protector. $519 CASTELLI The Castelli Alpha RoS jersey is perfect for cool-weather riding with close-to-body fit, Rain or Shine windproof and functional waterproof protection, Alpha doublelayer ventilation up front and Nano Flex Xtra Dry back for extra breathability. Comes with three rear pockets and reflective laser-cut drain holes. Also features a model for women. $230

GARNEAU Garneau’s Course LGneer Race Bib is engineered to support your muscle function and improve efficiency while featuring aero tweaks like laser-finished hems and near-seamless one-piece construction. Garneau’s patented 5Motion chamois gives you multi-directional movement and zero compromise on comfort. $299.99

www.pedalmag.com

ASSOS The women’s LaaLaLai tights are full-length and fleece-lined offering thermal insulation. The lightweight and breathable S7 women-specific insert with its advanced waffle textile design dials in total comfort with reduced friction. $399

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BICYCLE LINE Bicycle Line’s comfortable Icona thermal jacket is waterproof and windproof with soft brushed inner fabric and back made of Dryclim thermal fabric that maintains breathability. Comes with elastic cuffs, silicone gripper, reflective imprints, full-length zipper and three open pockets. $240

BIEMME Biemme America’s Moody 2 jersey offers a race fit with full zip, UV protection and Phoenix Interlock fabric up front with Micropallino fabric in the rear. It features side panels and armpit in Avatar mesh fabric along with three rear bag pockets. $129

IMPAC Impac Design’s Vapor rain shell is made of lightweight nylon with inner PU coating that’s completely waterproof and windproof. Vented back and armpits allow good breathability. Easily packable, it features two front zippered pockets with one rear for storage and comes in a stylish blue tartan. $65.98

44 PEDAL FASHION 2017

PEARL Pearl Izumi’s P.R.O. Escape bib shorts for men feature an anatomic multi-panel design, optimal moisture transfer, quick dry time and efficient odour absorption along with PI’s premium P.R.O. Escape 1:1 chamois for unmatched comfort.

Mesh panels provide breathable comfort and BioViz reflective elements add visibility. $249.99

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CASTELLI Castelli’s Sorpasso 2 W bib tights feature double-layer Thermoflex Core2 fabric for extra warmth and added comfort while also keeping you dry. A lumbar compression band improves fit, the ankle zips sport reflective tape for night visibility, and a Progetto X2 Air women-specific seat pad offers maximum comfort. $230

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FASHION 2017 PEDAL 45

BIEMME Biemme’s Pure Speed shortsleeve, full-zip jersey features Micropallino fabric on the front and back, side panels in Orleans mesh, and sleeves in Speed fabric.

Also features external elastic with silicone dots on back waist along with rear pockets. $150 Biemme’s Legend shorts feature mesh side panels, Lycra Ceramica crotch, a yoga compression waist band, mesh leg gripper with internal silicone finish and breathable BRT gel pad. Available in sizes XS to 2XL. $130

46 PEDAL FASHION 2017

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ASSOS Assos TiburuGilet Equipe lightweight technical cycling vest is highly breathable and easily packable with a lightweight breathable rear panel and Assos TwinDeck material on the front panels for added insulation. $289

GARNEAU Garneau’s Course M-2 race jersey was developed with the aerodynamics experts at Alphamantis and features a racer fit, CB Mondo fourway stretch micro-filament fabric known for its softness and comfort along with CB M-2 aerodynamic fabric.

Quick-drying with three rear pockets and UPF/SPF 50 rating. $219.99

BICYCLE LINE Bicycle Line’s Carisma shorts feature Italian Lycra power-compression fabric, multiple-panel construction with anatomic fit, flat-lock seams, non-compressive waste band, non-slip leg bottom, Vuelta Evo Gel cycling pad, reflective imprints and UPF protection of 50+. $180

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ASSOS The men’s TiburuKnickers Mille S7 are calf-length cycling tights, the perfect piece for cooler rides with water-repellant RX Medium fabric, thermal insulation and S7 generation insert with waffle textile design and Assos’s goldenGate technology. $259

FASHION 2017 PEDAL 47

PEARL Pearl Izumi’s men’s P.R.O. Escape jersey features Transfer In-R-Cool polyester/elastane to keep you cool, dry and odourfree. Coldblack fabric in the sleeve and shoulder panels offers cooling and reflective sun protection.

Full-length zip and three + two rear pockets. $185

BIEMME Biemme America’s Garun bib shorts feature Ceramic pad protection and Lycra 220g fabric with mesh bib straps and elastic leg gripper with internal silicone dots. Available in sizes XS to 4XL. $199

48 PEDAL FASHION 2017

GARNEAU Garneau’s Equipe Shorts for women offer Power + Lycra compression fabric to support muscles and help them work more efficiently with fourway stretchability, extreme breathability and quick drying.

A comfortable Motion Airgel chamois features antibacterial properties and perforated gel inserts. $129.99

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BICYCLE LINE Bicycle Line’s Medal short-sleeve jersey for women features highly elastic Asteria fabric with lateral inserts for increased breathability, anti-odour and full-length zipper, silicone gripper, reflective imprints, UPF 50+ protection and three pockets including one with a zipper. $160

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FASHION 2017 PEDAL 49

GARNEAU Garneau’s HTO 2 jersey offers a highly ventilated fabric and V-neck for improved comfort. The Icefit2 fabric features moisture management, antibacterial microfibre that transforms sweat into a cooling agent, and anti-odour treatment along with one zippered rear pocket. $49.99 Their Leeway Shorts are abrasionresistant and offer maximum mobility.

The detachable Drytex inner shorts can be worn with the outer or separately.

Includes a built-in chamois and Powerband compression band to distribute pressure evenly around your waist. $94.99

50 PEDAL FASHION 2017

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PEARL Pearl Izumi’s Launch jersey for women offers a relaxed, athletic fit and is made with 100% polyester that provides moisture management and ventilation. This non-zippered jersey features a V-neck collar design, sublimated graphics on selected panels and a sunglass wipe sewn inside the jersey. $89.99

CASTELLI Castelli’s Sorpasso 2 bib tights offer an exceptionally wide comfort range combining Thermoflex Core2 fabric and standard fleecy Themoflex for optimal compression, excellent insulation and a great fit. A Progetto X2 Air seat pad delivers on long-distance rides and a lumbar support panel offers further comfort. $265

IMPAC Impac Design’s Vapor rain shell is a lightweight nylon shell with inner PU coating that’s completely waterproof and windproof.

Fully seam-taped, it comes with vented back and armpits for good breathability. Features two front zippered pockets and one rear pocket for storage. $71.98

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FASHION 2017 PEDAL 51

GARNEAU Garneau’s Icefit 2 dress for women is comfortable, stylish and performancedriven with antibacterial microfibre that transforms sweat into a cooling agent.

Comes with separate pair of Drytex 2002 spandex shorts with removable Slim Flex chamois, multimedia pocket and one rear zippered pocket. $109.99

PEARL The Pearl Izumi Women’s Launch mountain bike shorts feature 100% polyester transfer fabric for optimal moisture management, a detachable liner short with the Women’s 3D Tour chamois, snag-free internal waist adjustment, two zippered hand pockets and one zippered cargo pocket. $189.99

IMPAC Impac Design’s Razor glove is made with a four-way stretch spandex mesh upper and a vented knuckle protector for safety, flexibility and breathability. Comes with a rugged Clarino palm and 3mm gel heel pad with siliconetraced fingertips. $39.98

IMPAC Impac’s Flow All Mountain glove features an anatomically cut softshell upper combined with durable expanded-mesh spandex for a snug fit and breathability.

It offers a rugged Clarino XXstitched palm for durability and silicone tracing on fingertips. $34.98 52 PEDAL FASHION 2017

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BIEMME Biemme’s long-sleeve rain jacket made from Jampa fabric is waterproof, windproof, breathable and fitted with a full zip and three back pockets with mesh base to allow water to flow through when it pours. $300.

For complete protection, add rainproof leg warmers also made from Jampa fabric, 100% waterproof and breathable. $80

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FASHION 2017 PEDAL 53

CASTELLI Castelli’s convertible Perfetto is the jacket that can do it all. The storm-flap construction features Gore Windstopper X-Lite Plus fabric for lightweight total wind protection with a water-repellent finish. The perfect travel piece, it turns into a Gabba-style short-sleeved jersey/ jacket in mild conditions. Comes with rear pockets and laser-cut drain holes. $375

54 PEDAL FASHION 2017

www.pedalmag.com

Toronto International Bicycle Show Better Living Centre Exhibition Place, Toronto World’s largest bicycle consumer show 32nd Annual Event

Friday, March 2 Noon – 9 pm Saturady, March 3 10 am – 7 pm Sun., March 4 10 am – 6 pm

Information (416) 363-1292 josie@telsec.net Please use #bicycleshow facebook.com/bicycleshow

Photo: Peter Kraiker Pedal Magazine

MARCH 2-4, 2018 www.bicycleshowtoronto.com

SHIMANO Shimano’s Transit Check button-up shirt features 100% polyester and antibacterial finishing with odour reduction, moisture-wicking and a quick-dry fabric. Features stretchable shoulder structure for added flexibility and zippered chest and right rear pockets plus UPF 50+ protection. $114.99 BIEMME Biemme’s Tank sleeveless base layer jersey offers a crew neck finish and Carboion InfraRed mesh fabric that’s breathable.

Available in sizes XS to XXL. $49

SHIMANO Shimano’s Transit Path pants are versatile both on and off the bike offering a cycling-designed cut, four-way stretch fabric and water-repellent treatment with a deep front pocket and discreet reflectivity on back pockets. $119.99

GARNEAU Garneau’s Equipe jersey for women features Zircon lightweight fabric with good moisture-wicking properties, Diamond construction offering ventilation and AirFit mesh for comfort and excellent moisture control.

Comes with full-length hidden zipper, three angled rear pockets and an extra Enviro pocket. $109.99

56 PEDAL FASHION 2017

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DAVID SILVER

BY PAUL NEWITT

Race leaders Geoff Kabush followed closely by Sam Schultz.

58 PEDAL FASHION 2017

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J

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DAVID SILVER

DAVID SILVER

ust as the dust began settling from Canada’s 150-year anniversary celebrations, the BC Bike Race was prepping to kick it up again with the 11th annual BCBR on July 6-13.

Over 12 years has passed since a casual conversation over a few beers in North Vancouver morphed into what is arguably one of the most impressively well-organized and enjoyable off-road stage races on the globe – and the globe knows it!

In fact, over 600 riders from 33 countries decided to jump, cleats first, into this year’s adventure and take on seven days of singletrack serenity along the southwest coast of British Columbia. BCBR invited us along for the ride and Rocky Mountain Bikes hooked us up with their latest Element 990 RSL BC Edition – the ultimate marathon machine to tackle Start of Stage 3 at BCBR the epic BCBR. Of course, long before anyone takes their first pedal stroke off the start line, the BCBR team is hard at work. An army of organizers, support staff, volunteers and sponsors labour relentlessly throughout the year to ensure every aspect of the event is dialed-in and ready to go come Day Zero. For participants, Day Zero is possibly one of the easiest days of the week, at least in terms of cardiovascular stress.

Nervous stress, on the other hand, runs rampant through the tribe that descends on North Vancouver for pre-race orientation and the first of the week’s four ferry trips. It’s the day you realize that the BCBR adventure is about to get very real. It’s also the day you begin secondguessing your training, technical riding abilities, fitness level and sanity. BCBR is well aware of Day Zero nervousness and apprehension, so it provides an informative and humorous orientation that calms the crowd and gets everyone revved up and ready to roll. Much of the time is spent ensuring all participants are aware of the huge amount of support that is available to get them through the event, including medical, mechanical, nutritional and “yogal” guidance and expertise, and they emphasize the importance of participants supporting each other. It’s an inclusive and impressive introduction to what has become known as one of the world’s best off-road stage races.

You come away from Day Zero realizing that BCBR will do everything in its power to get you through each and every stage and to prepare you for the next, relieving you of almost every task other than riding your bike, making new friends and enjoying the incredible beauty that B.C. coastal mountain biking has to offer.

The seven-day adventure provides over 10,000 meters of climbing and 300km of epic off-road trials, 75% of which are majestic, handcrafted singletrack, traversing through several uniquely beautiful British Columbian communities – Cumberland, Powell River, Sechelt, North Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler. Each community is incredibly rich in both First Nations and more recent history, and each has a dedicated group of local sponsors, consultants, trail builders, clubs and volunteers who fine-tune their specific portion of the BCBR into a ride experience that will rank as one of the best mountain bike memories your limbic system will ever log.

Although the trails may be the star of the BCBR, they are not the only highlight of the event. Transportation between each stage, which is an adventure in its own right, includes stunningly scenic ferry, boat taxi and sea plane rides across the Georgia Strait, and offers an aweinspiring experience you won’t find at any other event in the world.

DAVID SILVER

Rocky Mountain’s Quinn Moberg.

Famous rubber chicken wake up call FASHION 2017 PEDAL 59

Along with breakfast, dinner, yoga classes and tent time, interstage travel offers opportunities for strengthening bonds among this mobile international community. While you may think a warm, soft bed in the comfort of a hotel room would trump the idea of a week in a sleeping bag, the experience of six days in tent city is one that shouldn’t be missed. It’s a chance to get to know those riders who seem to share your tempo and shadow you on every stage during the week. The genuine camaraderie that is built over the week is priceless, as is the exposure to stories from new friends from around the world.

It was amazing to hear how far some had traveled to enjoy what we often take for granted in B.C., and to re-experience our incredible environment though the eyes of visitors from around the world.

The tents are clean and roomy and the BCBR crew takes care of complete setup and takedown, so you have nothing to concern yourself with other than showing up each day and getting up each morning. Of course, if getting up is a challenge, BCBR has your back with some extra chicken in the morning – an iconic morning ritual that is both hilarious and horrific!

Tent technicalities are not the only chore BCBR takes off your hands during the week. In fact, several impressive teams of staff and volunteers take care of most of your needs. The BCBR wellness team consists of medics, chiropractors, physiotherapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths and the oh-so-coveted massage therapists. The team works together to ensure that every racer rolls up to the start line as recovered and ready as possible. If things do go south health–wise, the BCBR medical team jumps in to patch and tape riders up and get them back into the race. There are even roving bike patrols spread throughout the pack to ensure a quick response to any mishaps along the trail, and Shimano techs are on hand at feed stations for mechanical support.

You may even run across a random feed station serving up hot bacon off the ATV grill during some stages! One of the most impressive things about all of these teams, including “Back Country Back Bacon Man”, is that they are not only there ensuring participants are healthy along their journey, but when they are not working they are lining the trails cheering riders on in all sorts of colourful costumes.

The BCBR crew treats participants’ bikes as well as their bodies. A crew of mechanical magicians from Obsession Bikes works Stephen Ettinger relentlessly throughout the evening and night wins Stage 3 to ensure every bike is race-ready come start 60 PEDAL FASHION 2017

DAVID SILVER

Powell River’s Willingdon Beach

Ladder bridge

time. We were lucky enough to have Team Rocky Mountain backing us up for bike care, but as it turned out we required very little of their time. Our Element took on each stage without a snag and always came across the finish line solid and ready to ride. After each stage, another team of volunteers takes the bikes and meticulously cleans them while racers recover and refuel from the day’s adventure. BCBR then packs up and transports all bikes from one stage to another – an impressive feat when you consider there are over 600 bikes to move – and then lines them up in an easy-to-find coral for the next stage.

The breakfasts and dinners are well thought out, balanced and plentiful. No one goes hungry, but if you want to expand your gastronomic options during the event there are on-site vendors offering everything from smoothies to smokies. In fact, many highquality establishments in the local communities are very supportive and bestow BCBR participants with somewhat of a celebrity welcome.

Outside of camp and on the trail your only concern becomes keeping the rubber side down, maintaining hydration and nutrition, and enjoying some of the most diverse and inspiring mountain biking trails in the world. That enjoyment was taken to an even higher level thanks to the BC Edition Element that Rocky supplied us.

The Element made every stage a pleasure to ride, tackling every form of terrain the week offered up as if it had been designed specifically for this race – which it turns out, it was! Although the start line was littered with every form of mountain bike you can imagine, from 1980 hardtails to A-line downhill rigs, with so much trail diversity the right ride makes all the difference on a marathon course like the BCBR. XC marathon bikes like the Element 990 BC Edition just maximize the fun factor on this course.

The course selection for the BCBR couldn’t offer a tastier piece of mountain bike pie.

Each stage seems to complement the previous offering with a gradual increase in technical treats, building your confidence as you go and culminating in an all-out fitness and skill test by the end of the week in Squamish/Whistler.

Granted, the journey is a challenge. If it wasn’t, there would hardly be a reason for riders to travel from 33 countries to participate. But with a good balance of decent climbing legs, a solid set of lungs and an eagerness to stretch your technical-riding envelope, any participant can make it to the BCBR finish line – and most do!

Even though the front of the pack is seeded with podium-owning pros such as Geoff MARCUS RIGA

Canada’s Maghalie Rochette (r) just behind Katerina Nash

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Kabush, Stephen Ettinger, Quinn Moberg, Katerina Nash and Maghalie Rochette, to name a few, thousands of amateurs have taken this event on and lived to tell the tales of their amazing B.C. coast conquests.

As far as a full course description, we could pull almost every positive adjective available out of a thesaurus to describe the trails that meander through 300km of lush green rainforest canopy, but it would hardly do the event justice. You can hear about the jaw- and seat-dropping descents and thigh-burning climbs from friends, read about rollercoasterlike downhills with berms higher than houses in mags, and even watch trail-blazing GoPro snippets from BCBR alumni, but until you actually put tire-to-trail, you will never truly understand what the BCBR has to offer in terms of pure mountain-biking bliss.

Of course, the BCBR is much more than a mountain-bike stage race. It’s the coming together of like-minded people from around the globe to form a community of competitors and share in an outdoor adventure among some of the most beautiful scenery in the world... and it’s an opportunity to score a new BCBR belt buckle!

Travel Adventures To advertize in Pedal’s Travel feature please contact 866-977-3325 or advertising@pedalmag.com

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Newfoundland Cape Breton Prince Island Edward Bicycle Island Tour Bicycle Tour

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B.C. Bike Race 2017 July 7-13, 2017 Solo Women 1. Katerina Nash (Cze) Clif Pro Team 17:39:58; 2. Maghalie Rochette (Can) Clif Bar 0:53; 3. Hielke Elferink (Ned) 1:08:25; 4. Carey Mark (Can) Rocky Mountain Bicycles 1:34:35; 5.

Briony Mattocks (Aus) 1:59:36; Solo Men 1. Geoff Kabush (Can) SCOTT Sports-Maxxis 15:09:49; 2. Stephen Ettinger (USA) Focus Bikes/Shimano 4:51; 3. Quinn Moberg (Can) Rocky Mountain Factory Team 37:32; 4. Frederic Gombert (Fra) Cycletyres.com 49:50; 5. Troy Wells (USA) Cycletyres. com 1:04:23; Solo Masters Men 1. Garett Heitman (USA) CLIF Bar 17:34:19; 2. Guy Sutton (USA) Calcoast 45:49; 3. Benjamin Jones (USA) Velo Hangar 57:08; 4. Luke Beuchat (AUS) ECS Team 1:01:43; 5. Edward Lawson (Can) 1:04:39; Solo Masters Women 1. Tricia K. Spooner (Can) The Cyclery 22:35:16; 2. Kimberley Beck (Can) 1:37:37; 3. Ellen Blome (Ger) Turnbeutelvergesser - Craft an 1:42:30; 4. Naoko Forderer (USA) Dyna Racing Team 2:30:47; 5. Nia Wegner (Can) 3:17:07 Teams of 2 (Open Men) 1. Ralf Wildhaber/Fridolin Engler (Sui) Race for Movember 19:03:58; 2. Krauss Laurent/Alexandre Amato (Bel) Racing Squad 2 7:42; 3. Blake Harlan/Paul Wegman (USA) Schmoes from ATX 2:00:37; 4. Scott Philipps/Andrew Wojteczko (Can) Team Pining for More 2:57:6; 5. Dimitri Kuzmin/Mike Acton (Can) Big Spoon Little Spoon 3:45:55; Teams of 2 (Open Women) 1. Christine Jeffrey/Kata Skags (Can) Desert Rats 23:30:17; 2. Marie Couture/Sophie Ringuet (Can) pneus baloune 33:44; 3. Patricia Sinclair/Chrissy De Vall (Can) Whistler Wildcats 1:00:26; 4. Sarah Stark/ Karen Stark (Can) Stark Sisters 1:48:55; 5. Kristin Hansen/Stephanie Cripps (Can) Pender Racing 2:55:7; Teams of 2 (Open Mixed) 1. Eliza Smyth/ Ben Smyth (Aus) Mr and Mrs Smyth 22:41:01; 2.

Graham Cocksedge/Wendy Cocksedge (Can) But I Get Up Again; 3. Kristen Lobisser/Kyle Lobisser (USA) Ksquared 16:8; 4. Karen Martins/Brian Whatley (Can) Hardcore’s K-Mart and B-Watts 14:26; 5. Ronald Kontek/Jennifer Stratmann (Ger) Turnbeutelvergesser 14:24 www.pedalmag.com

BICYCLE TRAILERS 20+ models to choose – Sleek, Simple, Strong

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W I K E WALK AND BIKE Dealers Wanted To carry both Pedal and Skitrax in your store contact Crystal 416-977-2100 crystal@pedalmag.com

www.pedalmag.com www.skitrax.com FASHION 2017 PEDAL 61

RACING

ROAD

2017 Road Race Wrap Abitibi, GP Gatineau, Beauce, Road Nationals

BY BEN ANDREW

Canadian junior men delivered some strong performances at the 49th edition of the Tour de l’Abitibi, which ran July 18-23 in Amos, Que. and the surrounding region.

Team Canada’s Kurt Penno took the invitational Challenge Sprint victory to kick things off, also winning Stage One ahead of teammate Nicholas Diniz (Team Ontario) for a 1-2 Canadian finish. On Stage Two, Noah Simms from Team Ontario claimed sixth, as Mexico’s Emiliano Mirafuentes Resendez took the win. Ben Katerberg (Cycling BC) led the Canadian charge on Stage Three, placing ninth in the 10km ITT. Mexico topped the podium again.

PASQUALE STALTERI

Tour de l’Abitibi

Women’s final podium at GP Gatineau road race (l-r) Kirsti Lay, Leah Kirchmann, Kendall Ryan.

Karol-Ann Canuel finishing second. American Lauren Stephens (Team TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank) held off two world champions to win the competition. Stephens, who finished fourth last year, finished 3.64 seconds ahead of Canuel and 11.15 seconds in front of American rider Amber Neben (VeloConcept), the reigning Individual time-trial champion.

The next day, Team Canada went 1-2 in the 104km UCI 1.1 Grand Prix Cycliste de Gatineau road race with Leah Kirchmann (Team Canada/Sunweb) and Kirsti Lay (Team Canada/Rally Cycling) taking first and second, respectively. American Kendall Ryan (TIBCOSilicon Valley Bank) rounded out the podium in third. After finishing third last year, Kirchmann timed her final kick to the line perfectly with Lay in tow for a stunning display of Canadian prowess in the closing metres. Other Canadians inside the top 10 included twotime podium finisher Joelle Numainville (Équipe du Québec/Cylance Pro Cycling) in fourth and Karlee Gendron (Rise Racing) in ninth.

Tour de Beauce

Kurt Penno was the top Canadian overall in 7th at the 49th edition of the Tour de l’Abitibi.

VINCENT DROUIN

Canada’s Jordan Cheyne (Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis) finished third overall at the 32nd annual Tour de Beauce on June 14-18 as Latvia’s Andzs Flaksis (Holowesko-Citade p/b Hincapie Racing) took a surprise victory on the final stage.

Gatineau Grand Prix Canada put five riders in the top 10 at the eighth annual 21km Chrono Gatineau UCI 1.1 time trial on May 19, with Team Canada’s 62 PEDAL SPRING/SUMMER 2017

PASQUALE STALTERI

Charles-Étienne Chrétien (Team Canada), the newly crowned National junior road-race champion, was the top Canuck on Stage Four, placing sixth behind winner Richard Holec (LUX/Stradling p/b Specialized) of the Czech Republic, who also claimed Stage Five.

Chrétien was on the podium in third on Stage Six, while Canada’s Gabriel Drapeau Zgoralski (Novo Nordisk) finished fourth on the final Stage Seven.

Penno was the top Canadian overall in seventh, with Robin Plamondon (Team Quebec) finishing 10th. The overall final GC was won by American Riley Sheehan (Etats-Unis), who took the lead following the Stage Three time trial and never looked back.

Final GC podium at the 32nd Tour de Beauce (l-r) Clement Russo, Andzs Flaksis, Jordan Cheyne. www.pedalmag.com

Road Nationals The Canadian Elite, U23 and Junior Road National Championships took place in the National Capital Region again this summer on June 24-28, with exciting racing unfolding on the streets ahead of Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations.

Laurie Jussaume of Équipe du Québec took home her first National title, winning the 70km junior women’s road race over defending champion Erin J. Attwell of Cycling BC, while Chrétien of Équipe du Québec took the 120km junior men’s road-race title.

In the Elite/U23 women’s race, Allison Beverage of Rally Cycling emerged as the winner of the 120km road race, while Catherine Ouellette of The Cyclery-4iiii finished eighth overall and won her first U23 women’s title.

The Elite/U23 men’s race saw torrential downpours and heavy winds plague the field, but this did not stop Rally Cycling’s Dal-Cin from taking his first Elite men’s title. Marc-Antoine Soucy of Garneau-Québecor finished second to Dal-Cin, securing him the U23 men’s title. Soucy has since joined Silber Pro Cycling for the remainder of the 2017 season.

The Individual Time Trial Championships took place in Gatineau Park on June 27, and saw Dana Gilligan of Team Ontario/ Maverix Racing win the junior women’s title and Graydon Staples of Team Ontario/Toronto Hustle take home the junior men’s title.

Sara Poidevin of Rally Cycling took the women’s U23 crown, while Canuel of Boels Dolmans Cycling won the Elite women’s National Championship jersey. Adam Roberge led a Silber Pro Cycling sweep of the U23 men’s podium, and in the Elite men’s event, legendary Canadian hardman Svein Tuft of Orica-Scott captured his record 10th Elite men’s National ITT title.

On the final day of racing during this year’s National Championships, racers took to the streets of Aylmer, Que. to contest the National Criterium title. Maggie Coles-Lyster of TaG Cycling Team took the victory in the junior women’s race, while the junior men’s Criterium was won by Penno of Trek Red Truck Racing.

The Elite women’s Criterium event saw Team Sunweb’s Kirchmann power to victory to reclaim the National jersey, while the final event witnessed Pier-André Coté of Silber Pro Cycling capture the Elite men’s Criterium for a fitting end to the Championships. www.pedalmag.com

PASQUALE STALTERI

Matteo Dal-Cin claimed the biggest win of his career in horrific rainy conditions to win the Elite Men’s road race title at Nationals.

Canadian Road Championships 2017 June 24-28, 2017 – Ottawa, Ont./Gatineau, Que. Elite/U23 Road Race: Men 1. Matteo Dal-Cin (ON, Rally Cycling) 3:43:29; 2. Guillaume Boivin (QC, Israel Cycling Academy); 3. Conor O’Brien (ON, H&R Block Pro Cycling Team); 4. Pierrick Naud (QC, Rally Cycling); 5. Emile Jean (QC, Silber Pro Cycling); Women 1. Allison Beveridge (AB, Rally Cycling) 3:03:22; 2. Kirsti Lay (QC, Rally Cycling); 3. Alison Jackson (BC, BePink-Cogeas); 4. Sara Bergen (BC, Rally Cycling); 5. Steph Roorda (BC, Sho-Air Twenty20); U23 Men 1. Marc-Antoine Soucy (QC, Garneau-Québecor) 3:43:29; 2. Pier-André Coté (QC, Silber Pro Cycling) 0:06; 3. Thierry Kirouac Marcassa (QC, Équipe du Québec); 4. Olivier Brisebois (QC, Garneau-Québecor); 5. Jean-Simon D’Anjou (QC, Garneau-Québecor); U23 Women 1. Catherine Ouellette (QC, The Cyclery-4iiii) 3:03:22; 2. Sara Poidevin (AB, Rally Cycling); 3. Katherine Maine (ON, Rally Cycling) 4:13; 4. Anna Talman (AB, Trek Red Truck Racing); 5. Devaney Collier (AB, Juventus Track Team); Junior Men 1. Charles-Étienne Chrétien (QC, Équipe du Québec) 2:48:34; 2. Félix Boutin (QC, IAMGOLD) 0:01; 3. Michael Foley (ON, Team Ontario/La Bicicletta Cycling Club); 4. Guillaume Davidson (QC, IAMGOLD); 5. Vivien Rindisbacher (ON, NCCH Elite p/b MGCC); Junior Women 1. Laurie Jussaume (QC, Équipe du Québec) 1:54:43; 2. Erin J. Attwell (BC, Cycling BC); 3. Simone Boilard (QC, Équipe du Québec); 4. Sarah Van Dam (BC, Cycling BC); 5. Charlotte Tousignant (QC, Espoirs Élite Primeau Vélo).

Time Trial: Men 1. Svein Tuft (BC, Orica-Scott) 0:48:13; 2. Nigel Ellsay (BC, Silber Pro Cycling) 0:05; 3. Rob Britton (AB, Rally Cycling) 0:22; 4. Matteo Dal-Cin (ON, Rally Cycling) 1:22; 5. Alexander Cataford (ON, UnitedHealthcare Professional Cycling Team) 1:34; Women 1. Karol-Ann Canuel (QC, Boels Dolmans Cycling Team) 0:38:37; 2. Leah Kirchmann (MB, Team Sunweb) 01:17; 3. Kirsti Lay (QC, Rally Cycling) 02:00; 4. Angela Naeth (BC, The Cyclery-4iiii) 02:20;5. Jasmin Glaesser (BC, Sho-Air Twenty20) 02:26; U23 Men 1. Adam Roberge (QC, Silber Pro Cycling) 0:48:49; 2. Nickolas Zukowsky (QC, Silber Pro Cycling) 0:35; 3. Alexander Cowan (AB, Silber Pro Cycling) 0:47; 4. Adam Jamieson (ON, An Post-Chain Reaction) 1:58; 5. Derek Gee (ON, Team RaceClean) 2:20; U23 Women 1. Sara Poidevin (QC, Rally Cycling) 0:40:01; 2. Katherine Maine (ON, Rally Cycling) 01:34; 3. Emily Marcolini (ON, HighGate Racing p/b D’Ornellas) 02:32; 4. Ariane Bonhomme (QC, The Cyclery-4iiii) 03:14; 5. Catherine Ouellette (QC, The Cyclery-4iiii) 03:19; Junior Men 1. Graydon Staples (ON, Team Ontario/Toronto Hustle) 0:37:22; 2. Charles-Étienne Chrétien (QC, Équipe du Québec) 0:16; 3. Chris Ernst (ON, Team Ontario) 0:47; 4. Michael Foley (ON, Team Ontario/La Bicicletta Cycling Club) 01:05; 5. Ethan Palamerek (AB, Team Alberta) 01:25; Junior Women 1. Dana Gilligan (ON, Team Ontario/Maverix Racing) 0:24:22; 2. Laurie Jussaume (QC, Équipe du Québec) 0:14; 3. Erin J. Attwell (BC, Cycling BC) 0:46; 4. Simone Boilard (QC, Équipe du Québec) 0:53; 5. Maggie Coles-Lyster (BC, TaG Cycling Race Team) 01:11.

Criterium: Men 1. Pier-André Coté (QC, Silber Pro Cycling) 1:05:05; 2. Pierrick Naud (QC, Rally Cycling); 3. Félix Cote-Bouvette (QC,[???]Garneau-Québecor); 4. Elliot Doyle (QC,[???]Garneau-Québecor); 5. Derek Gee (ON, Team RaceClean); Women 1. Leah Kirchmann (MB, Team Sunweb) 1:05:43; 2. Steph Roorda (BC, Sho-Air Twenty20); 3. Joelle Numainville (QC, Cylance Pro Cycling); 4. Elisabeth Albert (QC, EC Élite Apogee Sports); 5. Marie-Soleil Blais (Independent); Junior Men 1. Kurt Penno (MB, Trek Red Truck Racing) 52:44; 2. Charles-Étienne Chrétien (QC, Équipe du Québec); 3. Vivien Rindisbacher (ON, NCCH Elite p/b MGCC); 4. Michael Foley (ON, Team Ontario/ La Bicicletta Cycling Club); 5. Guillaume Davidson (QC, IAMGOLD); Junior Women 1.

Maggie Coles-Lyster (BC, TaG Cycling Race Team) 38:33; 2. Erin J. Attwell (BC, Cycling BC); 3. Sarah Van Dam (BC, Cycling BC); 4. Simone Boilard (QC, Équipe du Québec); 5. Charlotte Tousignant (QC, Espoirs Élite Primeau Vélo) 0:01.

PHOTOS: GUY SWARBRICK

Fellow Canuck Jack Burke (Aevolo) was close behind in fourth, while 2016 National road champion Bruno Langlois (GarneauQuébecor) also finished inside the top 10, claiming eighth on the final General Classification.

Canadians factored heavily in this year’s race with Émile Jean (Silber Pro Cycling) taking the victory and the leader’s jersey on Stage One, winning the bunch sprint. On Stage Two, it was fellow Canuck Matteo Dal-Cin (Rally Cycling) who scored a strong solo victory on the grueling slopes of Mont-Megantic, taking the Queen Stage in style.

Next up was young rising Canadian star Alexander Cowan (Silber Pro Cycling), who won the Stage 3a Individual time trial to take over the leader’s jersey as well. Then at the 77km Stage 3b Criterium in downtown Saint-Georges, Olivier Brisebois (Garneau-Québecor) was the top Canadian in seventh, followed by Ryan Roth (Silber Pro Cycling) in eighth, as Christopher Lawless (Axeon Hagens Berman) of Britain took the win.

Dal-Cin grabbed another podium by finishing third on Stage Four, won by American Ian Garrison (Axeon) over countryman Robin Carpenter (Holowesko), as Cowan held on to the lead. Canadian veteran Rob Britton (Rally Cycling) took his first UCI stage win at Beauce in style with a solo victory on the final Stage Five. His attack created havoc in the chasing peloton as Cowan was not able to maintain the pace and Flaksis emerged to take the overall GC victory as another Tour de Beauce came to a close.

FASHION 2017 PEDAL 63

RACING

MTB

Canada MTB Cup 2017

XCO RACE SERIES CHAMPIONS CROWNED

BY SANDRA WALTER

64 PEDAL SPRING/SUMMER 2017

Quinton Disera takes Baie-St-Paul

Sidney McGill (AB, Focus CX Team) also took turns standing at the top of the podium in the junior women’s series. On the junior men’s side, Holden Jones (BC, Cycling BC) and Brody Sanderson (ON, Centurion NextWave) secured a win each, while local rippers Julia Long (BC, Cycling BC) and Jones used their home dirt advantage to win the junior races in Whistler.

Veterans Catharine Pendrel (BC, Clif Pro Team) and Geoff Kabush (BC, Scott-Maxxis) used their vast experience to overcome the competition and a hot and punishing course at the Whistler final, but for most of the season it was a story of breakout performances by up-and-comers.

Jayne Rossworn (BC, RaceFace/Pendrel Racing) picked things up at round two, speeding to her first elite women’s Canada Cup win and straight into the leader’s jersey in her first season of national competition. She was followed closely in second by downhill-skier-turned-biker Emily Unterberger (BC, Cycling BC), who is also fresh on the Canadian MTB racing scene. Rossworn and Unterberger podiumed again in the finale, placing second and third, respectively.

Cindy Montambault triumphs at Hardwood

PETER KRAIKER

L’Esperance wins at Hardwood

PETER KRAIKER

Soren Meeuwisse (ON, Trek Canada) claimed the overall honours in the elite women’s category thanks to exceptional rides in only her second year as a U23, including a second place on her home trails at Hardwood Ski and Bike at round five and third place in rounds three and four in Baie-St-Paul, Que., and Horseshoe Valley, Ont., respectively. Despite being absent in Whistler, she collected enough points to bag her first elite Canada MTB Cup title.

In the elite men’s ranks, Evan Guthrie (BC, Pivot/RaceFace/Kal Tire) nabbed the series win, having posted some blistering early-season races, including a win at round two in Mont-Tremblant, second in round three, and a couple of thirds in rounds five and six. “My races were far from perfect this year, but with the help of many I was able to clinch the Series,” he said after the winners were announced.

Leya Masson (QC, CC Mont-Ste-Anne) and Gunnar Holmgren (ON, Centurion NextWave) took home the junior women’s and men’s titles in spite of sitting out the final, having won two races apiece. Masson’s teammate Roxane Vermette (QC, CC Mont-Ste-Anne) and Alberta’s

Final overall series winners (l-r) Holmgren, Masson, Meeuwisse, Guthrie.

PETER KRAIKER

CROSS COUNTRY

PETER KRAIKER

T

he six-event Canada MTB Cup XCO series kicked off in March again at Bear Mountain in Victoria, BC, and concluded in June at Whistler, BC, crowning this season’s champions.

For downhillers, the action got under way with round one at MontTremblant, Que., round two at Blue Mountain, Ont., and then headed west to conclude at Whistler in August.

www.pedalmag.com

DOWNHILL

the competition, finishing more than 20 seconds ahead of second place, Vaillancourt.

With a mere five points separating Konefal and Vaillancourt, it will all come down to the final in Whistler.

Samuel Thibault (QC, Independent) threw down the fastest elite men’s run in the opening round at Mont-Tremblant, with a time of 3:18.605 that was four seconds speedier than second place, Jonathan Lefrancois (QC, Devinci). With another silver medal in round two, Lefrancois’ consistency paid off in the form of the leader’s jersey with only one event left, although Hugo Langevin (QC, Devinci/Troy Lee/Cycles St-Onge/S4) earned the title of fastest man on the day.

With only three downhill rounds on the Canada Cup schedule this season, the pressure was on to make every race count. It was Sarah Konefal (QC, Independent) who took charge of the elite women’s field from the start in Mont-Tremblant to be the first to don the 2017 series leader’s jersey, posting the fastest run of the day, 2.128 seconds quicker than second place Audrée Vaillancourt (QC, Pivot Cycles/Trees/FiveTeam). Konefal held on to the series lead in round two at Blue Mountain on May 28, despite a third-place finish behind winner American Ella Skalwold (USA, Vermont Mountain Bike Tours/POC/ RaceFace). Skalwold absolutely blew away

Canada MTB Cup 2017

Samuel Thibault and Sarah Konefal took an early lead in the DH Series.

The third event of the series in Baie-StPaul saw Maghalie Rochette (QC, Clif Pro Team) taker her first-ever elite women’s Canada MTB Cup victory, while Haley Smith (ON, Norco Factory Team) grabbed her inaugural win of the season in the fourth round at Horseshoe Valley Resort. Cindy Montambault (QC, Trek GPL) pedaled to gold the following weekend at the penultimate round on Hardwood’s fast and flowy trails.

The elite men’s category also saw a bunch of young guns making their marks with podium rides. Raphael Auclair (QC, Pivot-OTE) earned a third place in Tremblant, while Quinton Disera (ON, Norco Factory Team) powered to first in Baie-St-Paul, followed by Guthrie in second and young dark horse Davis Ross (ON, AWI Racing) in third. Quinton Disera went on to nab fourth on his home trails in Horseshoe Valley, as his big brother, Peter Disera (ON, Norco Factory Team), secured the “W”. Andrew L’Esperance (NS, Forward Racing) showed his strength at Hardwood, taking his second career elite men’s Canada Cup victory and his first with his newly formed squad, while U23 speedsters Marc-Andre Fortier (QC, Pivot-OTE) and Sean Fincham (BC, Forward Racing) threw down huge rides to pull off fourth and fifth in the elite competition, respectively. www.pedalmag.com

CYCLING CANADA

XCO Final Overall Standings Elite Women: 1. Soren Meeuwisse (ON, Trek Canada) 740 points, 2. Jayne Rossworn (BC, RaceFace / Pendrel Racing) 600, 3. Marine Lewis (QC) 515; Elite Men: Evan Guthrie (BC, Pivot/RaceFace/Kal Tire) 805 points, 2. Quinton Disera (ON, Norco Factory Team) 670, 3. Derek Zandstra (ON, Cannondale 3Rox Racing) 505; Junior Women: 1. Leya Masson (QC, CC Mont-Ste-Anne) 345 points, 2. Roxane Vermette (QC, CC Mont-Ste-Anne) 275, 3. Dana Gilligan (ON, Team Ontario/Progressive Sport p/b 3Rox/Maverix Racing) 275; Junior Men: 1. Gunnar Holmgren (ON, Centurion NextWave) 345 points, 2. Holden Jones (BC, Cycling BC) 330, 3. Brody Sanderson (ON, Centurion NextWave) 325.

Downhill Standings after two of three events Elite Women: 1. Sarah Konefal (QC, Independent) 355 points, 2. Audrée Vaillancourt (QC, Pivot Cycles/ Trees/FiveTeam) 350, 3. Maxine Bergeron (QC, Independent) 285; Elite Men: 1. Jonathan Lefrancois (QC, Devinci) 350 points, 2. Benjamin Despres-Morin (QC, Roost Racing / Sports Aux Puces) 295, 3.

Philippe Ricard (QC, Major Cycles/Devinci) 290.

Year Round Coverage 17 Winter 2016/

SPRING/SUM MER 2017

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MTB

UCI MTB World Cup 2017 Update

T

he UCI MTB World Cup has been spectacular, with shakeups in both disciplines, as well as multiple podiums from Canadian riders. Junior men’s DH superstar Finn Iles (CAN, Specialized) has four wins out of five events so far. In XCO, Peter Disera (CAN, Norco Factory Team) has been turning heads with a strong World Cup campaign, highlighted by a bronze medal in Albstadt, Germany

XCO With four of six UCI World Cups in the bag, Yana Belomoina (UKR, CST Sandd American Eagle) holds the elite women’s overall after landing on the podium in each and winning rounds two and three in Albstadt and Vallnord, Andorra. Meanwhile, Nino Schurter’s (SUI, Scott-SRAM) lead is nearly insurmountable as the 2016 Olympic and World champ closes in on setting a record for being the first elite man to win every World Cup in one season.

The elite women’s series has been extremely exciting with deep competition and lots of action. When Annie Last (GBR, OMX Pro Team) won at the fourth stop in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, she made history as the first British woman to win a World Cup in 20 years.

It also marked an incredible comeback for the young rider, who has faced her share of obstacles during the past few years. Annika Langvad (DEN, Specialized) started 2017 strong with a win at the first event in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic, where she earned her rainbow stripes last year, but she has struggled with consistency since.

The Canadian women have had some highs and lows this season, with Emily Batty (CAN, Trek Factory Racing) logging the best result – a fifth place in round three in Andorra. Olympic bronze medalist Catharine Pendrel (CAN, Clif Pro Team) hasn’t found her rhythm yet as she tries to shed some bad luck and regain her winning edge. Pendrel’s best result in the series to this point is 10th place in Lenzerheide.

66 PEDAL FASHION 2017

While Schurter’s domination may sound boring, the elite men’s races have been anything but, with several challengers rising to the task and trying to find gaps in the Swiss rider’s armour. First it was David Valero (ESP, MMR Factory Racing Team) who put up the biggest fight, finishing second in Nove Mesto, only 26 seconds behind. One of Schurter’s most interesting adversaries this year has been 22-year-old cyclo-cross phenom Mathieu van der Poel (NED, Beobank-Corendon), who led the Swiss star for part of round two in Albstadt to eventually finish second at 26 seconds. Notably, the previous weekend in Nove Mesto, van der Poel started in 90th position, catapulted himself into eighth place in the end, and tied with Schurter for the fastest lap time. In Lenzerheide, van der Poel once again took turns on the front, but eventually faded to 10th, as Jaroslav Kulhavy (CZE, Specialized) came out of nowhere to finish a surprising second, setting the fastest lap of the entire race on the final circuit to cross the line a mere three seconds in arrears.

The Canadian men’s contingent has had a tough go so far this season as they battle to score points in a ruthless field. They are led by Olympian Leandre Bouchard (CAN, BH-SR Suntour-KMC), whose best result is a stellar 16th in Albstadt. He is ranked 25th in the overall.

The rivalry is intense in the U23 women’s series, as the winner of rounds one and four and runner up in the other two, Kate Courtney (USA, Specialized), leads by only 40 points over second and third, Sina Frei (SUI, JB Brunex Felt Team) and Evie Richards (GBR, Great Britain Academy Team), who have one win each. The top Canadian in the mix is Anne-Julie Tremblay (CAN, Cyclone d’Alma Team Canada) in 26th overall after a breakout 16th-place finish in Albstadt.

Canada’s Disera started his season fast out of the gate, landing a top 10 in Nove Mesto and setting the tone for his podium the following weekend. He went on to nab seventh in Vallnord and 10th in Lenzerheide. Currently fourth in the overall, he’s only eight points behind third place, Petter Fagerhaug (NOR, Team Norway).

A different rider has won each round so far with Fagerhaug taking the opening round, while second overall in the standings, Nadir Colledani (ITA, Torpado Gabogas), sped to the top step of the

MICHAL CERVENY

Emily Batty celebrates her fifth place at round three in Andorra

MICHAL CERVENY

BY SANDRA WALTER

Peter Disera (r) earns his first U23 men’s podium in Albstadt, Germany. www.pedalmag.com

Canada’s Finnley Iles has four out of five victories to lead the Junior Men’s DH Series.

podium in the second event. Former Junior World Champ Simon Andreassen (DEN, Specialized) earned victory in Vallnord and series leader Martins Blums (LAT, ZZK) reigned supreme in Lenzerheide.

DH The elite women’s ranks saw an upheaval of epic proportions when world number one Rachel Atherton’s (GBR, Trek Factory Racing DH) marathon winning streak was broken in Fort William, Scotland, during final training. She crashed and was unable to take to the track for the round two final with a dislocated shoulder. This left the door open for a charging Tracey Hannah (AUS, Polygon UR), who had finished a close second behind Atherton in round one in Lourdes, France. In Scotland, Hannah earned the second World Cup win of her career by over 10 seconds. The field was unsettled by Atherton’s absence, and it was Tahnee Seagrave’s (GBR, Transition Bikes / FMD Factory Racing) on the top step for round three in Leogang. When Atherton returned to racing for round four in Andorra, she lacked her trademark aggressive style. Her tentative riding left her in fourth place, while Myriam Nicole (FRA, Commencal / Vallnord) took the victory. On a roll, Nicole did it again on stop five in Lenzerheide. Miranda Miller (CAN, Specialized) has the best Canadian finish so far this season with a sixth in Lourdes, but she’s since been hampered by a knee injury. Vaea Verbeek (CAN, Rocky Mountain) is the highest ranked Canuck in the series in 12th.

The elite men’s racing has been heated too. The legend Greg Minnaar (RSA, Santa Cruz Syndicate) captured his 20th career World Cup victory in Fort William on a 29er. He would take his 21st in Lenzerheide, along with the series lead, but in the season opener, the big favourites were shafted by Mother Nature when torrential rain hit in Lourdes partway through the men’s final, quickly rendering the course a quagmire. A good run and luck with the weather allowed Alexandre Fayolle (FRA, Polygon UR) to take his first ever World Cup triumph, followed in second by Canadian speedster Mark Wallace (CAN, Canyon Factory Racing DH). It’s been a thrilling season, with lots different faces on the podium. In Leogang, Aaron Gwin threw down the quickest run (USA, The YT Mob), while Troy Brosnan (AUS, Canyon Factory Racing DH) owned Fort William.

The junior men’s World Champion, Canada’s Iles, only had one blip in his season so far – a second place in Fort William. In all the other stops, he rolled through with the fastest time and has a commanding lead in the series, while Melanie Chappaz (FRA, Dorval AM Nicolai) leads the junior women’s standings. There are no Canadians competing in the junior women’s category this season. www.pedalmag.com

XCO overall standings after four events Elite Women: 1. Yana Belomoina (UKR, American Eagle / CST) 800 points, 2.

Maja Wloszczowska (POL, Kross Team) 610, 3. Linda Indergand (SUI, Focus XC Team) 560; Canadians: 8. Emily Batty (CAN, Trek Factory Racing) 427, 17. Catharine Pendrel (CAN, Clif Pro Team) 311, 29. Sandra Walter (CAN, Liv Cycling Canada / Team Canada) 196, 31. Haley Smith (CAN, Norco Factory Team) 173, 43. Cindy Montambault (CAN, Trek GPL / Team Canada) 100, 45. Catherine Fleury (CAN, Specialized / Cyclone d’Alma / Team Canada) 92, 64. Rebecca Beaumont (CAN, Peppermint Cycling) 34; Elite Men: 1.

Nino Schurter (SUI, Scott-SRAM) 1,000 points, 2. Maxime Marotte (FRA, Cannondale Factory Racing XC) 560, 3. David Valero (ESP, MMR Factory Racing Team) 552, Canadians: 25. Leandre Bouchard (CAN, BH-SR SuntourKMC) 189, 49. Derek Zandstra (CAN, Cannondale 3Rox) 108, 73. Raphael Gagne (CAN, Cannondale 3Rox) 27; U23 Women: 1. Kate Courtney (USA, Specialized) 320 points, 2. Sina Frei (SUI, JB Brunex Felt Team) 280, 3. Evie Richards (GBR, Great Britain Academy Team) 280, Canadians: 26. Anne-Julie Tremblay (CAN, Cyclone d’Alma / Team Canada) 12; U23 Men: 1. Martins Blums (LAT, ZZK) 260 points, 2. Nadir Colledani (ITA, Torpado Gabogas) 203, 3. Petter Fagerhaug (NOR, Team Norway) 147; Canadians: 4. Peter Disera (CAN, Norco Factory Team) 139.

Downhill overall standings after five events Elite Women: 1. Myriam Nicole (FRA, Commencal / Vallnord) 980 points, 2.

Tracey Hannah (AUS, Polygon UR) 900, 3. Tahnee Seagrave (GBR, Transition Bikes / FMD Factory Racing) 819, Canadians: 12. Vaea Verbeek (CAN, Rocky Mountain) 215, 13. Miranda Miller (CAN, Specialized) 197; Elite Men: 1. Greg Minnaar (RSA, Santa Cruz Syndicate) 902, 2. Troy Brosnan (AUS, Canyon Factory Racing DH) 742, 3. Aaron Gwin (USA, The YT Mob) 649; Junior Women: 1. Melanie Chappaz (FRA, Dorval AM Nicolai) 220 points, 2. Paula Zibasa (LAT) 120, 3. Megan James (GBR) 120; Junior Men: 1. Finn Iles (CAN, Specialized) 280 points, 2. Matt Walker (GBR, Madison Saracen Factory Team) 140, 3. Sylvain Cougoureux (FRA, Les Gets Intense Team) 115.

Canada’s Miranda Miller claimed sixth in Lourdes, FRA.

MICHAL CERVENY

MICHAL CERVENY

UCI MTB World Cup 2017

FASHION 2017 PEDAL 67

RACING

MTB 2017 MTB XCO Nationals

13 Champions Crowned

BY JACK CRACKER

ELITE WOMEN The six-lap Elite women’s race saw Pendrel drilling it from the start with Batty on her wheel, while Haley Smith (Norco Factory) led as one of three chasers that included Maghalie Rochette (QC, Clif Pro Team) and Sandra Walter (BC, Liv Cycling Canada).

The two veteran World Cup racers were in a league of their own, quickly gaining 30 seconds on the chasers, keeping the pace high until the end with Pendrel at the front. Behind them, Smith escaped from her rivals to ride most of the race alone.

Fans were stoked to see another Pendrel-Batty showdown, but this time Batty would not get dropped near the end. Instead, she attacked the former world champion with half a lap remaining to solidly defend her title, as Pendrel could not respond.

CHRIS REDDEN

F

ans were treated to superb racing on July 22-23 at the 2017 Canadian MTB XCO Championships p/b Lexus Canada at Alberta’s Canmore Nordic Centre. The Elite races featured nail-biting sprint finishes that highlighted the 13 titles awarded.

Emily Batty (ON, Trek Factory XC) defended her women’s title against perennial rival Catharine Pendrel (BC, Clif Pro Team) in a neck-and-neck race to the finish. Then U23 rider Peter Disera (ON, Norco Factory) claimed his first Elite men’s title in a riveting race against former champion Raphael Gagné (QC, Cannondale-3 U23 and Elite Men’s andnear Women’s champions (l-r) Rox), who crashed the end.

Sean Emily Batty, Petercross-country-skiing Disera, Jennifer Jackson events, the spectacSiteFincham, of the 1988 Olympic ular Canmore venue features the stunning Kananaskis Country mountains as a backdrop leading into Banff National Park. The upgraded circuit was shortened from 6.8km to 4km, reflecting the change to shorter courses at the World Cup and World Championship level.

men’s and women’s champions (l-r): Sean Fincham, Emily Batty, Disera and Jennifer Jackson

“It was not an easy race by any means,” agreed Batty. “I rode my hardtail and I was questioning a little bit whether that was the right choice because it is such a technical, bumpy course, but it was rocketing up the climbs. Catharine didn’t make it easy; the two of us set a really high pace right from the start. I found through the course of the race that I was feeling really good. I knew I was going to put an effort in on one of the climbs at some point, and I chose a spot where I felt strong and punched it.”

ELITE MEN The Elite men’s start line was stacked with plenty of contenders, including former champions and upstarts such as Disera, who was granted permission to race in the Elite category instead of the U23 men. Defending champion Derek Zandstra (ON, Cannondale-3 Rox) was an unlikely repeat as he and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their first child.

Disera, who earned his first U23 World Cup podium this season, attacked on the opening climb, with only Léandre Bou­ chard able to respond. Raphael Gagné and Evan McNeely (ON, Forward Racing-Norco) soon bridged with veteran Geoff Kabush (BC, Scott-Maxxis), Evan Guthrie (BC, Race Face/Pivot-OTE/Kal

Canadian MTB XCO Championships 2017 July 22-23, 2017 – Canmore, Alta.

Elite Men 1. Peter Disera (ON, Norco Factory Team XC) 1:32:18.5; 2. Raphael Gagné (QC, Cannondale-3 Rox) 1:33:07.6; 3. Léandre Bouchard (QC, BH SR Suntour KMC) 1:34:50.4; 4. Evan McNeely (ON, Forward Racing-Norco) 1:35:41.7; 5. Geoff Kabush (BC) 1:36:22.7; Elite Women 1. Emily Batty (ON, Trek Factory Racing) 1:32:53.7; 2. Catharine Pendrel (BC, Clif Pro Team) 1:33:43.0; 3. Haley Smith (ON, Norco Factory Team XC) 1:35:25.3; 4. Maghalie Rochette (QC, Clif Pro Team) 1:41:56.9; 5. Sandra Walter (BC, Liv Cycling Canada) 1:42:18.4; U23 Men 1. Sean Fincham (BC, Forward Racing-Norco) 1:23:02.8; 2. Raphael Auclair (QC, Pivot Cycles-OTE) 1:23:42.1; 3. Quinton Disera (ON, Norco Factory Team XC) 1:23:52.6; 4. Félix Longpré (QC, Équipe du Québec/Club Cycliste MSA) 1:23:55.3; 5. Marc-Andre Fortier (QC, Pivot Cycles-OTE) 1:25:35.5; U23 Women 1. Jennifer Jackson (ON, AWI Racing) 1:27:20.1; 2. Mackenzie Myatt (NS, Team Nova Scotia) 1:29:06.1; 3. Sophianne Samson (QC, Équipe du Québec/Sigma Assurances) 1:33:29.1; 4. Soren Meeuwisse (ON, Trek Canada) 1:35:45.1; 5. Laurie Arseneault (QC, La Cordée) 1:36:57.5; Junior Men 1. Brody Sanderson (ON, Team Ontario/ Centurion Next Wave) 1:08:51.1; 2. Gunnar Holmgren (ON, Team Ontario/ Centurion Next Wave) 1:10:17.4; 3. Holden Jones (BC, Cycling BC) 1:11:40.8; Junior Women 1. Roxane Vermette (QC, Équipe du Québec/Club Cycliste MSA) 1:10:10.1; 2. Marianne Théberge (QC, Mathieu Performance) 1:12:29.1; 3. Dana Gilligan (ON, Team Ontario/Maverix Racing) 1:13:18.5; Cadet Men 1. CharlesAntoine St-Onge (QC, Équipe du Québec/Dalbix) 58:12.3; 2. Carter Woods (BC, 68 PEDAL FASHION 2017

Cycling BC/Dodge City Cycles) 58:15.8; 3. Colton Woods (ON, Team Ontario/Trek Store CC) 59:51.4; Cadet Women 1. Julianne Sarrazin (QC, C3 Vélo Pays d’en Haut) 57:21.2; 2. Kaitlyn Shikaze (ON, Team Ontario/Cyclepath Oakville) 59:51.7; 3. Laurence Levesque (QC, Cyclone d’Alma) 1:00:53; Team Relay 1. Norco Factory Team XC (Quinton Disera, Gunnar Holmgren, Haley Smith, Peter Disera) 48:57; 2. Team Quebec 1 (Félix Longpré, Philippe Truchon, Cindy Montambault, Felix Longpre) 1:42; 3. Team Pivot Cycle-OTE (Raphael Auclair, Felix Belhumeur, Frederique Trudel, Marc-Andre Fortier) 1:56; 4. Cycling BC Eh (Holden Jones, Rhys Verner, Emilly Johnston, Evan Guthrie) 2:48; 5. Team Ontario “Dream Team” (Brody Sanderson, Colton Woods, Erica Leonard, Tyler Clark) 3:26; Masters 30-39 Women 1. Amy Woodward-Kennedy (AB, Cyclemeisters/Bow Cycle) 1:16:38.1; 2. Jay Smith (AB, Velocity CC) - 1 lap; DNS Caitlin Callaghan (AB, Hardcore CC); Masters 40+ Women 1. Shawna Donaldson (AB, Synergy Racing) 1:24:33.7; 2. Michelle Jackman (AB, Terrascape Racing) 1:26:57.8; 3. Heather King (AB, Canmore Cycling Culture) 1:29:42.5; 4. Sandy Metzger (ON, Angry Johnny’s Evolution p/b Norco) -1 lap; Masters 30-39 Men 1. Dylan Bailey (BC) 1:16:28.6; 2. Eric Jeannotte (QC, Ultime Vélo) 1:16:57.9; 3. Drummond Lawson (BC) 1:20:04.1; Masters 40-49 Men 1. Ryan Pannell (BC, Fresh Air Concept/Red Devils) 1:14:03.3; 2. Eric Tourville (QC, Limited Air Lousse Private Club) 1:14:34.6; 3. Ian Auld (AB, Planet Foods/Honey Stinger) 1:18:56.9; Masters 50+ Men 1. Don Larsen (BC, Spoke Bike and Ski) 1:05:36.5; 2. Peter Lawrence (AB, Soul Sportif) 1:08:16.7; 3. Greg Clark (ON, Centurion Next Wave) 1:08:34.0. www.pedalmag.com

Tire) and Andrew L’Esperance (NS, Forward Racing-Norco) taking up the chase.

Disera and Gagné established a pace the others could not match as the two battled until the end before Gagné faltered on one of the final descents and suffered a hard crash. Disera powered ahead to solo in and claim his first Elite men’s National title.

“My decision to race up stemmed from UCI points,” explained Disera. “A top-five [in Elite] would earn more points then winning the Under-23 title. We decided as a team that I could mix it up with the Elites. I was a bit of a wild card because none of them had really raced me, so I just took the bull by the horns and gave ‘er from the go.

“I felt really good, and Dre [Bouchard] went with me. Coming into the second lap, Raph [Gagné] came out of nowhere, so there were three of us. Going into the last three laps, I started throwing down attacks, and Dre just fell off the back. I felt good and wanted to dictate the pace so I stayed at the front. I knew Raph was going to attack and I was able to follow and then get to the front before the descent.

Unfortunately, he had a little mishap, but I was ready for a sprint.”

Catch the Feeling...

(l-r): Brody Sanderson, Roxane Vermette, Julianne Sarrazin and Charles-Antoine St-Onge

DREW GOLDSACK

Canada’s cycling hubs

U23/JUNIORS Jennifer Jackson (AWI Racing) of Oro-Medonte, Ont. won the women’s Under-23 jersey, while Sean Fincham (Forward RacingNorco) of Squamish, B.C. claimed the Under-23 men’s crown again.

Jackson is a notable cross-country skier and landed her first title with stellar riding, while Fincham defended his jersey as the strongest U23 rider in the men’s field.

Roxanne Vermette (Équipe du Québec) of St-Ferrol-les-Neiges, Que. won the junior women’s title, with Charles-Antoine St-Onge (Équipe du Québec) of St-Denis-de-Brompton, Que. taking home the junior men’s Maple Leaf jersey.

TEAM RELAY In the Team Relay on Day Two, Norco Factory Team won the title decisively, finishing almost two minutes ahead of Team Quebec, with Pivot Cycle-OTE finishing third. Norco had a team stacked with Championship-medal winners and was the favourite. Under-23 bronze medalist Quinton Disera went first, followed by junior silver medalist Gunnar Holmgren, then Elite women’s bronze medalist Smith, and finally Elite men’s champion Peter Disera. The team took the lead in the opening lap and was never challenged.

MASTERS Amy Woodward-Kennedy (AB, Cyclemeisters/Bow Cycle) won the Masters 30-39 women’s title, while Shawna Donaldson (AB, Synergy Racing) won the Masters 40+ women’s jersey. In the Masters 30-39 men’s race, it was Dylan Bailey (BC) claiming the title, with Ryan Pannell (BC, Fresh Air Concept/Red Devils) winning the Masters 40-49 men’s competition and Don Larsen (BC, Spoke Bike and Ski) taking the Masters 50+ men’s title. www.pedalmag.com

www.fqsc.net

ontariocycling.org

cyclingbc.net

albertabicycle.ab

saskcycling.ca

velo.nb.ca

cycling.mb.ca

bicycle.ns.ca

Cycling Yukonnaise Association Association of Yukon Cycliste

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www.cyclingcanada.ca FASHION 2017 PEDAL 69

Backpedaling

Legendary Albert Martz

BY WILLIAM HUMBER

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www.shockdoc.ca 70 PEDAL FASHION 2017

Niagara long-distance cyclist Albert Martz logged nearly 350,000km in his lifetime.

before transitioning into a successful real estate agent. His reputation was always of one who worked hard, treated people honestly and loved to laugh.”

It was cycling, however, which would claim his enthusiasm as a man in his forties.

“He suffered from insomnia all his life,” Conny recalled. “So early each morning, it was off to Tim Hortons for coffee, a journey he quickly upgraded by means of a bicycle.

Most of us might have stopped there but not my dad. At the age of 55, he went out to southern California and cycled across the American panhandle to northern Florida over a period of 27 days.”

For the rest of his life, long-distance cycling was just something he took for granted. His wife Elizabeth, who predeceased him by seven years, kept ample records from their home base.

“Regardless of where he was riding, he’d call her every night with the details of how many kilometres he’d ridden and where he was staying. She kept copious notes which I’m so fortunate to have.”

The most memorable of these long journeys was no doubt his solo cross-Canada tour in 2007 at the age of 71. Starting out from Vancouver and riding 160km a day (or 00 miles, the classic century) he reached Halifax 41 days later, never failing to call home with updates. It meant finding a phone booth, because he never had a cellphone.

PEDALMAG.COM

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distinctive handlebar moustache, a simple baseball cap and a wonderful outlook on life were the true calling cards of legendary Niagara long-distance cyclist Albert Martz. No wonder more than 300 well-wishers attended his funeral in March of this year.

He touched so many people, from coworkers in business to those he might have seen briefly and then never again, on his cross-country cycles.

Daughter Conny Hermelink shared these and other memories of her father, a man born in 1936 in West Prussia.

“His family, parents and their 10 children were separated through the trauma of war, but eventually reunited and moved to northern Germany,” she told me recently. “After completing a blacksmith apprenticeship as a young man, 18-yearold Albert and an older brother boarded a ship to Canada. With only a few dollars in his pocket and a willingness to work hard, he held several jobs until he completed his tinsmith requirements. He became well known throughout the Niagara Region as the owner and operator of a heating and airconditioning company for almost 20 years,

“Every year he’d do an around-the-lake ride,” recalls Conny. “Lake Erie one year, Lake Ontario the next. And on the summer solstice, the year’s longest day of sunlight, he’d see how far he could go, but 400km was his average. He cycled for the sheer enjoyment. While Albert was a longstanding member of the Niagara Freewheelers, he was not interested in racing or competing but often took part in fund-raising events, like the TD Five Boro Bike Tour in New York or the Big Move Cancer ride.”

Perhaps his greatest accomplishment, however, was his neighbourhood prowling for empty liquor bottles and beer cans, which could be turned in for a few dollars at the liquor store. Riding in the early morning he’d find these discarded items, store them in a safe, somewhat hidden place along the road and then return later in his car to pick them up. The money he’d earn in a year could range from $3,000 to $5,000 and it went to a worthy cause. Albert donated this money to a special program for pastors in Cuba to buy bicycles to make their way among their often dispersed congregation.

It might even have got to the point that locals in Niagara would leave a few extra bottles by the wayside to support Albert’s tireless quest to help others.

Time and illness finally caught up with Albert in his last year. His memory was fading and he also had an undiagnosed medical issue which would claim his life.

“I finally had to take his bike away last October (2016),” Conny says. “He was having trouble remembering where he was and often had to ask for help in getting home on his bike. Nevertheless, he’d often refer to me as the person who took away his bike. It’s been calculated, however, that over his lifetime he went nearly 350,000km, or enough to get him to the moon and beyond!”

For Albert Martz, cycling was a means of rejuvenating and restoring himself. In the process he made friends and renewed acquaintances with the long-distance cycling fraternity. His cheerful attitude and zest for life left others with encounters for which he might not even have known the delight he had brought. It was an outstanding way this one man lived his life! www.pedalmag.com

Sportif Stieda Cycle of Adversity

BY ALEX STIEDA

www.pedalmag.com

impossible gap during a sprint. Consequently, I did crash a lot in my younger years. The easy way out was to put the blame on the other riders but I was able to be retrospective and realize that I needed to change how I approached these situations to try and avoid future conflicts. Some race situations are truly beyond control, but for the most part, changing the way I raced started to help me be a better and safer bike rider. For example, I began to ‘read’ the other riders and understand who was safe to ride behind. I rode closer to the front of the group where the better riders were always positioned.

The back of the pack was where the dangerous riding was, and making the extra effort to ride up front gave me the added bonus of putting me in a winning position.

I’ve also had my share of adversity personally. Making the transition from a full-time professional athlete to a business person was probably one of the hardest things I’ve had to do.

No one really prepares for this radical change in lifestyle and it was certainly a shock to stop riding every day and start selling bicycles the next.

Again, I was able to look inwardly and rely on the lessons I’d learned from racing and training. I broke the necessary skills down into manageable chunks, so that I didn’t feel overwhelmed.

I learned solution sales skills, and CRM software and spreadsheets became second Rookie crash on the nature! In retrospect, Galibier in France in 1986. being forced into the necessary changes broadened my world view and I’ve been able to apply my athletic experience to the business world.

Everyone has experiences that they can draw upon as they move forward through life’s ever-changing and evolving challenges. The key for me has always been to reflect and bring forward lessons that I’ve learned in the past that I can apply to current situations.

It’s a full life cycle of facing adversity head on, breaking down the challenges and sometimes making mistakes as you work towards overcoming things and, hopefully, learning and improving yourself over time. Turn the cycle of adversity into your secret advantage.

COURTESY OF ALEX STIEDA

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any of us have faced adversity in our lives… if you’ve ridden your bike for any length of time you are sure to have gone through some tough times, be it an injury from overtraining, a crash or simply burnout. Of course, there are many other sources of adversity in our lives from personal health to family, career and friends.

The dictionary defines “adversity” as “difficulties; misfortune.”

Interestingly, the Latin origin of adversity is defined as “to turn toward”. In other words, it was recognized you need to face your problems head on. Adversity also causes high stress levels which stimulate the nervous system and adrenal glands. Many times, we may react to adversity in ways that we had never considered.

However, I believe that the key from suffering an adversity in your life is to learn from these difficult times to help you become a better athlete and person – what I call the ‘cycle of adversity’.

Over my cycling career as well as my personal life, I have been faced with many challenges and difficult times. I believe that racing my bike has taught me a lot about how to deal with these stressors and I hope that I can share some of those lessons with you here.

As a full-time bike racer, we raced on average 100 race days a year. I often say that if I read a race correctly, I could put myself in a winning position about 20% of the time. Of those races, I was able to win about five of them… That’s a 95% loss rate, which can be stressful in itself when your job is to win races. In this case, it was important to step back and look at the big picture and realize that if each of my 15 teammates won five races, we would be winning over 50% of the races we entered. Those feelings of loss can be replaced with inner pride of having contributed to the team as a whole.

The more races you enter, the more chance there is of crashing.

It’s just a fact. As a junior cyclist, I was sticking my nose into places that I probably shouldn’t have, such as trying to ‘slam’ and pass on the inside of a corner during a criterium or trying to pass through an

FASHION 2017 PEDAL 71

Last Word

Cycling Safety on City Roads Education and Cleaning House Come First

BY CURT HARNETT

O

n a recent trip to London, the topic of bike lanes and shared roads came to my mind. Not because I was sitting under a tree in the English countryside sipping tea but because I was reminded by the narrow winding roads as I drove on the ‘other’ side of the road as to how much we cyclists throw ourselves to the wolves.

Our expectation is that the UK is the new home of cycling internationally. We collectively witness their success on the international stage, be it at the Olympics, World Tour events or the Tour de France. Perhaps we are a bit envious. Maybe just a bit.

With this, coupled with the record membership that the UK Cycling Federation enjoys and the anecdotal evidence as to the sheer number of bike riders out on the roads – be it countryside or city – one would think that UK cyclists are enjoying a utopian level of acceptance. Yet if you read the local papers, they are not.

A trial just concluded in the UK involving a young man who was riding his fixie (a fixed-gear bike, for those who may not be familiar – which is illegal to ride in the UK unless a front brake is attached) in East London and collided with a pedestrian who was crossing the street (not at a designated crossing). That pedestrian, a mother of three, later died as a result of her injuries.

The public outcry was such that authorities had to dig deep to charge the bike rider with manslaughter and “causing grievous harm by wanton and furious driving” under the 150-year old Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, which was designed more for horse-drawn carriages than bicycles. Ultimately, the bike rider was cleared of the manslaughter charge but convicted of the (lesser) crime of wanton and furious driving.

I don’t have enough space to get into the details of the incident, but what peaked my interest the most out of this entire tragedy was the tone of the media coverage, which was heavily weighted against the rider of the bike. For example, the last headline I saw in 72 PEDAL FASHION 2017

TORONTO.CA

To achieve cycling safety on public roads we must educate and monitor our own actions as “cyclists” to get our house in order.

The Times of London was “Killer cyclist facing two years in jail.”

The public, at least from the media’s perspective, seems to be fed up with bike riders using ‘their’ roads and not following the appropriate laws. This, perhaps, should be a warning to cyclists on this side of the pond.

Maybe I am bit over-sensitive to all of this, but I get the feeling that the public isn’t distinguishing between operator and vehicle when they read the headline “Cyclist kills pedestrian” in the same way they would if the headline read “Driver kills pedestrian.”

I am an advocate of bike lanes in Toronto. I am an advocate of bike lanes everywhere. Ultimately, I am an advocate of the bicycle and the need to build the proper infrastructure to keep everyone safe and people moving.

Last year, my daughter wanted to ride her bike to school. Of course, I was excited about this but also nervous as we would have to ride on one of Toronto’s busiest streets to get there. This street is a two-lane (each direction) road with a dedicated bike lane (unprotected at the time) in each direction and is full of both car and bicycle traffic at the time we would need to be on it. It is rush hour.

Here’s the shocker. Were the cars her greatest threat? No. It was the cyclists.

Are you kidding me? In an effort to get to her school safely, I had to ride my bike in the bike lane behind my daughter protecting her like I had to protect my spot in the lineup behind the derny during a keirin race! Honestly, I was in shock.

My point? Before we slide into being public enemy number one on the roads here in Canada, I feel we need to do more to educate and monitor our own actions as “cyclists” and get our house in order before we start asking the public for money to build luxuries like dedicated bike lanes.

Yeah, it took me awhile to get there, but I did. www.pedalmag.com

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