01.29.11 - FRENCH TAKES OVER PODIUM IN JUNIOR RACE AT CYCLO-CROSS WORLDS

Canadian Yohan Patry top Canadian with 35th place

(January 29, 2011 – St. Wendel, GER) The 2011 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships kicked off on Saturday in St. Wendel, Germany, with the presentation of the Men’s junior and U23 races. The French riders took over the podium in the junior race, winning all three medals, while the Dutch riders dominated the U23 race, taking the first two spots in the U23 race.

Canadian Yohan Patry of St-Jéromoe, QC was Canada’s top cyclist to cross the finish line, finishing his rookie World championships appearance in 35th position. Yohan was 4 minutes 22 seconds behind the winner and new World Champion.

« I started the race at the back of the group, and rode conservatively. I was also very lucky not to be involved in any crash,” admitted Patry after the race. “ I am very satisfied with my race, and hope to come back at the Worlds next year.”

French cyclist Clément Venturini won the World Championships title in the junior category, crossing the line with a time of 44 minutes 31 seconds. He was followed by his countrymen and twin brothers Fabien Doubay and Loic Doubay, who both crossed the line with the same time, 15 seconds behind Venturini.

Karl Hoppner of Carp, Ontario, was 41st. Canadian Champion Benjamin Perry of St. Catharines, Ontario, who suffered from two mechanical issues with his chain during the race, finished in 54th place.

In the U23 race, no Canadian took to the start. Dutch rider Lars Van Der Haar won the World Championships title stopping the clock at 52 minutes 01 seconds in an exciting sprint finish.

Van Der Haar was followed closely to the finish line by teammate Mike Teunissen and by Karel Hnik of the Czech Republic, who both crossed the finish line with the same time, one second behind the winner.

The 2011 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships continues tomorrow with the presentation of the two featured Elite races for both men’s (11am local time) and women’s (2pm local).

The Canadian Cycling Association is the governing body for competitive cycling in Canada. Founded in 1882, the CCA aims to create and sustain an effective system that develops talented Canadian cyclists to achieve Olympic, Paralympic and World Championship medal performances.

With the vision to be a leading competitive cycling nation by 2020 celebrating enhanced international success, increased a participation and world class event hosting, the CCA manages the National teams, hosts national and international events, and administers community programs to promote Cycling in Canada. For more information, please visit: www.canadian-cycling.com.