April 21/12 9:05 am - FQSC Announces Strong Calendar for 2012

Posted by Editoress on 04/21/12
 

Louis Barbeau, Executive Director of the Quebec cycling federation (FQSC), introduces the 2012 calendar for Quebec, as well as pointing to the strong contingent of Quebec-based riders who will be vying for Olympic spots:

“We are very pleased with once again a calendar which will allow cyclists from all disciplines and all levels to participate to an important number of events at home in 2012. With more than 10 international events in Quebec, in road, mountain bike and para-cycling, Quebec will once again welcome some of the best athletes in the World. It will be a unique opportunity for our best athletes to compete on home soil in front of their family and friends.”

“In addition to the international events, it is important to emphasize that these events would not exist if there was not a solid calendar behind. With more than 425 sanctioned events in 2012, we want to recognize the collective efforts of all organizers, clubs, coaches, officials and volunteers, who make this possible. Athletes like Dominique Rollin, David Veilleux, Joëlle Numainville, Marie-Hélène Prémont and Antoine Caron, to name just a few, have grown into this system, which has enabled them to reach and perform at the international level.”

“2012 is an Olympic and Paralympic year. As such, there are obviously some athletes who are hoping to obtain one of the Olympic/Paralympic spots in the Canadian team. On the road, Clara Hughes and Joëlle Numainville are among the Quebec contenders. On the men’s side, with only one slot, it will come down to who performs best in the early season and again there are several candidates from Quebec, including David Veilleux, Dominique Rollin and Guillaume Boivin. In mountain bike, Marie-Hélène Prémont, who won a silver medal in Athens (2004) will be looking for a third participation at the Games. Finally in para-cycling, Canada has secured seven slots for men and six slots for women. Quebec has always been well represented in previous Games, and it should be the same this time again. World champions such as Lyne Bessette and Robbi Weldon (women tandem) and Marie-Eve Croteau (Tricycle - T1) will most likely be on the team, which should have no problem to improve its performance of two medals at the Beijing Paralympic Games.”

“The FQSC is also very much involved in safety issues and will once again be in charge of the Ride of Silence (Tour du Silence) held in Quebec in 2012. We expect 30 rides across the province this year. We are also very pleased with the fact that Pierre Lavoie will be the spokesperson of the provincial campaign.”

“Finally, the FQSC is introducing for the first time in 2012, La Journée québécoise des sports cyclistes, a new initiative which aims to introduce people interested in cycling sports, with the help of cycling clubs from all disciplines across the province. This activity will take place on May 21st and will be free of charge for all participants, including the insurance coverage.”