May 17/12 9:08 am - Coupe des Nations Saguenay Returns for Fifth Year

Posted by Editoress on 05/17/12
 

The Canadian Cycling Association is pleased to support 2012 UCI Nations Cup/Coupe des Nations Saguenay, an important international cycling race featuring the best U23 riders in the world.

The Nations Cup Saguenay is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. The four-day, 558-kilometre stage race will be held from May 31st to June 3rd in four local municipalities: Jonquière, La Baie, Kénogami and Chicoutimi.

“We are thankful for the continued involvement of Bernard Noël, president of the local organizing committee. Over the last five years, the Nations Cup Saguenay has evolved to become a top international race for the World champions and Olympic champions of tomorrow,” said Mathieu Boucher, Director of development for the the Canadian Cycling Association.

The Nations Cup Saguenay is part of the UCI Nations Cup Tour, where countries from around the world race with the objective to secure as many spots as possible for the UCI World Championships.

Luc Arseneau of Dieppe, NB is heading the Canadian delegation at Nations Cup events.

“The Saguenay Nations Cup is a very important stop in the U23 UCI calendar for Canada. It represents a great opportunity for us not only to score points on the Nations Cup calendar, but also in the UCI America Tour,” said Arseneau, road development coach at the Canadian Cycling Association.

“We are really looking forward to lining up a good team for the occasion. In order for Canada to succeed at such level, we must have the cooperation of everyone involved; and that includes the riders, the Provincial Sport Organizations, and the cycling teams. This is why we are very grateful, namely, of the support of Team SpiderTech powered by C10 for allowing two if its U23 riders to wear the maple leaf for this project.”

The 2012 selection for Canada will be composed of:

• Antoine Duchesnes (Garneau-Québécor-Norton Rose)
• David Boily (SpiderTech powered by C10)
• Hugo Houle (SpiderTech powered by C10)
• Pierrick Naud (Ekoi-Gaspésien)
• Ryan Aitcheson (Panther p/b Competitive Cyclist)
• Stuart Wight (CR4C Roanne)

In 2011, Canadian cyclist David Boily (Team SpiderTech powered by C10) finished second of the UCI Nations Cup Tour de l’Avenir in France, becoming the first Canadian to ever wear the prestigious Yellow Jersey at the race, a jersey he held for four stages.

Event information can be found at www.coupedesnationssaguenay.com .

Stages

May 31:  Stage 1 - Jonquière (140.7 km)
June 1:  Stage 2 - La Baie (148.4 km)
June 2:  Stage 3 - Kénogami (141 km)
June 3:  Stage 4 - Chicoutimi (128.4 km)