December 31/05 9:39 am - Roger Sumner Award, Geoff Kabush Responds

Posted by Editor on 12/31/05
 

Roger Sumner Award

Yesterday we announced the winners of our three Canadian Cyclist of the Year Awards, as decided by you, our readers. Today we are pleased to announce the winner of our Best Newcomer Award, named after long time cycling coach, manager and supporter of Canadian cycling - Roger Sumner - who passed away in December of 2000, after being hit by a car while cycling.

This year the Roger Sumner Award goes to Micayla Gatto. Gatto, who hails from Vancouver and is trained by former Olympian Lesley Tomlinson, took the bronze medal at Mountain Bike World Championships - the first Canadian downhill medal since the glory days of 1990-1992, when Cindy Devine won gold, silver and bronze and Elladee Brown won silver.

Prior to her world championship medal, Gatto won the national Junior title, finished second (against Elite competition) in the Canada Cup Final and had two wins in the Junior category at Whistler Crankworx.

Micayla is the first Downhill racer to win a Canadian Cyclist of the Year Award.


Geoff Kabush Responds to CC Award Win

I got informed by my Dad who heard in on the morning news on CBC. It is great to hear that you got the awards out on the news.

....a few words:

I have been having more fun than ever racing these days and it was another incredible year for myself. Thanks to Team Maxxis, my family, my friends, and everyone else that has been such a great support and a part of my success. This is my first Canadian Cyclist of the Year award and it is a great honour to be recognized by the cycling community for my accomplishments. I can't wait for racing to start again and I am looking forward to starting off the year representing Canada at the Commonwealth Games.

Thanks again and have a Happy New Year.