October 6/98 3:16 am - Jeanson Interview, Ziggy's Oktoberfest Race

Posted by Editor on 10/6/98
 

Conversation with Geneviève Jeanson

We managed to get a few minutes on the telephone with Junior Time Trial bronze medallist Geneviève Jeanson at her hotel room in Valkenburg, Holland. The 17 year old first year Junior from Lachine, Québec said: "I am happy, but not statisfied. I planned on winning." Considering that this is not only her first World Championship, but her first ever international race, Jeanson performed admirably.

About the ride: "It was windy, and very cold - a maximum of 7 (Celcius) all day. For most of the course there was a strong headwind and crosswind. Only in the last two kilometres did I get a backwind - then I was riding 50, 52 kilometres per hour. I think that I had a better second half (of her ride). At the middle point I was only 7th, so I went much better in the second part."

Concerning Friday's road race: "I am on my own (ie, no other Canadian teammates), so I will have to break away to win the road race. It is a good course for me, so we will see."

Jeanson is in her second year of serious racing, having begun training in the Fall of `96. Prior to that she rode, "but only for fun." Currently, her main interest is road, although she hasn't ruled out trying mountain biking later. Interestingly, Jeanson said that she has not yet been approached by any of the big North American women's teams - that is probably about to change...


Ziggy's Oktoberfest MTB and Cyclocross Race
(courtesy Keith Peck)

Ziggy's Cycling Club is hosting its annual Oktoberfest Cross Country MTB and Cyclocross races on Sunday October 11th, in Homer-Watson Park, Kitchener. Parking and Spectating are free.

This Year we have put alot of effort into getting a festhall license, and having the race run through a portion of the tent to add to the festive spirit of K-W's Oktoberfest. Approval for the sale of alcohol will still require a couple of signatures from the municipal building and fire departments the morning of the event, but weather permitting this race should still rank as our best ever.

Registration opens at 7:30am. (We will follow the traditional OMBC starting schedule beginning at 9:30am)

Race 1: Beginner, Youth and Female Sport fields start at 9:30am.
Race 2: Expert and Pro fields start at 11:00am.
Race 3: Sport Fields start at 2:00pm.
Race 4: Cyclocross field starts at 2:00pm.

Directions: From HWY 401 Exit at Homer Watson Blvd. North to Kitchener. Turn Right onto Manitou Drive, right onto Wabanaki Drive, and right again into Homer-Watson Park. Follow signs to parking in field on your right.

To get more information or specific start times contact:

Ziggy's Cycling Club Inc.,
2290 King St. East,
Kitchener ONT N2A 1A2

phone: (519) 893-2963

or Toll-Free Long Distance: 1-888-838-5409