December 8/06 12:10 pm - New Quebec Women's Cycling Team

Posted by Editoress on 12/8/06
 

New Quebec Cycling Team Announced

A new women's cycling team, team Specialized-Menikini, has been formed in Quebec. Made up of the best up-and-coming Quebec athletes, this team is backed by the prestigious international UCI Menikini team (formerly Nobili Rubinetterie Menikini Cogeas), based in Italy.

Team Menikini's cyclists of international UCI calibre will travel to North America to race with team Specialized-Menikini. Specialized-Menikini will be in charge of developing the athletes in Canada, in addition to offering them the opportunity to compete with seasoned athletes in Europe, thus giving them a chance to reach the international level.

A three-year plan

1st year: Specialized-Menikini, "the training school"
* Implementing the structure
* Developing local talent
* Concentrating on North American events

2nd year: A major continental team
* Developing a strong continental structure
* Concentrating on North American and international events

3rd year: A UCI team
* Establishing an international UCI team and attending major UCI events
* Concentrating on UCI, World Cup and Grand Tour races as well as other important races in Europe, Oceania and America.

Management

Walter Ricci Petitoni has been sports manager of the Menikini team since 2003. A leader in women's cycling, Mr. Petitoni is known for his professional attitude toward the athletes as well as for being an excellent trainer. His know-how and international experience will benefit the Canadian team as well as its staff. "We are very pleased and enthusiastic about being involved in forming the new regional Specialized-Menikini team. As an international team, we want to share our experience in order to offer these emerging athletes an opportunity to become international champions."

Gérard Penarroya is known for his many years in the cycling world and his contribution to developing great Quebec racers. "Cycling is my passion and I particularly enjoy helping young people enter this sport. Having emerging cyclists be part of a regional club supported by an international team sparks a hope that we will see the blossoming of new Quebec champions very soon."

Mr. Petitoni and Mr. Penarroya can rely on the Daniel Manibal organization for public relations, the elaboration of the team's schedule and general structure. "Support for Quebec athletes is vital for the growth of cycling in Quebec. We are pleased to be associated with team Specialized-Menikini and wish them the best of luck in their first season."

The season starts off in March with several warm-up races in the United States. The team will then compete in provincial races in Quebec and Ontario before seeing how it measures up to the best international teams in the Montreal World Cup, the Tour du Grand Montréal, the Tour of PEI and several European races.

The Athletes:

Karol-Ann Canuel (Quebec)
Marie-Pier Bedard (Quebec)
Emilie Roy (Quebec)
Heather Lamson (PEI)
Elodie Touffet (France)
Olivia Gollan (Australia)