December 22/98 7:25 am - Toyota Signs Up, Death in Cycling Community, World Cup Problems

Posted by Editor on 12/22/98
 

Toyota Canada Signs On for Cycling

Chris Burke at Veltec Canada (distributors of Schwinn) just let us know that Toyota has signed on as a title sponsor for the Canadian Schwinn team. The team is still being put together, so no lineup yet.


National Team Rider Dies
(courtesy Andrew Iler)

Paul Murray, former member of the national cycling team died suddenly on Friday December the 18th in his 36th year.

Funeral service was held at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church in Stoney Creek on Tuesday December the 22nd at 10am. Internment to follow at Mountainview Gardens Cemetery.

Paul was a long time member of the Canadian National Team and a very successful racer on the Canadian road racing and cyclocross circuit during the 1980s. The cycling community has suffered a great loss with his passing.


Montréal World Cup Problems?

We have heard some concerns that the Women's World Cup road race (to be run on May 30th, on Montréal's famous Mont Royal circuit) may be facing some organizational problems. Jean Lessard, who was hired by the organizer to run the event last year, will not be involved this year, preferring to devote his energies to the GP de Beauce and the GP Feminin. This is potentially very serious, since Canada scored a real coup to get one of the World Cups in the first place. We hope the organizer can sort this problem out shortly.


Pan Ams Update

It appears that Canada will have somewhere between 15 and 18 cyclists at the Pan Am Games in Winnipeg, Manitoba this summer. Pan Am rules restrict the number of women to 6, so there will probably be some doubling up of events. The CCA is finalizing the criteria for the Pan Ams and other major events, and expects to provide them to us for publication shortly.


Recognition
(courtesy 'Marc')

Just writing you to let you know of someone else that deserves recognition. During your coverage of the Canmore x-c race you mentioned Guido. Another mountain biker (as well as Nagano Olympian) competed and prospered in those races. He is Chris Blanchard. last year he rode for Ford/Devinci with Guido. He finished 3rd in the open men 10k as well as third in the 20k skate.