June 18/08 3:17 am - 'Unofficially', Tuft Going to Beijing

Posted by Editor on 06/18/08
 

'Unofficially', Tuft Going to Beijing

It appears that Svein Tuft (Symmetrics) is going to the Olympics after his win last week at the Tour de Beauce, based on an interview he had with the Vancouver Province, where he responds to the question with a Yes. However, the official unveiling of the team isn't scheduled until tomorrow at the press conference for the National Road Championships at the end of the month in St-Georges, Quebec.

Canada has a quota of three men and three women for the road events in Beijing. Assuming Svein is correct (the athletes have been informed), then we can speculate on the rest. For the men, Ryder Hesjedal is pretty much assured a spot after his strong season in Europe, highlighted by an 8th overall at Tirreno-Adriatico and 60th overall at the Giro d'Italia. The third spot is the tricky one, with three main contenders: Michael Barry (High Road), Dominique Rollin (Toyota) or Francois Parisien (Team Race Pro).

Michael has the experience (and is used to the distance), Dom has the results (Tour of California stage win, 8th at Philly), and the course suits Frank's strengths (long climb).

On the women's side, there are two automatics, due to World Cup results: Alex Wrubleski (Webcor) and Leigh Hobson (Cheerwine). There are two main contenders for the third spot - Anne Samplonius (Cheerwine) and Erinne Willock (Webcor). Erinne is likely better for the climbs, while Anne could do well in the time trial (assuming that she was selected for that event).

We will find out tomorrow.

Read the Vancouver Province article Here.