October 4/10 10:56 am - Canadian Cycling Team Change Line-up for Delhi Commonwealth Games

Posted by Editoress on 10/4/10
 

Due to unforeseeable circumstances, the Canadian Cycling Association has decided to make two substitutions to the Canadian cycling team competing in Delhi at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. For the men’s and women’s road race events, Alison Testroete will be replaced by Anne Samplonius and Svein Tuft will be replaced by Dominique Rollin.

Alison Testroete recently sustained injuries and was admitted to surgery in a hospital near the city of Lucca, Italy, while training for her Commonwealth Games berth. Testroete hit a car that braked suddenly in front of her, resulting in injuries to her jaw. Though she is out of harm’s way, Testroete will now require time to recover from her injuries.

Awaiting the cycling team's arrival in Delhi, Canadian Cycling Association High Performance Director Jacques Landry expressed his concern.

“Our thoughts are with Alison as she lives through this,” says Landry. "We sincerely hope that she will be on the road to recovery and we are disappointed that she will not be part of the Canadian delegation in Delhi as she is a valuable asset to our team given the type of road course at these Games. Her presence will be missed.”

Veteran Canadian team member Svein Tuft will also not be making the trip to Delhi. The collective decision was made by Landry and Tuft to forgo Tuft’s participation at these Commonwealth Games after a disappointing performance by Tuft in the time trial event at the UCI Road World Championships held in Melbourne, Australia.

Tuft was a solid medal hopeful in the time trial here in Delhi. Although the Commonwealth Games are considered an important event by the Canadian Cycling Association, the association is also thinking of Tuft's prospects at the London 2012 Olympic Games. 

“Svein’s presence will be missed in Delhi, although we have a solid replacement in Dominique Rollin,” said Landry. “Given Svein’s ride in Melbourne it has become apparent that the weight of a full season has caught up to him and he is in dire need of a mental and physical rest. A medal in London depends on Svein being competition ready.”

Landry is convinced that the replacements for both Alison Testroete and Svein Tuft will offer solid performances in Delhi. Anne Samplonius has been riding well in Europe with a win in the Chrono Champenois. Her present form, coupled with her experience should prove to be an added asset to the team for the road race event. As for Dominique Rollin, his speed and strength on the road course may give Canada an advantage and a medal if the road race were to finish in a small breakaway.

Commwealth Games press release