August 19/11 10:20 am - Astana Adds Sprinter to Quebec GP

Posted by Editoress on 08/19/11
 

In a clear sign of ProTeam interest in the world premiere presentation of the Challenge Sprint Pro on September 8th, Team Astana has revised its initial official entry form for the Québec City and Montréal Grand Prix Cyclistes to include Allan Davis, one of the best sprinters in world cycling, in its squad of eight riders set to take part in these UCI WorldTour races on September 9th and 11th.

Described as a "sturdy" sprinter, the 31 year old Australian turned pro in 2002 and has more than 20 career victories. He won the Tour Down Under on home soil in 2009, and was a Gold Medalist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, in addition to capturing Bronze at the World Championships that same year.

The 22 teams entered in this year's Québec City and Montréal Grand Prix Cyclistes unanimously accepted the invitation to take part in the first-ever edition of the Challenge Sprint Pro, proof of their interest in this innovative new discipline supported by the International Cycling Union.

A new event developed for the UCI WorldTour stop in Québec City, the Challenge Sprint will consist of three different races along Grande Allée on the afternoon of Thursday, September 8th. Starting at 3 pm, 12 Canadian sprinters will face off in the Challenge Sprint Canada, with the top two finishers earning a berth in the next event, the Challenge Sprint Pro. The latter race starts at 4 pm, and will be telecast live to more than 50 countries. The field will comprise 24 riders, including 22 professionals. A Challenge Sprint for Media Personalities and Celebrities will conclude the day's cycling events. Grande Allée will remain closed off for a lively street party until the evening.

Press release