November 23/12 18:36 pm - Palmer-Komar, Brien, Morin, Labrie, Pépin & Deverell Sign with GSD Gestion/Kallisto/Specialized

Posted by Editor on 11/23/12
 

The vice president of GSD Gestion/Kallisto/Specialized, Michael Des Islet, is proud to announce the Canadian team members for 2013. Signing their first professional contracts are Anne-Marie B. Morin, Alizée Brien, Audrey Labrie and Roxanne Pepin, of Quebec, and Kael Deverell, of Ontario. Former Canadian Road and Time Trial Champion Sue Palmer-Komar, also of Ontario, will be the team godmother.

"Getting UCI status is like taking possession of a house," jokes Gerard Pennaroya, who handles the team's administrative affairs. "You make an offer, put some money down, and then comes the paperwork!". Pennaroya explains that the requisite documents, including a detailed portfolio of the team's athletes and staff, must be presented to the UCI by mid-December.

For Michael Des Islets, choosing the team is a complex task - staying true to the team's long term vision, yet remaining competitive on the road. "We are working on short and long term, I need to ensure balance. I am convinced that these Canadian athletes have what it takes."

The return of Anne-Marie Morin and Alizée Brien is no accident, he adds. "They showed [us] not just their undoubted personal qualities, but also their team attitude."

"What good news," adds Anne-Marie, of the team's 2013 lineup, who also took the opportunity to reinforce how hard the team has worked over the last year. "It's very motivating!"