July 8/14 14:25 pm - Tour de l'Abitibi Releases List of 29 Teams Competing

Posted by Editor on 07/8/14
 

Details surrounding the Tour de l'Abitibi Desjardins were revealed today, including the names of the 29 teams participating in the international sporting event. More than 170 cyclists will tackle the roads of Abitibi-Témiscamingue between July 21st and 27th. Subject to the final start list, the 46th edition may make history, as the edition with the highest number of cyclists to take part in the Tour de l'Abitibi Desjardins.

"The fact that we are once again in the International Cycling Union's (UCI) Nations Cup circuit allowed us to attract new teams, particularly national teams," stated Mrs. Suzanne Fortin, president of the Tour. Altogether, twelve nationalities will be represented by these Junior category athletes, including Belize, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Spain, the Unites States, France, Guatemala, Japan, Morocco, Mexico, and Uzbekistan. This edition will also mark the first participation by a Spanish athlete, and a second participation from the Denmark team in 46 years.

The United States team won the blue, orange, and brown jerseys in 2012 and two jerseys in 2013. However, the U.S. team will face strong opposition this year, since the French and Danish teams are respectively in first and second place in the UCI general ranking.

As for the regional teams, 11 of the 22 registered formations originate from the United States and 9 are Canadian. Among the teams from Quebec, are Espoirs Quilicot TRJ Télécom, Equipe Québec, as well as the regional team IAMGOLD-Specialized. Although the selections have not yet taken place, it is very likely that some athletes from the regional team will wind up in the provincial team, and possibly in the national team.

Sanctioned by the UCI, the Tour de l'Abitibi Desjardins is the only one of seven competitions in the circuit of the UCI's Junior Nations Cup to be held outside of Europe. During its 45 years of history, the Tour has welcomed thousands of athletes from 40 different countries and remains an excellent springboard for cyclists aspiring to make it to the professional ranks.

National Teams

Canada
United States
Japan
Colombia - Fundación Everet
Guatemala
Mexico
Morocco
France
Denmark

Regional Teams (Canada)

Québec
IAMGOLD-Specialized
André Cycle-Kaycan-RDS
Vélo Mauricie
Espoirs Quilicot TRJ Télécom
CCB-Ultime Vélo-Trek
Ontario
Atlantique
Cycling BC

Regional Teams (USA)

Flagstaff Selection
El Grupo Junior Select
Arizona Select
Team Novo Nordisk
ISCorp Cycling
Race CF
GS CycleLife
Mid-Atlantic Development Foundation
Southeastern Regional
Northstar Development
Hincapie Sportswear Development