October 24/00 10:23 am - Please Help, Redlands Upgrade, Anniversary

Posted by Editor on 10/24/00
 

Sponsors Needed

We need your help. Last week we found out that there will be no official recognition of Canada's Olympic cycling team by the CCA at their AGM (Annual General Meeting), and that the PacificSport Gala will not be possible this year, due to the short notice of the cancellation of the proposed CCA Gala.

We think that it is very bad that Canada's cycling squad will not receive this recognition or appreciation, and are working with a concerned group to ensure that a recognition event will happen. Our goal is to have a party for the athletes in Toronto (where the AGM is taking place) on November 18th, that will be open to the cycling community. So far, athlete response has been strong.

However, there is the cost of bringing the athletes in to Toronto to deal with. We have been in contact with some sponsors and are starting to raise money, but there is not a lot of time available if we are going to make this happen. Therefore, we are appealing to those in the cycling community who can afford it, to help sponsor this event. We want it to be a non-partisan event, one that involves as many members of the extended cycling community as possible.

If you can help, either personally or through your company, please contact me as soon as possible at rjones@canadiancyclist.com or (519) 442-7905. As we continue to put this event together, we will provide updates on time and location, so that people will be able to attend.

Thank you,

Rob Jones
Editor


Redlands Bicycle Classic Upgrades

REDLANDS, CA : Only one year after its UCI debut, the Redlands Bicycle Classic has made the jump to a higher category. The world's cycling federation, UCI (Union Cycliste International, based in Switzerland), announced recently the upgrading of the men's race to the next higher level, a 2.4. A new feature for 2001 is the inclusion of the women's race in their ranks as a 2.9.2. This now makes the Redlands Bicycle Classic the highest-ranked US men's stage race, more then tripling the points value of a win. "Our move up raises our status and will get us a lot more attention among the European teams," comments an excited and proud Craig Kundig, promotions director of the race. "Now it will be a question of how many and which teams the budget allows us to get here." The Redlands Bicycle Classic was sanctioned by the UCI last Spring for the first time. It brought some of the best teams in the world to the event, among them teams from Germany, France, England, Poland, Czech Republic, Mexico as well as the US Postal Team. In order to achieve a category increase, a race must meet the high, organizational standards set by UCI.

The Redlands Bicycle Classic will take place March 13 - 18, 2001 and races through the Inland Empire for six consecutive days. It is an invitation only competition for professional racers. The men's field is 200 deep, the women's over 100. In addition, the "Classic" holds public rides, as well as amateur and kids races as part of the festivities on the weekend in Redlands.



CFB Borden 'Cross

October 22, 2000 - Canadian Forces Base Borden was the stage for the fourth southern Ontario 'Cross race of the year. The Base has offered it's grounds for the third year in a row, which include a wonderfully hilly trail and well kept grass . This year the highly skilled and cucumber cool Fire Department and St John's Ambulance were also called into action - hope you're feeling better soon Anita. The day was clear and warm for the 72 competitors.

Josh Hall was back after missing last year to win the Sr. mens race and Leigh Hobson finished atop the Womens field. 10 year old Alana Smit won the second annual kids race. Complete results will be filed by Peter McCaffery.

The day was a success as a result of the efforts of Denis Charlton with his fellow CFB Borden Mountain Bike Club members and a contingent from the Newmarket Cycling Club. Corporate sponsors ensured that many competitors took home a reward for their hard work. Pierre Perin of Veltec brought a huge box of swag, James Bongard of KHS, Morgan Lemen of Bikeland and Chris Root of Cyclepath in Barrie all contributed fine prizes. Mary Ralston of Second Cup in Barrie pitched in ground coffee for the fourth place finishers. All in all it was a great day of racing.

John Easton, Race Organiser


Another Anniversary

National Crit champion Kim Davidge (Team Elita) and husband Piers Davidge celebrated their first wedding anniversary yesterday. (Editor's Note: that's it for wedding anniversaries! We will stick to birthdays and birth announcements from now on...)