January 14/21 9:11 am - Three Canadians to Compete at 'Cross Worlds

Posted by Editoress on 01/14/21
 

Cycling Canada has selected three athletes to compete at the 2021 UCI Cyclocross World Championships in Ostend, Belgium on January 30-31. The team will consist of Maghalie Rochette competing in the Elite women's category and two Under-23 women - Ruby West and Sidney McGill. Leading up to the championships, the riders will also compete at the final UCI Cyclocross World Cup of the season in Overijse on January 24.

"We're really excited about the calibre of riders representing Canada at the World Championships in Ostend this year," said Scott Kelly, Cyclocross Program Manager for Cycling Canada. "We are incredibly grateful to each rider's respective professional teams for their support throughout the season and at this year's World Championships and we're hopeful that this will serve as a springboard to greater success, when Worlds return to North America next year."

The team will be led by the current Pan American and Canadian champion Maghalie Rochette, who will be heading into the competition ranked among the top-5 in the world. She will be joined by the U23 Pan American champion Ruby West, as well as the U23 Canadian champion Sidney McGill.

Maghalie Rochette

Ruby West

Sidney McGill

"I haven't had my best season this year; I got injured at a key point in the season and had several disappointing races as a result," said Rochette. "However, I am now healed and motivated to end this season on a high note. It's definitely possible for me to finish in the top-10 at Worlds, possibly even the top-5 if I have a good day."

Due to travel advisories during the pandemic, athletes were only eligible for selection if they were already in Europe as part of their competition program. Canadian athletes will be supported by their trade teams and Europe-based Cycling Canada staff.

Our national cyclocross team is extremely grateful to our partners Paris to Ancaster, the CX Fever Fund and our generous donors and volunteers. As a non-Olympic sport, Cycling Canada's cyclocross program does not receive government funding and our partners' support affords us the ability to develop the next generation of world-class Canadian cyclists. If you would like to make a difference, you can donate to the program Here.

Sidney McGill (Edmonton, AB) - U23 Women
Ruby West (Dundas, ON) - U23 Women
Maghalie Rochette (Ste-Adèle, QC) - Elite Women

Cycling Canada press release (edited)