May 3/01 12:22 pm - Espoirs in Europe, Bromont Track Help Needed

Posted by Editor on 05/3/01
 

Liège Bastogne Liège Espoirs
Courtesy Jacques Landry - CCA

After doing a pre-drive of the major difficulties the Canucks were a bit intimidated by the size of the task at hand. Even if it is often said that it's the pack that makes the race, it was fairly hard to say that the race would be a walk in the park. It was clear to all that this race would be one of attrition, luck and positioning.

As the 197 rider strong field left Bastogne at 12:15 PM the tone of the race was already set as 2 riders attempted a breakaway. The pack immediately reacted with tempo being set by the stronger teams. The pace was high up to the 25km mark where a major crash occurred that sent 20 riders flying in the ditches and into one another. Among those riders was Charles Gorman, who upon putting him in the ambulance appeared to have opened his inner lip. Later, after the race, the diagnosis would be one of a broken jaw and surgery in Liège in order to set the maxillary.

Coming back to the race, all the rest of the Canucks were still in the pack except for Kai Jenkins who was caught behind the crash and would eventually be pulled along with a dozen more riders.

At the 80 km mark, as riders were fighting for position to climb up the first major difficulty at "Les Trois Ponts", the remaining 4 seemed to be well off. It would only be at the top of the 2,5km climb that Bruno Langlois would be found on the side of the road complaining of an acting up chronic knee injury and would be forced out of the race at the feed zone.

All but 3 riders from the Canucks team were left which, considering the major crash and the number of abandons at that point, meant that we were not in to bad standing.

In the next few climbs the pack would split into numerous groups but always come back together in the valleys or descents.

At the "Côte de la Redoute" approached it was becoming clear that all would disintegrate at that point but, to my surprise, most of the now 80 man group stayed together as they crested the infamous climb.

With 50 kms to go, the orders were to stay attentive and well positioned and prepare for all hell to break loose at the entrance of Liège, where two hard climbs were left to be done. Unfortunately, in the "Côte de Tilf" Greg Sienievicz would lose contact first, and then it was Dominique Rollin's turn.

In the lead chase group was left Cory Lange who, much like at Paris Mantes, was playing a very good position game and on top of that had good legs.

As the less than 40 man lead group was working at reeling a break of 10 back, Cory was doing a good job in staying calm and following some good wheels.

Finally, after all the hills were done, it was time for Cory to prepare a launch before the velodrome finish. The last few kms were sinuous and therefore good for a flyer. Though Cory tried it was in vain as the pack approached the finish for a group sprint of 20 behind the 12 leaders.

Nonetheless, once again Cory had a very good ride and has shown that he is finally at a good competitive international Espoir level. In addition to Cory, it is safe to assume that Dominique Rollin is also well on his way.

As this race concludes a 3 week incursion for 6 Canadian Espoirs, some have really grasped the opportunity and some less. As for Charles Gorman, this Euro project was definitely one to scratch off the records as only crashes have plagued him during this 3 week stretch. But, I remain confident that he will come back to fight another day...

Jacques Landry
National Development Coach


Call for Volunteers!
Courtesy CCA

(Ottawa, ON) - Now that winter is over and the snow has melted, it is time to finish construction on the Bromont velodrome. The structure has been assembled, but now it is a matter of placing each panel at the correct level to ensure a smooth surface.

In order to complete this final work phase, Eric Van den Eynde, Centre Head Coach, is calling out to volunteers for a helping hand. If you can spare a few hours of your time and donate it to the sport of cycling, please contact Lysanne Hébert, the work team coordinator, at 450 534-2254. The velodrome from the Centennial Olympics in Atlanta needs your arms to help revive it!

Appel pour bénévoles!

(Ottawa, ON) - Maintenant que l'hiver est terminé et que la neige a fondu, it est temp de terminer la construction du vélodrome à Bromont. La structure est assemblée mais if faut maintenant mettre chaque panneau à niveau afin d'obtenir une surface de roulement douce et lisse.

Pour cetter phase finale de travaux, Eric Van den Eynde, chef-en-tête du centre, lance un appel à tous les bénévoles qui pourraient venir l'aider. Si vous avez quelques heures de votre temps à donner à la cause du cyclisme, contactez Lysanne Hébert, au 450 534-2254, qui coordonne la composition des équipes de travail.

Le vélodrome des Jeux du Centenaire d'Atlanta on besoin de vos bras pour le revivre! Venez en grand nombre!