March 24/23 8:11 am - Canuel & Cataford Take Helm of Tour de Gatineau

Posted by Editoress on 03/24/23
 

After being on hiatus for three years due to the pandemic, the world's best female cyclists will be once again racing on the streets of Gatineau, Québec this coming September 15-17 for the Tour de Gatineau. Two of Canada's top cyclists will be in charge, Karol-Ann Canuel and Alexander Cataford.

Karol-Ann Canuel, 2019 National RR Champion


Alexander Cataford

This will be the most prestigious event in North America for women's road racing and will be classified as a 1.1 race by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) which is the third highest level beneath the World Tour. This important event for female cyclists in North America will be held as a road race and a time trial, both finishing in front of the iconic British Hotel. As a part of the Global Relay Bridge the Gap Canadian Cup, the British Grand-Prix criterium will include elite races for both men and women.

Recently retired from professional cycling, two-time Olympian Karol-Ann Canuel has become the Executive Director of the new organizing committee team. Joining her is ex-pro cyclist Alexander Cataford, who will be vice-director of the event. Canuel was adamant to bring the Tour de Gatineau back to the UCI calendar. "It's extremely important for women's cycling to be seen and to have young people be inspired about health and fitness through this event." John Large, former Executive Director and advisor, views Canuel's involvement as a great addition to the team. "She will bring a new energy and this is very positive for the future."

The former national champion has a long-term vision for the upcoming years of the Tour de Gatineau. "The goal is to reach the top level of the sport to be ready for 2026, when the Montreal world championships will take place. It will be a unique opportunity to have the highest level of athletes in the world racing at the Tour de Gatineau and, furthermore, to bring a significant positive economical impact to the region."

Karol-Ann Canuel is ecstatic to have the support of Cycling Canada, Quebec Cycling Sports Federation (FQSC) and the City of Gatineau for 2023. "It warms my heart to have so many people come together to ensure the success of the return of the Tour de Gatineau. Despite the enormous workload at hand, I immediately had their interest and their support."

Louis Barbeau, Executive Director of the FQSC agrees: "To have an international event on Quebec soil is essential for young female athletes from here to race against the world's elite. For the past decade, the Tour de Gatineau has contributed to improving the results of young female cyclists. We saw this with Karol-Ann Canuel who went on to race in the Olympic Games."

The Chief Development Officer of Cycling Canada, Mathieu Boucher, explains that it is important to host the event on home soil: "It's a step forward for our young athletes and in the Olympic cycle, and it's also a great way to get UCI points here in Canada. Karol-Ann has a great vision of the sport and she will help this event to get an important place in the calendar."

Further details will be announced as the organization continues.