June 13/01 11:07 am - Italians Suspend Racing!, Quebec Results, IMBA & Sprockids

Posted by Editor on 06/13/01
 

Italians Suspend Bike Racing!

In an incredibly unusual move, the Italian cycling federation and CONI, the Italian Olympic sports body, have agreed to suspend all national sanction races, starting June 18th. The policy will be reviewed on June 23rd. UCI races in Italy are not affected by the ban. Without explaining how or why this move would be of any use, the sports bodies say that they are doing it in the wake of the drug raids at the Giro last week.


Coupe du Môme Volkswagen Les Ailes
Courtesy Josée Robitaille

bibites

1 Francis Lucier Courtemanche Brossard
2 Alexis Burelle Brossard
3 Alex Van Den Eynde Volkswagen les Ailes
4 Marc Olivier Verreault Volkswagen les Ailes
5 Hubert Fratelli Volkswagen les Ailes
6 Charles Cyr Volkswagen les Ailes
7 Christophe Fortin Volkswagen Les Ailes
8 William Jourdain

Pee wee filles

1 Lysanne Fratelli LaPrairie
2 Julie Lucie Courtemanche La Prairie
3 Caherine Couture La Prairie

Pee wee garçons

1 Marc Allard Volkswagen Les Ailes
2 Thomas Fortin Volkswagen les Ailes
3 Michael Nadeau Volkswagen Les Ailes
4 Antoine Fortin Volkswagen Les Ailes
5 Guillaume Charest Brossard
6 yann Nicolisi Brossard

Minimes garçons

1 Philippe Riopel Espoirs de Laval
2 Alexandre Lahaie Volkswagen les Ailes
3 Alexandre Charest Brossard


IMBA and Sprockids Partner to Expand Innovative Kid's Mountain Biking Program

IMBA and Sprockids are working together to get more kids on bikes. IMBA has become the U.S. coordinating agency for the Sprockids program ˆ a time-tested, kid's mountain biking curriculum that was developed by Doug Detwiller in British Columbia, Canada. IMBA is now responsible for all marketing, distribution and administration of the program in the U.S. The organizations hope to develop IMBA Sprockids programs worldwide in the years to come.

The Sprockids program, which is designed for schools, mountain bike clubs and youth organizations, is the most comprehensive resource available to develop a thriving kid's mountain bike program. IMBA Sprockids materials include an Instructional Emphasis guide, a Program Manual and 10 weeks of Lesson Plans covering program development, bike maintenance, course design, fitness and nutrition, riding skills, bike accessories and bike safety. The package also includes numerous forms, awards and checklists for organizing events, fun rides and races. It is available directly from IMBA for $75.

The IMBA Sprockids partnership is made possible by the generosity of Ben & Jerry's ice cream and Pearl Izumi performance apparel. Ben & Jerry's is donating all proceeds from the sale of its Pearl Izumi cycling jersey to support the program. The jerseys are available everywhere that Pearl Izumi products are sold.

"Our goal is to get kids on bikes and teach them the skills they need to achieve their dreams while being responsible cyclists," said Judd de Vall, IMBA Sprockids coordinator. "The Sprockids program makes a perfect addition to IMBA's existing advocacy programs by providing communities with another way to support mountain biking and trail access."

Detwiller, the founder of the Sprockids program, will continue as the Sprockids program director. In addition, he will act as IMBA's Sprockids education coordinator, helping clubs to develop their local programs and educational goals. During the last decade, Detwiller has introduced Sprockids to more than 300 schools throughout North America, the UK, New Zealand and Australia.

"I'm very pleased with the partnership we have formed," said Detwiller. "We have created a framework that will lead to the positive growth of the Sprockids program. In the long run, this will benefit our communities, our environment and our world."

In 2001, IMBA will establish three IMBA Sprockids pilot programs in the U.S. The pilots will help improve Sprockids educational materials and enhance the publicity, branding and recognition of the program. Pilot sites will be announced soon.

For more information on the IMBA Sprockids program or to start an program in your area, please contact Judd de Vall, IMBA Sprockids Coordinator judd@imba.com