January 9/03 12:27 pm - Fisher Rumour False, Perras Skips Langkawi, Espoir Race

Posted by Editor on 01/9/03
 

Jim Fisher - Scotching an Ugly Rumour

A rumour has surfaced that Canadian track national team member Jim Fisher, who announced his retirement yesterday, possibly retired due to drug use allegations. We would like to make clear that this is totally false. We have spoken with Jim (a full interview will appear later today), and with the CCA and the CCES (Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport), and there is no truth to this allegation. Jim is retiring purely because it is time to move on with other aspects of his life and career. We will not tolerate any more speculation on this matter in the Forums.


Perras Skips Langkawi

When Dominique Perras' team (iTeamNova.com) announced their squad for the Tour de Langkawi at the end of this month, Canadian team member Perras was missing. Since Dominique is a veteran of this event (including wearing the Climber's jersey for a short time in his first year there), it was a bit of a surprise to see him left off the team.

We spoke with Dominique, and it was his decision to give Langkawi a miss this year:

"Yes it was my choice. My team asked me to go but I opted to do the races in southern France in the same period (we have 2 programs going at the same time). So I will start my season with GP Ouverture-La Marseillaise (UCI 1.3) on Feb 4th, and then Etoiles de Besseges from Feb 5-9th (UCI 2.3).

I have done Langkawi 3 times so it will be nice to do something different, as well I always found it difficult (health and formwise) to go from 40C and humid back racing in cold spring European weather. However, my teamates are really motivated for Langkawi, I wouldn't be surprised if Allan Iacuone cracks the top ten and David McKenzie wins a stage."


New Espoir Race in Quebec

We have few details yet, but have confirmed that there are plans for an espoir stage race in Quebec this coming August. It will be called Le Grand Prix des Laurentides. Organizer Luc Dubois promises to keep us updated as the event develops.