February 2/04 1:33 am - New CCA Coach, Worlds Legacy, Team Ford 2004

Posted by Editor on 02/2/04
 

New Development Coach at CCA

Kris Westwood, a former national team member team project manager and former CCA employee has accepted a position with the CCA as the Development coach. We have spoken with Kris, and he did confirm that he is taking this fulltime position, beginning February 9th. At that time he will speak about his role and plans.


Hamilton Worlds Legacy

We have spoken with various sources concerning the final report and financial statement from the 2003 Hamilton Road Worlds. The year end for the event is not until March, but we are told that a preliminary report could be out by mid-February. Before the new year, the hope was the end of January, but we have been told that this is not feasible.

Despite that, we have learned from a number of reliable sources that the legacy of the Worlds is expected to be fairly substantial - as much as one million dollars. This is down from pre-event projects of 1.5 million, but still represents a large sum of money for a cycling legacy.

Currently, there are ongoing discussions on the best way to manage the legacy, with a board of trustees likely. Obviously, the three major stakeholders - CCA, OCA and McMaster University (ie, the National Cycling Centre based at McMaster) - will all be represented, but it is not yet decided, from what we understand, on how the legacy will be administered. We hope that, no matter what form the trust takes, care will be taken to manage the funds effectively, so that legacy activities will continue for a long, long time.


Ford Mountain Bike Team 2004

(Dearborn, MI) - Ford - America's #1 Selling Brand of cars, trucks and SUVs -- announces the new lineup of its professional women's mountain bike team for 2004. Continuing to grow since its conception in 2000 as a grass roots initiative, Ford will be fielding a team focused on the top professional events in 2004.

"Team Ford", is excited to announce the addition of Dara Marks-Marino, of Flagstaff, Arizona, to the 2004 lineup. Returning members include Lisa Matlock of Golden, Colorado and Melanie McQuaid, of Victoria, British Columbia.

"The Women of the Ford Team are the flagship of Ford's commitment to cycling as a sport and recreation - which includes Regional road and MTB support for Cat I, Junior and Women's development teams, and trail support. In their dedication to the sport they really represent the strengths of the Ford Brand" said Jack Palazzolo, Director of Ford's Regional Marketing. "They are determined and seasoned pros who put everything into their racing, yet they still make the time to give back to the cycling community, and the sport in general, by being mentors and teachers to up and coming female cyclists. Their "go anywhere do anything" attitude is what defines our brand.

Racing is the top priority for Team Ford in 2004, with members vying for top spots on the NORBA circuit, as well as looking to compete for a spot at the Olympics in Athens, Greece. Ambassadorship and an active role in the community are equally important; team athletes are chosen based on their ability to be positive role models as well as on cycling ability. Team members have participated in speaking engagements, clinics, charity rides, trail maintenance and young athlete mentoring, and this community involvement continues to be a high priority for the team.

Team Ford will kick of the season in Waco, Texas at the first NORBA event, and then travel to Scottsdale Arizona for a team camp and photo shoot. The next events will include the NOVA Stage Race, Redlands Stage Race and the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California. The team will be at all NORBA National Off-road events, as well as Tour of the Gila, World Cups, and select road races throughout the 2004 season.

McQuaid, 30, returns to the team after winning the 2003 Xterra Off -Road Triathlon World Championships, and taking second in the overall US Championship Series. Highlights from 2003 include podium finishes at the Sea Otter Classic and NORBA Virginia. For 2004, McQuaid will be racing the World Cup circuit in Europe and North America , the overall Xterra series and World Championships, and will join the team at Sea Otter, Redlands and Tour of the Gila. McQuaid host clinics at each Xterra event introducing racing and training for women, and will join the team for a clinic at the Nova Stage Race.

With Ford returning for the fourth season of title sponsorship, Team Ford will also be supported by K2 bikes, Compex Technologies, Shimano (components, wheels, shoes and pedals), Descente, Giro, Deuter, Saris, Cyclops and Maxxis. Team members will be riding custom painted K2 Razorback SL and Zed Team mountain bikes (Shimano XTR, Rock Shox SID World Cup and Shimano XTR Wheels) and K2 Mod 5.0 road bikes (Dura-Ace with Shimano Wheelset).