April 22/04 3:02 am - CCA Issues Clarification Regarding Criterium Championships

Posted by Editoress on 04/22/04
 

CCA Clarification Concerning The Criterium Event At The Tim Hortons Road National Championships
from the CCA

April 22, 2004 - The CCA offers the following clarification concerning the Criterium event at the Tim Hortons Road National Championships. There seems to be confusion as to whether or not the Criterium is an Official Championship and if not, why? To clear things up, the Criterium race which is held during the Tim Hortons Road National Championships is NOT an Official National Championship. Yes, it is a race and a champion is crowned, however the winner of the race is not recognized as an Official National Champion.

The CCA is the only recognized cycling sport governing body in Canada and is affiliated by the UCI. As such, we are privileged to have the right to enter UCI sanctioned events, such as the World Championships and we as members can qualify for international Games such as the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. Much as the organizing committees of the Canadian National Championships follow the guidelines set forth by the CCA, the CCA is a member of the UCI and the CCA follows the rules set out by its governing body.

There are several cycling disciplines recognized by the UCI and within each discipline there are specific races in which a National Champion is crowned. There are only two Champions that are recognized within the Road discipline: the Time-Trial Champion and Road Race Champion. The UCI only recognizes these two National Champions, and under the UCI rules the Criterium is defined as "a road race run on a circuit closed to traffic". Therefore, the Criterium is not recognized as a distinct title, it is simply considered another form of road race and as such the winner is not an Official National Champion.

The Criterium is a high energy and exciting race. In 2004, the Kamloops Organizing Committee has gone to great length to make this a great event for the entire community to enjoy. Staging the Criterium in the heart of downtown Kamloops on a busy Saturday afternoon, and virtually closing down the city for the Sunday Elite Road Races is a true testament to their commitment to making this event a memorable one. We hope you all enjoy what will be a truly exciting race.

If you require additional information please contact:

Mathieu Litalien
Communications/Marketing
(613)248-1353
marketing@canadian-cycling.com