August 23/05 5:59 am - Pierre Hutsebaut Leaves CCA

Posted by Editor on 08/23/05
 

Pierre Hutsebaut Parts Ways with CCA

Very quietly, earlier today, the Canadian Cycling Association put up an announcement on their website concerning Director General Pierre Hutsebaut, who has been on sick leave for more than a year (and was effectively replaced by COO Steve Lacelle). The announcement reads:

August 23, 2005 (Ottawa, ON) - The CCA announces that Pierre Hutsebaut, the CCA Director General, has recently returned from medical leave and subsequently concluded a mutually satisfactory arrangement ending his relationship with the CCA.

Pierre was the association's High Performance Director from 1993 to 2002, in the latter two years assuming responsibility for the Executive Director functions. With the transition in governance structure in 2002, Pierre assumed the role of Director General.

Pierre was involved with the organization of the 2003 World Championships in Hamilton and the establishment of the network of National Cycling Centres. The CCA thanks Mr. Hutsebaut for his contribution to cycling in Canada over the past dozen years and wishes him well in his future endeavors.


Editorial Comment

I have know Pierre for close to 20 years. During that period we butted heads on a number of occasions, for a variety of reasons. Often we disagreed on policy direction (or lack thereof) and programs for the CCA - I can remember a few shouting matches... However, one thing that I always respected Pierre for was his passion and dedication to the sport.

We sat together in cars following races, stood in pits at World championships, hung out at receptions and spent a number of late nights together in bars, usually arguing over what we thought should be done at the CCA or the UCI.

During his time with the CCA we have had Olympic medals and world champions. Would they have happened without him? Maybe, but it is quite possible that not as many successes would have been achieved.

Pierre has an encylopedic knowledge of the sport, and vision. While his vision often clashed with others, it is important recognize that with no vision little can be achieved.

Sports and associations need renewal to grow, and there is no doubt that it was time for fresh faces and ideas at the CCA. However, we need to recognize the contribution Pierre Hutsebaut has made to our sport in Canada and, in particular, not forget the passion and vision which is necessary to achieve the greatest goals.

Good luck Pierre.