Clubs are the heart and soul of cycling in Canada and the foundation of any athletes career. They help foster and teach the fundamentals and skills that will facilitate their trajectory in the sport.
Its easy to find parallels between what clubs do and the four pillars (events, grassroots, community and gracious champions) of Cycling Canadas 10-year strategic plan. When looking at the grassroots pillar, kids are inspired through in-school programming like HopOn to take their skills to the next level and join a club. From there, theyll race at their first event, whether that be at a Canada Cup or chasing the dream of becoming a Canadian Champion. While athletes strive to be the best they can be, theyll be welcomed by an amazing community that will support them every step of the way, from the cowbells they hear at the side of course, to the hugs and high-fives they get at the finish line. Finally, our gracious champions extend the legacy of what theyve learned throughout their years racing by giving back to the clubs that helped them develop.
Recently, we saw these parallels in action with our newest fundraiser featuring Canadian athletes racing in the UCI Track Champions League, who were presented with bikes customized in their home clubs colours. The five athletes are: Olympic gold medallist from Juventus Cycling Club, Kelsey Mitchell; World Champion from National Cycling Institute Milton, Dylan Bibic; Commonwealth Games medallist representing Burnaby Velodrome Club, Maggie Coles-Lyster; and National Team endurance riders representing Tripleshot Cycling, Sarah van Dam and Centre National de Cyclisme de Bromont, Mathias Guillemette. Not only do the riders get to represent their clubs on the international stage, but those in the cycling community have a unique opportunity to provide direct support to those clubs. Participants can bid on a bike of their choice in an online auction, with all proceeds and additional donations going directly to the clubs in support of local programming and to benefit the next generation of athletes.
To learn more about the auction and how to place your bid, click here. The auction will run until the final leg of the series on Dec. 3 in London, GBR, with all bids closing on Dec. 12.
CYCLING CANADA BECOMES ABUSE-FREE SPORT SIGNATORY
Cycling has signed an agreement to join Abuse-Free Sport, delivered by the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) to prevent and address maltreatment in sport. The organization has adopted the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) and is in the process of making the required internal policy adjustments to accompany this important step forward. The transition period (which will end no later than Dec. 21, 2022) will include updating of the organizations Safe Sport policies, information sharing to its members and the completion of consent forms from individuals designated as UCCMS Participants. More information about Abuse-Free Sport and Cycling Canadas Safe Sport services can be found here.
CYCLING CANADA ANNOUNCES RETURN OF ESPORTS FOR 2022-2023 SEASON
Cycling Canada is excited for the return of Esports for its third consecutive season. Riders will be able ride four times a week through Zwift, a virtual cycling platform, which will kick off Nov. 7, 2022, until April 5, 2023. Rides will include weekly tune-up series (Monday and Tuesday), race nights (Wednesday) and weekend Fundo rides (Saturday) for the duration of the winter months. Athletes will also be gearing up for the 2022 Canadian Esports Championships on Wahoo RGT. Working with returning partners, Echelon Racing Promotions and Wahoo RGT, the 2023 Canadian Esports Championships presented by Wahoo will be virtually held on Wahoo RGTs platform Feb. 11 and 12. Free livestreaming will once again be offered, which will cover all race categories for both competition days. More details about the event will be released in the coming months.
CYCLO-CROSS ATHLETES CAP OFF FINAL CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS OF 2022
There was excitement at Layritz Park in Saanich, BC, with the return of Canadian Cyclo-cross Championships for the first time in two years. Nearly 300 athletes raced the 3.6 kilometre course through the cold, wind, rain and mud with 14 new Canadian Champions named. There was plenty of strong riding including Ava Holmgren and Tyler Clark who took home their first Canadian elite titles. The Championships officially marks the end of the 2022 national calendar. The full list of all winners can be found here.
CYCLING CANADA ANNUAL AWARDS
Its that time of the year where we recognize the hard work done during the 2022 season through our annual awards. Each award will be given to the race organization or individual who went above and beyond their duties. Awards include:
- Event of the Year: Riders can vote on which national event stood out most based on registration, timing and the quality of course or track. Based on participant feedback through an online survey, the award will be given to the race organizer for their outstanding work. You can have your input on who the award should be given to here.
- Coaching Recognition Awards: Presented to coaches whose Canadian athletes or teams won gold while competing at any of the Canadian Championships during the 2022 season. The submission form can be found here.
- Commissaires of the Year: Nominated by their peers or a PTSO staff member, Commissaire of the Year is awarded to those who have made national and international contributions to the sport.
The deadline for all award applications and submissions is on Dec. 18, 2022.
Track Champions League #4
Dec. 2
London, GBR
Track Champions League Finale
Dec. 3
London, GBR
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #8
Dec. 4
Antwerp, BEL
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #9
Dec. 11
Dublin, IRE
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #10
Dec. 17
Val di Sole, ITA
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #11
Dec. 26
Gavere, BEL
We are proud to be part of a dynamic and outstanding cycling community whose many achievements and contributions go beyond performances on the bike. In an effort to recognize some of these many noteworthy achievements, Cycling Canada would like to highlight the following individuals and accomplishments:
- From everyone at Cycling Canada, we would like to wish you a happy and safe holiday season, whether that be in your pain cave or resting by the fire.
- A huge thank you to all our volunteers, commissaires and staff who have worked tirelessly at our events during the 2022 season. We cant pull off any of these amazing races without your hard work and dedication.
- Last month, cyclists from all over Canada rode as one during the Ride with Legends to honour the 2022 Cycling Hall of Fame inductees.
- Montreal is the city of bikes and continues to hold that status with the promise of more than 200 kilometres of bike paths by 2027.
- Last month in Ottawa, ON four new HopOn Learning Facilitators and seven new instructors trained to help deliver future sessions of our grassroots program. A big thank you to Ben Chaddock from British Columbia and Jon Burgess from Nova Scotia for delivering the training over the two days.
GIVE THE GIFT OF A CLUB 1882 MEMBERSHIP AND SUPPORT CANADIAN ATHLETES
This holiday season, give the gift of a Club 1882 (C.1882) membership and help support future generations of athletes. All donations are geared towards delivering critical resources to support development programs, initiatives and events that are vital to building a robust cycling nation. Learn more here.
HOLIDAY PARTNER AND SUPPLIER PRODUCT DEALS
With the holidays around the corner, some of our amazing Partners and Suppliers have extended their discounts on items to our cycling community. From 25% off nutritional supplements from ATP Lab to getting a great deal on Thule bike racks or even giving the valuable gift of becoming a C.1882 member, theres something for everyone. Discover what amazing deals you can luck out on here.