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Up to date daily cycling news and video links and posts from around the world in both French and English covering the world of cycling. Come and interact with us!

Nordhaug wins the 2012 Montreal WorldTour GP

Norway’s Lars Petter Nordhaug (Sky Procycling) out-paced Moreno Moser (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale in second for the biggest win of his career

Gerrans wins the 2012 Quebec City WorldTour GP

Australia’s Simon Gerrans (Orica GeenEdge was the man of the hour trumping Belgian Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing)

Chaddock wins 2012 Canadian Crit Championship

Ben Chaddock (Team Exergy) and Rhae-Christie Shaw (Exergy TWENTY12) win big at the National Criterium Championships in Lac Megantic, Quebec

Roth wins the 2012 Canadian road championship

Ryan Roth (SpiderTech) is the new Canadian road champion, edging out Michael Barry (Team Sky). Antoine Duchesne (Garneau-Québécor) wins the U23 title.

Ramsden wins the Women's 2012 Road Nationals

Denise Ramsden is the new Elite and U23 Women's Canadian road champion. Quebec's Clara Hughes finished 2nd and Joelle Numainville in 3rd place.

Where does the magic come from?

Lachine seems to be a tiny oasis where road cycling is properly recognized in a country where the sport is otherwise almost forgotten

Joelle Numainville 4th at 2012 GPC Gatineau

Ina-Yoko Teutenberg of Germany wins the 134km Grand Prix de Gatineau road race; Quebec's Joelle Numainville places 4th

Hughes remporte le Chrono Gatineau 2012

Clara Hughes leads a Specialized-lululemon sweep in the 18.4km GP Gatineau Chrono Individual Time Trial

St John and Black win 2012 eQuinelle GP Criteriums

Derrick St. John (Stevens p/b The Cyclery) and Chloe Black (Trisports Cycle/Eclipse) were the big winners in the elite categories of the eQuinelle GP Criterium in Keptville

Le retour de l'enfant prodigue!

Remi Pelletier-Roy (Garneau-Quebecor) wins the GP de Contrecoeur with help from Garneau team-mate Brett Tivers on a cold and rainy afternoon.

MANCEBO WINS 2012 TOUR OF THE BATTENKILL

Francisco Mancebo Perez (Competitive Cyclist Racing Team) wins the Tour of the Battenkill pro elite men’s 200km race in a time of 4:55:54

QUEBEC GIRLS ROCK 2012 Tour of the BATTENKILL

Quebec women do extremely well as Veronique Fortin (Tibco/To the Top) wins the 99.2km/62-mile race at the Tour of the Battenkill in a time of 3:00:38

Miroir du Cyclisme wallpaper Collectables

Large (French) widescreen Miroir du Cyclisme desktop calendars available for download under the Wallpaper tab at the top of the page

Tour of The Battenkill: Le 14-15 avril 2012

Dans quelques semaines, nous débuterons la saison 2012 avec une couverture approfondiedu prestigieux Tour of The Battenkill

SpiderTech débute la saison 2012 du bon pied

Boivin revient à la charge, et remporte un troisième podium pour Team SpiderTech

Une troisième cas de dopage au Quebec

Benjamin Martel tests positive as the dominos continue to fall in Quebec

Dying to Win

Grasping the reality and magnitude of the drug culture and looking for practical solutions rather than looking away

What happened to Rocky Mountain?

Four Rocky Mountain-Desjardins Valeurs Mobilieres riders join Équipe EKOÏ.com/Gaspésien in 2012

Miguel Agreda crosses the line

Another champion admits to doping in what is quickly unravelling as Quebec's biggest drug scandal.

Arnaud Papillon tests positive for EPO

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport announced today that cyclist, Arnaud Papillon, received a two-year sanction for the use of erythropoietin (EPO).

Rui Costa remporte le Grand Prix de Montreal

Tour de France stage winner, Rui Alberto Faria da Costa (Por) Movistar Team out-duels the favourites on the final lap to claim the 205.1km Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal.

Philippe Gilbert remporte le GP de Quebec

« C’était une course très difficile parce que Team Sky a assuré le rythme dès le départ. Ça roulait extrêmement vite».

L’UCI WorldTour arrive à Québec et a Montréal L’UCI WorldTour arrive à Québec et a Montréal L’UCI WorldTour arrive à Québec et a Montréal

Stéphane Cossette ne participerai pas au Sprint Challenge a Québec

Stéphane Cossette, qui a remporté le premier UCI ProTour événement jamais tenu en Amérique du Nord ne sera pas de retour à Québec cette année pour défendre son titre. Les nouvelles règles stipulent que les coureurs qui se spécialisent dans la course sur piste sont exemptés de l'événement.

Championnats Qubecois sur route Elite - CLM

Rémi Pelletier Roy est le nouveau champion du Québec CLM / Clara Hughes termine 6e contre les hommes élite en préparation pour les Championnats du Monde.

Véronique Fortin remporte le championat du Quebec sur route

Veronique Fortin, la championne canadienne sur route, termine seul devant sa plus proche rivale remportant le Championnat du Québec.

Antoine Matteau; Le nouveau champion du Quebec elite sur route

Il a dompté la pluie et le froid; Entrevue avec Antoine Matteau, nouveau champion du Québec sur route

Charles Matte; Le nouveau champion du Quebec Junior sur route

Jean-Francois Laroche; Encore Champion des Mardis Cyclustes de Lachine

Jean-François Laroche remporte le championnat des Mardis Cyclistes de Lachine pour une quatrième fois!

Derrick St John remporte le Grand Prix de Vaudreuil -Soulange

Derrick St John s'échappe de son groupe échappée sous la pluie et des vents extrême pour gagner la Grand Prix de Vaudreuil-Soulange de façon convaincante.

David Veilleux; Will he be the next Quebec cyclist to make it big?

After a 25th place finish at the Paris-Roubais earlier this year,David Veilleux electrifies local fans as he prepares for his return to Europe

Miguel Agreda Rojas wins final stage of Les Mardis Cyclistes

Miguel Agreda Rojas wins his second stage of the Mardis Cyclistes in style leaving no doubt as to why he is the newly minted Quebec Criterium Champion

Thomas Voeckler dit non à Montréal et Québec

Le champion de route français en 2010 et vainqueur du Grand Prix de Quebec l'année dernière décide de ne pas venir au Canada en 2011.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year / Bonne Annee!

Miroir du Cyclisme
Quebec’s Cycling Magazine

À venir bientôt : /  Coming Soon:

2011: Une rétrospective de l'année 2011. Les plus grands événements en cyclisme de route d'une perspective québécoise
2011: The year in review. The top events affecting the road cycling scene from a Québec perspective

2012: Une prévisualisation : Changements d'alignement, des choses en vue pour les Jeux de Londres, etc. …
2012: Preview: Roster changes, a look ahead at the London Olympics, etc...


Articles à venir prochainement / Stories we're working on : 

Les Mardis Cyclistes: d’où vient la magie? … Entrevues avec Tino Rossi et d’autres ...
Les Mardis Cyclistes: Where does the magic come from? … Interviews with Tino Rossi and others …

Entrevue avec David Veilleux, un cycliste québécois qui se fait remarquer en Europe
Interview with David Veilleux, a Quebec cyclist who is being noticed in Europe

Louis Garneau: Plus qu'une marque de commerce!
Louis Garneau: More than just a brand!

Et encore Plus / And much more …


Wednesday, December 21, 2011

COMMUNIQUÉ: GPCQM








COMMUNIQUÉ                                  Pour diffusion immédiate

Les Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal

sacrés « évènement de l’année » au Gala Sports Québec

Saint-Lambert, le mercredi 21 décembre 2011 – Hier soir, Les Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal (GPCQM), édition 2010, ont reçu le prix Maurice décerné à l’évènement international de l’année lors du 39ème Gala Sports Québec. L’organisation des GPCQM accepte cet honneur avec beaucoup de fierté et confirme la tenue de la 3ème édition le vendredi 7 septembre 2012 à Québec et le dimanche 9 septembre 2012 à Montréal.

L’occasion permet également de souligner le succès de l’édition 2011 des GPCQM, qui a attiré plus de 275 000 spectateurs le long des parcours. Aussi, l’évènement a généré des retombées économiques directes et indirectes de 56 millions de dollars pour le Québec, en plus d’avoir été télédiffusé dans plus de 75 pays. L’organisation des GPCQM souhaite remercier ses partenaires publics que sont le gouvernement du Canada, le gouvernement du Québec, la ville de Québec et la ville de Montréal, ainsi que ses partenaires privés Desjardins, Kia, Air Transat, Évasion et Via Rail.

Les Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal vous invite à être de la partie en 2012! En nouveauté, il faudra surveiller le premier Challenge Sprint à être tenu à Montréal le samedi 8 septembre. Fort du succès rencontré ces deux dernières années, un Challenge Sprint aura toujours lieu à Québec également le jeudi 6 septembre 2012.
______________________________________


Les Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal

take “Event of the Year” honours at the Gala Sports Québec

Saint-Lambert, Wednesday, December 21, 2011 – Yesterday evening, Les Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal (GPCQM), 2010 edition, received the Maurice Award as International Event of the Year at the 39th annual Gala Sports Québec. The GPCQM organizing committee accepts the award with a great deal of pride, and takes this opportunity to confirm that the 3rd editions of the races will be held on Friday, September 7, 2012, in Québec City and Sunday, September 9, 2012, in Montréal.

The award also provides a chance to underline the success of the 2011 Grands Prix Cyclistes, which attracted more than 275,000 spectators along the two courses. The races also generated direct and indirect economic benefits of $56 million for Québec, and were televised in more than 75 countries. The GPCQM committee thanks its public-sector partners, the Government of Canada, the Government of Québec, the City of Québec and the City of Montréal, as well as its private-sector partners, Desjardins, Kia, Air Transat, Évasion and Via Rail.

Les Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal invite you to be part of the action in 2012! A new race will be added to the roster of events: the first-ever Challenge Sprint to be held in Montréal, on Saturday, September 8. Building on the success of the past two years, the Challenge Sprint will also return to Québec City, on Thursday, September 6, 2012.



Mardis Cyclistes finds new sponsor

Les Mardis Cyclistes organization has signed with The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc., making them the official sponsor for the upcoming 35th edition of  Les Mardis Cyclistes de Lachine. More details to be posted soon.

This is good news for the criterium race series and its fans since Les Mardis Cyclistes had abruptly lost their sponsorship by Saputo Inc. at the end of the 2011 season.

Pasquale Stalteri

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Erratum: Spotlight on JF Laroche

Please note that the Jean-Coutu logo has been removed from page 16. of the Spotlight on Jean-Francois Laroche feature as requested by the Mardis Cyclistes organization due to the fact that it was not accurately displayed according to the agreement between the two parties.

Although the authentic Jean-Coutu logo was used, Miroir du Cyclisme had not obtained prior formal authorization from either party and has therefore removed the logo from the publication as requested.

Miroir du Cyclisme apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Pasquale Stalteri






Monday, December 19, 2011

Spotlight on Jean-Francois Laroche


Editors Note: En raison de problèmes relatives aux travaux de traduction, nous nous excusons de ne pas avoir une version française de cette publication.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Jean-Francois Laroche interview

Jean-François Laroche © Pasquale Stalteri / Miroir du Cyclisme



































Hier, Miroir du Cyclisme s’est rendu au cabinet d'avocats Stikeman Elliott pour conduire une interview en profondeur avec l'avocat et quatre fois champion des Mardis Cyclistes Jean-François Laroche.

De sa carrière à la course, Jean-François nous parle des Mardis Cyclistes et encore plus.

Full Feature HERE

Yesterday, Miroir du Cyclisme visited the prestigious law offices of Stikeman Elliott for an in depth interview with lawyer and four time Mardis Cyclistes champion Jean-Francois Laroche.

From career to race course, Jean-Francois talks to us about Les Mardis Cyclistes and more.

Full Feature HERE

Monday, December 5, 2011

Editors Note: Quebec Criterium Championship review


Reigning Quebec criterium champion: Miguel Agreda 
© Pasquale Stalteri Photography / All Rights Reserved
I find it troubling that the Quebec cycling community is still in the dark concerning the possible redistribution of medals following Miguel Agreda's positive drug test.

But it is my understanding that athletes testing positive for banned substances can only be stripped of titles obtained following a positive drug test, not prior.

The rationale  being that we have no proof that any offences were ever committed prior to a positive test but once we have confirmation that an athlete has consumed banned substances, the understanding is that the prolonged effects may have played a role in defining any subsequent victories and therefore those titles may be rightfully stripped.

Geneviève Jeanson, who after testing positive in 2005, openly admitted to having used EPO throughout her entire career (although never caught), was not stripped of any medals simply due to the fact that no "scientific" evidence of doping existed prior to the positive test.

Concerning the 2011 Quebec criterium championship and the possible redistribution of medals, the lack of transparency concerning the details of Agreda's positive test and possibly leaked information, has led to much speculation giving rise to various articles and press releases portraying the 2011 Quebec criterium champion as being someone other than Miguel Agreda.

I think we need to know: Did Miguel Agreda test positive before or after the Quebec criterium championship?

If Agreda indeed tested positive at the Quebec road championships (August 28, 2011) as my sources tell me, then we have no definite proof that he was doping one month previous (July 31, 2011) during the Quebec criterium championships and he therefore remains the reigning Québec criterium champion.

If  he tested positive on an earlier date as told by other sources, then he will be stripped of his title.

The story first broke on the Veloptimum website on October 21. 2011.

There is still no official word concerning this matter.

Pasquale Stalteri

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Numainville a se joindre a une nouvelle equipe mystere en 2012

Joëlle Numainville (Webcor 2010)
Clara Hughes 18e au monde



















3 décembre 2011 (Laval, QC) - Joëlle Numainville, l'une des meilleures coureuses de route féminine au  monde, ne sera pas de retour avec l'équipe californienne TIBCO l'année prochain comme annonce par l'équipe ça fait quelque jours.

On a essayé de rejoindre Joëlle par téléphone cette semaine mais sans succès.

Par la suite, Numainville a nous répondu par courriel en dissent: «Je vais rejoindre une nouvelle équipe l'an prochain; l'annonce de l'équipe sera publié à la fin de Janvier"

Numainville, la championne canadienne sur route en 2010, est aussi la 27e au classement des femmes élite au monde sur route et la deuxième canadienne sur cette liste, après Clara Hughes (18e).

Ce dernier classement UCI est sorti le 20 novembre 2011; le même jour que Numainville a fêté son 24ième anniversaire.

Nous espérons que vos autres cadeaux d'anniversaire ont été aussi prestigieuses, Joëlle!

Les équipes de Joëlle:

2006                Biovail
2007                Biovail
2008                ESGL93-GSDGestion
2009                ESGL93-GSDGestion
2010                Webcor
2011                TIBCO
2012                ??


Saturday, December 3, 2011

Une redistribution éventuelle des titres québécois?

Jordan Brochu © Pasquale Stalteri
Miguel Agreda © Pasquale Stalteri



















Deux coureurs québécois ont admis cet automne d’avoir pris des produits dopants au cours de la saison de courses 2011. Il s’agit de Miguel Agreda Rojas et Arnaud Papillon, tous deux de l’équipe de route Garneau-Club Chaussures-Norton Rose, et qui ont tous deux pris de l’EPO (érythropoïétine).

Nous savons que les roues de bureaucratie tournent lentement, mais on commence d’entendre des chuchotements qu’on va bientôt assister à une redistribution des médailles au Québec suite aux aveux. Or, nous savons qu’Agreda détient le titre de champion québécois du critérium en 2011 gagné à Sainte-Agathe le 31 juillet dernier. Et nous savons également que l’équipe composée de  Miguel Agreda Rojas, Rémi Pelletier-Roy, Jean-François Racine, et Léni Trudel a remporté le titre de la contre-la-montre (CLM) par équipe le 20 août 2011 à St-Basile-de-Portneuf.

Il est drôle, effectivement, de regarder un communiqué de presse de l’équipe Équipe EKOÏ.com/Gaspésien datée du 28 novembre là où on peut lire que  < Jordan Brochu quant à lui est champion québécois du critérium. > Mais Brochu (anciennement Rocky Mountain) a fini troisième dans cette course du 31 juillet, derrière Agreda et derrière Brett Tivers (Tivers, également de l’équipe Garneau, n’est pas citoyen canadien et son classement n’y compte pas). Mais depuis quand est-ce qu’on a accordé la médaille d’or à Brochu? La réponse est qu’on n’avait pas (encore) accordé la médaille d’or à lui.

Si une telle redistribution aura lieu, on devrait voir Brochu devenir le champion québécois du critérium chez les hommes, suivi de Remi Pelletier-Roy (Garneau) en deuxième et François Chabot (Gaspésien) en troisième. Et si l’équipe Garneau est rayée des résultats lors de la CLM du 20 août, on devrait alors confier le titre de champion à l’équipe Dedacciai Hype Vélo, suivi de Rocky Mountain Desjardins en deuxième place et une équipe composite d’Adam Andersen, Maxime Le Pluart, Samuel Blanchette et Fabien Lamaze en troisième. Il n’y avait que quatre équipes dans cette course.

Miroir du Cyclisme a questionné le directeur de la FQSC, Louis Barbeau quant à qu’est-ce qui se passe ici. Barbeau a répondu en anglais à notre question (qui fut rédigé en anglais) en disant :

< We will look into any actions necessary with regards to results in provincial championships in the upcoming weeks once we have all the information in our hands. >

Alors, est-ce qu’il y aura une redistribution des médailles pour l’an 2011? La réponse est < peut-être >, une fois que la FQSC détient toutes les informations. A suivre, mes amis…

John Symon



Jordan Brochu © Pasquale Stalteri
Miguel Agreda © Pasquale Stalteri



















A possible redistribution of titles in Quebec?

Two Québécois cyclists admitted in recent weeks to taking banned doping products during this year’s racing season. The two, of course, are Miguel Agreda Rojas and Arnaud Papillon, both from the Garneau-Club Chaussures-Norton Rose road team, and both having taken EPO (erythropoietin), a red blood cell booster.

The wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly, but we are starting to hear whispers that there will soon be a redistribution of cycling medals won in Québec in 2011. Agreda is currently listed as the 2011 Quebec crit champion 2011 after a race won in Sainte-Agathe on July 31. And the Quebec team time trial (TTT) race in St-Basile-de-Portneuf was won by the Garneau team of Miguel Agreda Rojas, Rémi Pelletier-Roy, Jean-François Racine, and Léni Trudel on August 20 2011.

It seems strange to read the press release from Équipe EKOÏ.com/Gaspésien dated November 28 where it is written that, “…Jordan Brochu won the criterium title during the same championships.” But Brochu (then with Rocky Mountain) finished third in that July 31 race, behind Agreda and behind Brett Tivers (Tivers, also of Garneau, is not a Canadian citizen and his placing does not count here). Since when was the gold medal reassigned to Brochu? It wasn’t, at least not yet.

If titles and medals are redistributed, Brochu will presumably become the Quebec crit champion, followed by Remi Pelletier-Roy (Garneau) in second and by François Chabot (Gaspésien) in third. And if the Garneau team is struck from the results of the TTT on August 20, this should leave the Dedacciai Hype Vélo team as the winners, followed by Rocky Mountain Desjardins in second place et the team of Adam Andersen, Maxime Le Pluart, Samuel Blanchette et Fabien Lamaze in third. There were only four teams in that race.

Miroir du Cyclisme questioned the director of the FQSC, Louis Barbeau about what is likely to happen here. Barbeau responded here saying:

“We will look into any actions necessary with regards to results in provincial championships in the upcoming weeks once we have all the information in our hands. “

So will there be a redistribution of medals for 2011? The answer is ‘maybe,’ once the FQSC has all the information. Keep watching for more news…

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Clarification: Rocky Mountain


Nous avons déjà indiqué que l’équipe de route senior Rocky Mountain n’y serait plus en 2012. Mais ceci n’est pas tout à fait vrai selon le directeur sportif, Jean-Yves Labonté.

Il nous venons de clarifier que l’équipe masculine senior n’existera plus, mais qu’il y aura une petite équipe féminine senior de route en 2012 composée de juste trois coureuses.

Nous ne savons pas encore la composition complète de cette équipe, mais il est certain qu’Élisabeth Albert, 19, en ferait partie. Quant à l’équipe de route junior, on va y voir une composition mixte de filles et de garçons.

Nous allons dévoiler l’identité de chacun et chacune des coureurs dès que nous avons les informations complètes.

Élisabeth Albert détient le titre de championne québécoise des critériums en 2011. Elle fut également gagnante de la coupe Mozzarellissima aux  Mardis Cyclistes en 2011.

John Symon

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Équipe EKOÏ.com/Gaspésien


Équipe EKOÏ.com/Gaspésien, nouveau nom, formation modifiée

(Sherbrooke - 28 novembre 2011) - Tel qu’annoncé dernièrement, la saison 2012 en sera une de changements et d’évolution pour la formation. D’emblée, la nouvelle appellation de l’équipe, Équipe EKOÏ.com/Gaspésien, annonce l’arrivée d’un nouveau partenaire majeur en la marque de produits de cyclisme, EKOÏ. Également, la composition de l’équipe sera modifiée avec l’ajout de sept nouveaux coureurs qui rejoindront les quatre coureurs de retour pour 2012. De plus, les coureurs chevaucheront fièrement des vélos de la marque québécoise Devinci et recevront un support de Coaching financier Trek. Enfin, l’équipe a déposé en bonne et due forme son application en vue d’obtenir une licence continentale UCI.

La formation repensée pour 2012 escompte bien continuer dans la même veine que 2011, saison durant laquelle elle a remporté de multiples honneurs et pour se réaliser, elle vise à construire un programme solide de développement qui assurera une pérennité pour les saisons à venir. 

C’est un calendrier fort chargé qui attend les coureurs pour la saison 2012. « Pour débuter la saison comme il le faut, nous désirons être invités à la Vuelta independencia en République Dominicaine. De plus, nous aimerions participer au tour du Maroc. Le tour de Beauce est un incontournable, plus le tour de Toona aux USA et aussi la sea Otter classic en Californie. » précise Stéphane Tremblay Directeur Sportif de l’équipe.

Le noyau de la formation de 2011 est de retour et nous parlons bien sûr de Yannick Bédard, François Chabot, Antoine Matteau et Mathieu Roy. Yannick Bédard visera encore les fins de courses au sprint en 2012. Celui-ci avait d’ailleurs remporté le concours de sprint lors du Tour de Québec l’an dernier. François Chabot qui a de nouveau dans sa mire des podiums à de prestigieux événements tel le Challenge Sprint des Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal. Ce dernier avait terminé troisième lors du Challenge Sprint canadien. Son complice et Champion québécois à la course sur route 2011, Antoine Matteau sera un des coureurs à suivre lors des courses par étapes et d’un jour. Finalement, le vétéran de la formation et celui qui affectionne les critériums, Mathieu Roy tentera de conquérir le titre de champion des Mardis Cyclistes de Lachine, lui qui a terminé deuxième lors des deux dernières éditions.  

Les nouveaux venus représentent des valeurs sûres mais d’autant plus, l’avenir de la formation.  Malgré le jeune âge de plusieurs d’entres eux, ils apportent un bagage d’expérience tant au niveau national qu’international. Pierrick Naud compte déjà à son palmarès des podiums européens. Emile Jean est le champion canadien en titre de la course sur route chez les juniors, Charles Matte détient le titre québécois de cette épreuve et Jordan Brochu quant à lui est champion québécois du critérium. Jean-Samuel Deshaies a continué en 2011 sa progression fulgurante et malgré une blessure, il a réussi à se classer parmi les dix premiers lors d’épreuves de haut niveau. L’ontarien Charles Bryer âgé de 22 ans a connu une saison 2011 incroyable. Il a même mérité la victoire au Good Friday race quelques mois seulement après un terrible accident à l’entrainement. Finalement, les jeunes de la formation se voient bien encadrés avec la venue d’un autre vétéran, l’américain Adam Carr.

« Les gars que nous avons recrutés sont très sérieux et plusieurs aspirent à atteindre les plus hauts niveaux … De plus, avec le support de nos nouveaux partenaires … Nous serons en mesure de pouvoir mieux supporter les coureurs. C'est vraiment stimulant de voir grossir notre projet doucement! On ne se doutait pas que notre petit trip de ''Bécyque'' démarré il y a 17 ans prendrait cette ampleur! » Rajoute Stéphane Tremblay.

Tel les propos du Directeur Sportif, l’équipe pourra compter sur une solide contribution de ses partenaires à plusieurs égards: EKOÏ (vêtements et accessoires), Les cuisines Gaspésien, Devinci (vélos) et Coaching Financier Trek. Pour Sébastien Hue, partenaire d’EKOÏ America, avoir une équipe sur le circuit Nord-américain complémente bien les efforts mis en œuvre pour devenir un partenaire de choix dans les pelotons professionnels comme celle du WorldTour avec AG2R la Mondial « Le développement d’EKOÏ passe selon nous par le soutien du développement du cyclisme. Nous sommes vraiment fiers de pouvoir soutenir les jeunes espoirs qui composent cette équipe. Nous ne sommes pas là pour exiger des résultats mais bien pour donner des opportunités aux coureurs qui croient en leur chance de se faire valoir. Ils participeront également au développement des produits que nous voulons adapter à une pratique intensive. Ils sauront les mettre à rude épreuve! »

Restez à l’affut car le maillot de l’équipe et la date de la présentation de l’équipe seront dévoilés bientôt.

Bonne saison 2012 à toute l’équipe!


Pour toute information.
Équipe Ekoï.com/Gaspésien
Tel : 514-585-8662
Courriel : ekoi.com_gaspesien@yahoo.com





Équipe Ekoï.com/Gaspésien Pro Cycling Team, New name, modified line-up


(Sherbrooke – November 29, 2011) The 2012 season will be one of change and evolution for the team.  First of all, the team’s new name, Ekoï.com/Gaspésien heralds the arrival of a new major partner in the likes of equipment and apparel supplier Ekoï. Another major change to the team is the signing of seven new riders who will join four carry-over members from last year. In addition to this, the riders will proudly race on bikes supplied by Canadian manufacturer Devinci and will also receive the support of Coaching Financier Trek.  Finally, the team is on the verge of receiving UCI continental status.


The redesigned team is hoping to pick up where the former team left off last season, as 2011 was one of many successes.  What’s more the squad is building the foundation for a long lasting development program, which will perpetuate the team for the seasons to come.


2012 is building up to be a very busy season for Ekoi.com/Gaspésien. “To start the season off with a bang, we hope to be invited to the Vuelta independencia in the Dominican Republic and we would love to take part in the Tour of Morocco.  The Tour de Beauce, the Tour de Toona in Pennsylvania and the Sea Otter Classic in California are absolute musts for us” said Stéphane Tremblay, the team’s Directeur Sportif.


Yannick Bédard, François Chabot, Antoine Matteau, and Mathieu Roy will form the nucleus of the team once more this upcoming season.  Bédard is again aiming at sprint finales in 2012.  He won the Tour de Québec’s sprint competition last season.  For Chabot, an invite to prestigious events such as the Sprint Challenges at the Québec and Montreal Grand Prix’s would be icing on the cake.  He surprised many by finishing third in the Canadian Sprint Challenge last season.  His partner in crime and Quebec provincial road race champ, Antoine Matteau will be the team’s go to rider during stage and one day races. Last but not least, veteran and criterium specialist Mathieu Roy, will try add to his trophy case, the overall title of the Mardis Cycliste Lachine, where he has finished runner-up 2 years in a row.


The newcomers to the team are not only valuable assets, but also represent the future of the squad.  Despite their young age, they bring a wealth of experience at the national level, as well as at the international level. Pierrick Naud has already stood on many European podiums while Emile Jean is the 2011 Canadian junior road race champion.  Charles Matte won the title during the Quebec provincial championships, and Jordan Brochu won the criterium title during the same championships. For Jean-Samuel Deshaies, 2011 was a season of steady and constant progression and despite an injury he still posted some top ten finishes at the highest level of competition. Despite a terrible training accident last year the young rider from Ontario, Charles Bryer, accomplished some amazing feats such as pulling off the win at the Good Friday Race.  Adding international experience, and a mentor to the younger riders will be seasoned veteran American Adam Carr.  Carr raced for the team at the end of last season and posted some good results, such as a top ten finish at the Univest GP.


“The new recruits are very focused and intent on performing at the top level…Furthermore, with the backing of our new partners, the management team will be able to give extra support to the riders throughout the season. It’s really stimulating to see the team slowly grow-up!  Who would have thought 17 years ago that our “little league” team would attain this level of competition!” comments team DS Stéphane Tremblay.


The new team will have within it’s grasp an extensive network of support supplied by the partners; Ekoï America (apparel and accessories), Les Cuisines Gaspésien (financial), Devinci (bikes) and Coaching Financier Trek (financial). For Ekoï America’s partner, Sébastien Hue, having a top level team in North-America matches the efforts put forward internationally to become a “go to” partner in the professional pelotons and states the AG2R WorldTour partnership as a good example. “For us, the growth of Ekoï is proportional to the amount of support put into the development of cycling.  We are really proud to have the opportunity to assist these young riders! Our goal is to be less demanding of results and put the emphasis on giving riders who believe in themselves, the opportunity to see, and to be seen at the highest level of competition. Furthermore, they will be partners in product development, especially in the high-end spectrum. They will put the products through intensive testing!”


The team colours and official team presentation date will soon be disclosed …Stay tuned!


Best of luck to the team in 2012


For all team inquiries
Équipe Ekoï.com/Gaspésien
Tel : 514-585-8662
email: ekoi.com_gaspesien@yahoo.com


Sunday, November 20, 2011

Espoirs Laval: Communiqué de presse

Communiqué de presse:

Le club cycliste Espoirs Laval

Signature d’une entente avec un commanditaire principal.

Laval, le 18 novembre 2011 – Les membres du conseil d’administration  de Club cycliste Espoirs de Laval sont heureux d’annoncer la signature d’une entente d’importance avec un tout nouveau commanditaire.

C’est lors du gala annuel de remises de prix et de méritas que le partenariat a été annoncé aux membres du Club cycliste Espoirs de Laval. Le propriétaire de Primeau Vélo, monsieur Éric Primeau devient le commanditaire principal du club cycliste. Il a pignon sur rue à Laval et à Brossard et a réellement à cœur d’accompagner les jeunes vers la réussite.

En plus de son appui financier en 2011-2012, il offrira à nos membres des escomptes substantiels sur ses produits et plusieurs autres surprises. «Je suis très heureux de collaborer à l’évolution des cyclistes de ce club. Certains d’entre eux ont déjà franchi des étapes qui les mèneront certainement vers les plus hauts sommets. Les jeunes ont besoin d’être encouragés. C’est là ma contribution. De plus, mes deux filles Camille et Pénélope sont de fières membres du club cycliste. » Mentionne monsieur Primeau.

Cette entente permettra au Club cycliste plus de latitude pour la création de divers projets de développement dans les différentes catégories de cyclistes qu’il dessert. 

Le club cycliste portera fièrement le nom d’Espoirs de Laval-Primeau Vélo.  Tout nous porte à croire que 2011-2012 comportera son lot de surprises.

Mission

Fondé en 1968, le Club Cycliste Espoirs de Laval est reconnu comme l'un des plus importants clubs de vélo de compétition sur route et sur piste au Canada. Accrédité par la Fédération québécoise des Sports cyclistes (FQSC), le club regroupe des coureurs masculins et féminins de toutes les catégories, des bibittes de moins de 10 ans jusqu'aux maîtres, en passant par les pee-wee, les minimes, les cadets, les juniors et les seniors.


PHOTO DE L’ÉVÉNEMENT
















De gauche à droite : Dave Rivard, trésorier du club cycliste Espoirs Laval, Alain Brault, administrateur du club cycliste Espoirs Laval, Éric Primeau, propriétaire de Primeau Vélo, Serge Roussel, président du club cycliste Espoirs Laval, Vincent Bouchard, junior et Marc Courtemanche, maître

Source  Serge Roussel, président 450 665-0329

Thursday, November 17, 2011

What Happened to Rocky Mountain? Jean-Yves Labonté explains

Click on photo(s) and links to enlarge images
Pierrick Naud winning stage of Les Mardid Cyclistes © Pasquale Stalteri
November 16, 2011 (Quebec City, QC) - Four former Rocky Mountain-Desjardins Valeurs Mobilieres road cyclists, Jordan Brochu, Jean-Samuel Deshaies, Pierrick Naud, and Philippe Nadon were in the news recently. The first three will be riding with Équipe EKOÏ.com/Gaspésien in 2012 while Nadon will be returning to college to study in a police program.

What was not clear is the circumstances under which Rocky Mountain-Desjardins Valeurs Mobilieres dissolved and whether Gaspésien raided the other team. Miroir du cyclisme contacted coach Jean-Yves Labonté to find out.


There had also been speculation that Rocky Mountain had withdrawn its sponsorship of the team as it did this fall for Team Maxxis-Rocky Mountain MTB team (where Geoff Kabush and Marie-Helene Premont rode), but this was not the reason why the Quebec road team folded.


“It was me who called Stephane Tremblay of the Gaspésien team to offer him my riders,” Labonté informed us. “I’m having a few health issues and was not sure I wanted to continue with the senior team in 2012. But I will continue with my junior road team and with my Salon Info-Velo.”

Labonté continued that, “Brochu, Deshaies, and Naud were ambitious and wanted to race in the USA next season, so I let them go. They will be better off riding for a team with a bigger budget. My team has been a springboard for cyclists moving onto better things. On the Gaspésien team, three cyclists (Yannick Bédard, François Chabot, & Antoine Matteu) already come from Rocky Mountain. And who do you think got David Veilleux started? Who got David Boily started? It wasn’t Louis Garneau…”

“My junior team will have both boys and girls on it in 2012, but it’s a little early to make an official team announcement,” Labonté said. He did also admit to losing one of his sponsors, Desjardins, for next year.

And, surprisingly, Labonté told us that Miguel Agreda Rojas (with Garneau in 2011) used to ride for him, “shortly after Agreda arrived in Canada.” There has been animosity lately between the two and Agreda lodged a formal complaint with the FQSC against Labonté for alleged racist remarks made during the 53km Quebec Criterium Championships in Sainte-Agathe on July 31. Agreda won that race, but there was controversy over the role played by New Zealand racer Brett Tivers (Garneau) in that provincial championship. And to add to the controversy, Miguel Agreda and teammate Arnaud Papillon have since confessed to doping with EPO. Labonté claims to have suspected this long before the confessions.


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Thursday, November 10, 2011

UCI for a total ban on radios

WorldTour Photo © Pasquale Stalteri Photography / All rights reserved

Due to overwhelming pressure from teams, the UCI has recently decided to postpone the introduction of an outright ban of radios in all professional racing for at least another year. But the concept remains part of the UCI agenda for 2013 and beyond.

With the majority of teams in favour of keeping the radios, the conflict between the sport governing body (UCI) and the team association (AIGCP) has been quite heated over the last two seasons highlighted by threats of event boycotts, protests and outright refusal to abide by the new rules.

Radios have already been banned from use in all except the major tours and WorldTour events causing much friction between the two sides so as the UCI pushes forward towards banning radios in all pro events beyond the 2012 season, the showdown is bound to escalate with both sides planning to stand their ground.

But why all the fuss over radios?

Purists believe that having team managers direct their riders every move is taking away from the spontaneity of the sport. Causing riders to perform on command at the expense of individual heroics. But isn't this part of the natural evolution of cycling as a "team" rather than "individual" sport?

Purists once also resisted the wearing of anything other than black shorts and white socks but this only delayed the inevitable in a world of color.

When players rely on instinct rather than follow team strategy and coaches instruction, the outcome is usually unsuccessful and the concept of team is lost. Which raises questions as to whether we want cycling to continue to evolve as a team sport.

Aside from team strategy, radios are also used to alert riders of danger ahead where a seconds delay can often spell disaster. Therefore banning radios also creates a safety concern.

But banning radios does not seem to be the end of wireless race communication. The issue of effective communication is crucial to the point that teams are already working around the UCI ban on ear buds via subdermal implants.

It has been widely speculated that the Garmin-Cervélo, HTC-Highroad and others have already been experimenting with surgical procedures in order to get round the ban and I imagine that teams will continue to go to great lengths in order to continue using radio technology. Soon the UCI may need to set up an MRI testing center next to doping control.

F1 racing, and every other form of motor racing for that matter, also have their origins in the pre radio era but have long since welcomed the new technology to the betterment of their sport.

So why is the UCI taking such a hard stand on this issue?

Radios in cycling are the way for team directors to keep in touch with their (team) riders in terms of race strategy and safety in the modern era. Going back to having writing boards by the side of the road is not only an embarrassment to the sport but a step backward in a progressively changing world readily embracing technology.

Pasquale Stalteri


How do you feel about the ban on radios?

Please comment and or vote in our poll



Help Wanted


Miroir du Cyclisme est à la recherche d'auteurs bilingues pour aider à couvrir la scène du vélo au Québec et contribuer du contenu originale, des rapports de course et effectuer des entrevues.

Si vous êtes intéressé s'il vous plaît contactez-nous au info@miroirducyclisme.ca

_____________________________

Miroir du Cyclisme is looking for bilingual writers to help cover the  Quebec cycling scene and contribute original content, race reports and conduct rider interviews.

If interested please contact us at info@miroirducyclisme.ca

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Right Boost


Photo © Pasquale Stalteri Photography / Miroir du Cyclisme 

In my last article I alluded to the fact that EPO was arguably the most dangerous drug in sport and due to the contradictory feedback defending its safety, I have decided to explain further.

Erythropoietin increases hematocrit levels (volume percentage of blood made up of red blood cells) thus increasing the amount of oxygen available to working muscles which is vital to endurance athletes. In doing so, the blood becomes very thick and with inevitable dehydration suffered during events, hematocrit levels can rise dangerously high, rendering blood as thick as syrup and prompting cardiovascular damage or heart attacks.

As explaining in my original article, EPO can make the blood so thick that during sleep when the heart is pumping its slowest, the blood cannot pump through the arteries prompting a massive heart attack.

The only reason why there is so little proof of EPO fatalities is because erythropoietin is not detectable through regular blood tests and also because it disappears from the body within 48 hours.

Since the advent of EPO on the European market in 1986, cyclists were among the first known athletes to experiment with this wonder drug and many suffered the consequences of this experimentation and over the last 25 years, many more have followed.

In 1987, five Dutch cyclists died mysteriously in their sleep from heart attacks with no known cause. In 1988, two more Dutch and one Belgian cyclist died. In 1989, five more Dutch cyclists died. In 1990, two Dutch and three Belgian cyclist died. In one highly publicised case, Dutch cyclist Johannes Draaijer, age 27,  was known to be using EPO prior to dying of a massive heart attack.

If you think that EPO use has become safer since its early induction; think again. Unless you have a team of doctors by your side monitoring your every move, this drug can prove to be your worst nightmare.

Caffeine

Photo © Pasquale Stalteri Photography / Miroir du Cyclisme 
















The word "coffee" originates from ancient Arabic (gahweh) meaning "gives strength". So the effects of caffeine, the main stimulant in coffee, have been known for thousands of years.

Research studies on the use of caffeine in sports often show contradicting results due to some obvious flaws. Some studies have used sedentary people as test subjects while others have not taken their subject's previous use or non use of caffeine into account prior to testing.

So let me set the record straight as far as how to optimize this performance booster and then you be the judge. If the novelty of the word "caffeine" has worn off and doesn't impress you, then you may be pleasantly surprised.

Important notes:

  • Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, increases the release of adrenalin, increases the use of bodyfat as a fuel and spares glycogen when glycogen levels are low.
  • Dehydration and increased body temperature are directly dependent on a subject's fitness level and studies using trained athletes showed very little increase of either.
  • Studies show that some component(s) in coffee interferes with the normal ergogenic response of caffeine. Therefore use standardized caffeine supplements or in my opinion, better quality, freshly ground coffee although the exact mg amount may vary significantly from various roasts.
  • Studies involving cyclists showed an 18% increase in time to exhaustion and an increase in exercise intensity of up to 24% while reducing lactic acid build-up.

How to use caffeine to boost performance:
  • Ingest less than 25mg/day for a 2-4 week period prior to attempting to boost performance.
  • Ingest less than 10mg/day if boosting performance on a weekly basis.
  • Ingest 2-5mg/Kg of lean body weight 2 - 4 hours prior to event.
  • Adjust timing and dosages accordingly.

Although products containing caffeine can be readily found in every household, caffeine is still a drug and should be used cautiously and with moderation. Furthermore, to get the desired training effects while using caffeine, daily consumption of coffee or other caffeine based products should be kept to a bare minimum.

When taken within legal limits, the proper use of caffeine may significantly improve both training and race performances without sacrificing your health or creating a scandal.

Pasquale Stalteri



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Disclaimer and Copyrights:

All Rights Are Reserved Without Prejudice.

Anything contained within this document is the property of Pasquale Stalteri and may not be further copied, photographed, reproduced, translated, transformed or transmitted, in whole or in part, without prior express written consent from Pasquale Stalteri.

The contents of this document may not be sold or used for personal gain without the prior express written consent of Pasquale Stalteri.

The following information is intended for educational purposes only and Pasquale Stalteri does not assume any responsibility for any injuries or health issues which may arise from the applied use of this information.

Pasqiuale Stalteri strongly advises that you consult with a doctor or health care professional prior to embarking upon any exercise or diet regimen.

Pasquale Stalteri does not guarantee accuracy, completeness and or topicality of the information presented within this document.






Saturday, October 22, 2011

Dying to Win

Dying to Win 
by Pasquale Stalteri
_________________________________________

Dying to win © Pasquale Stalteri
Since posting my original article claiming that drugs are an integral part of professional cycling, I received a lot of messages claiming the contrary. Perhaps some of the recent drug admissions prove my point but many will still argue that these are just isolated incidents.

Many athletes approached me with very defensive tones which immediately raised a red flag while others were simply inquisitive. 

But some went as far as to call me a "dumb photographer" and suggested that I stick to topics I know about, namely photography. Which I chose to take in stride as a compliment towards my photography work.

For the latter, I would like to point out that prior to becoming a professional photographer, I spent 15 years of my life as an athletic trainer and having worked with many amateur and professional athletes, I stand behind my earlier statements.

In the words of former WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) president Dick Pound " "It is very hard to quantify the scale of the (drugs cheating) problem. Some countries understand the problem, but don't know how to go about solving it. Some are still trying to pretend there is no problem."

And to get an even better  perspective of the problem, in 2005 Interpol estimated the trade of performance enhancing drugs to be approximately $19 billion dollars worldwide. Considering the fact that elite athletes make up such a small portion of society, this is too significant an amount to dismiss as "it can't be happening here".

While the recent positive drug tests of (presently two) prominent Quebec cyclists comes as a surprise to most, it comes as a welcome relief to others. Having some insight into what has been escalating behind the scenes in our beautiful sport, I am not surprised and would have actually expected many more.

And while these elite athletes serve 2 year bans, there are numerous others that will continue racing undetected and serve as role models within their tight knit groups of fellow users.

The Grim Reality and Why Athletes are Dying to Win

Performance enhancing agents are unlike recreational drugs in the sense that they are easily kept secret from friends and family and users characteristically do not reveal their secret unless they are caught red handed.

For those who are completely naïve to drug use in cycling, let me shed some light on the subject. In certain circles, drugs are considered part of the equipment such as wheels or tires and are therefore referred to as "gear". And like equipment, some race using Shimano or SRAM or Campagnolo, while some use other combinations and at the end of the day, regardless of preference, it all gets the job done. And although some are more reliable than others, as long as you know what to expect, it's all good.

The difference being that drugs will likely ruin your health. So why do athletes willingly choose to gamble with their long term health for the chance of winning a plastic trophy and a few moments of glory?

Simply put, the positive physical and psychological effects of the drugs are such that it's difficult for athletes to comprehend how something which makes them feel so strong and powerful can also be causing irreparable damage.

Anabolic Steroids

When used in the off season combined with the proper weight training regimen, steroids can significantly increase muscular strength and power while also dramatically speeding up recovery times thus allowing for more intense training sessions more often yielding faster results.

Steroids also increase insulin sensitivity allowing working muscles to replenish depleted glycogen stores more efficiently and when combined with a high carb diet and insulin injections, allow muscles to hold additional glycogen which can in turn be used to train harder and for extended periods of time. Fuller muscles also hold more water making dehydration less of an issue on prolonged intense training rides.

A reasonable percentage of off season strength and power can then be maintained long after the drugs are reduced or discontinued during the racing season. Red blood cell mass will also remain elevated for months after anabolic agents are discontinued.

To quote Dr. Michael Colgan "Given two athletes with the same fitness level, the stronger one will always prevail".

Steroids increase red blood cell mass and although not as dramatically as EPO, combining the two allows for micro doses of each  to work synergistically and quite effectively while lowering the risk of detection.

During the racing season, fast acting anabolic steroids which are in and out of the system without a trace are chosen over their safer counterparts due to drug testing issues. Athletes who get caught for using fast acting steroids are simply consuming dosages which are too large to clear the system regardless of the fast acting effects. The same can be said of most athletes testing positive for EPO.

Side Effects

Erythropoietin

EPO is arguably the most dangerous drug in sport but because it is so easily attainable it also tends to be the most misused and or abused, in spite of many athletes having suffered its deadly consequences.

To be blunt, EPO use can be fatal and when athletes first started experimenting with this drug, many died. Large doses of EPO can make the blood so thick that during sleep when the heart is pumping its slowest, the blood cannot pump through the arteries prompting a massive heart attack.

In order to avoid this, athletes then started using prescription blood thinners such as trade name Heparin in order to thin the blood following races and since drug testing wasn't completely up to date yet, Heparin made its way onto the list of banned substances along with various other blood thinners that were commonly used.

Later, markers in the EPO itself made it readily detectable but then underground labs and numerous companies began producing the drug marker free. Drug tests then started concentrating on elevated hematocrit levels but drug users found another rather simple way to beat the tests; plain detergent proved capable of completely destroying any traces of EPO from urine samples. The only draw back was that it also destroyed all naturally occurring Erythropoietin and so this raised red flags as well.

As the cat and mouse game continues, no method of use or testing has ever proven to be completely safe or foolproof although certain athletes are convinced that they are ahead of the game and that anyone who still gets caught using EPO is simply ill advised as to its optimal use for avoiding detection.

Side Effects

Growth Hormone

In spite of the lofty price tag and lavish claims, GH actually does very little on its own to boost athletic performance. But combining it with androgens seems to boost both substances effectiveness thus requiring less of each in order to achieve the desired effects. But since Growth Hormone and Insulin are antagonistic hormones, GH must often be countered with Insulin injections thus requiring regular blood sugar readings etc…

Due to its rejuvenating effects, GH is mostly used during the off season to help athletes recover from lingering injuries suffered during the competitive season.

Another drug which some male athletes use is HCG which provides a mild boost by elevating natural testosterone production and until recently was completely undetectable.

And the list goes on.

Of course there are also amphetamines, masking agents, masking techniques and a multitude of other stand alone and support products readily available and used by athletes but my objective was not to provide a "How To" manual on drug use but rather to provide some insight into the world of professional athletes which you may not have been aware of and why this is such a complex problem. A problem which many still believe to be non existent.

What is the Solution?

One immediate solution could be to subject athletes starting at intermediate levels to regular on and off season blood and or urine tests regardless of the costs, which can easily be added on to the price of obtaining a racing licence and or inscription fees etc…

Offenders could then be subjected to hefty fines in order to subsidize the drug cleanup program ....

But before we start brainstorming for workable solutions, we have to first admit that there's a problem.

In the weeks and months ahead, if and when the names of more Quebec riders are revealed as having tested positive for banned substances, I hope that once we get over the initial shock, that we finally begin to grasp the reality and magnitude of this crisis and look for practical solutions rather than continuing to look away.

As I stated in my original article, making examples of individuals who get caught and wanting to believe that they are part of the few rather than the many is a naïve attempt to fix a complex and growing problem which needs immediate attention.


Pasquale Stalteri


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