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Syracuse, USA - 1 June, 2015 - Velocio-SRAM are set to line up in two races in the Quebec provincial city of Gatineau, the hometown of Karol-Ann Canuel. A UCI 1.1 road race on the evening of 4 June is followed by a UCI 1.1 Individual Time Trial on 5 June.
"I'm really excited to be racing in Gatineau. I've been living there for a few years now so I have now lots of friends and I'm excited to race in front of them and my family. I'm living in Gatineau now but I grew up in Amos which is about 5-6 hour drive up north from Gatineau," said Canuel. "I don't remember the last time I raced at home. I think the last time was in 2012 at Gatineau. I was supposed to do the race last year but I couldn't because I was injured. I was really disappointed to have missed it," Canuel added.
Velocio-SRAM are set to send out a strong roster of riders for the 108 kilometre course. The peloton will start with a 36.7 kilometre hilly lap through the Gatineau park, followed by six smaller 10.1 kilometre finishing circuits. "I'm really excited about the course this year. We are doing a lap of the Gatineau park which have a couples hills in it. I think it will bring a new dynamic to the race and it will be interesting to see what happens."
Alena Amialiusik will join Canuel and is in good form after her win at Winston-Salem Cycling Classic on 31 May. "I think our team have a pretty good chance to do well this week. With the recent win in Winston Salem I think we are riding super well together as a team and I think we can do well in Gatineau. We have a few cards we can play and I think we are all excited about this race," said Canuel.
On Friday 5 June, the individual time trial, Chrono Gatineau Feminin UCI WE 1.1 will take place over a short 11.5 kilometre circuit. Tayler Wiles, who was the 2014 winner of this race, will take to the start ramp to aim for back to back wins. Wiles will be joined by team mates Elise Delzenne, Amialisuik and Canuel, three riders who will use this time trial as part of their National Championships preparation. Tiffany Cromwell and Loren Rowney will also race to make up a strong Velocio-SRAM squad.
"Personally, I'll have some extra motivation by racing in front of my friends and family. For the TT, it's a hard and short TT. I've never done it before but I think it is hard one with lots of false flat and some short hills and lots of corners. I think our team will be well represented with Tayler who won it last year," said Canuel.
Follow the team's Twitter account @velociosports for live race updates.
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Karol-Ann Canuel is looking forward to the ITT course. ©BellXOne Photography
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By Beth Duryea
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