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Karol-Ann Canuel extends for two-years with Boels-Dolmans

Amos, Quebec natives team manager hopes to see her develop into a protected rider in coming seasons

Karol Ann Canuel

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Karol-Ann Canuel of Amos, Que. has extended her contract with the Dutch-registered WorldTour leading Boels-Dolman’s team for two more years. Canuel made the switch over to the team of world champion Brit Lizzie Armitstead and has since gone on to help American Megan Guarnier secure first overall in the women’s WorldTour.

“You are always nervous when you switch teams, but I think it was good for me,” said Canuel. “I felt really welcome very quickly, and I love racing with all my teammates. For me, it was an easy decision to stay. The staff, the riders and the equipment all combine to make it the perfect place for me to perform at my best. This two-year contract gives me even more confidence, so I can just get down to business with the hard training and racing.”

Recently, the 28-year-old has also contributed to the team’s winning team time trial in Vårgårda, Sweden, twice having been world champion in the discipline. Canuel played supportive roles for her teammates Armitstead, Guarnier and Evelyn Stevens on their way to wins at the Giro Rosa, Philly Cycling Classic, Amgen Tour of California, Trofeo Alfredo Binda and Strade Bianche.

“Karol-Ann is the perfect teammate,” said team manager Danny Stam. “When she is on her bike, she can totally commit to whatever the job is.”

The leader of the WorldTour and winner of the Giro Rosa, Philly Cycling Classic and Tour of California American champion Guarnier, said of her teammate, “The way she can hurt herself is incredible. She can dig so deep. It is something really special.”

Karol Ann Canuel
Canuel was particularly strong at the Philly Cycling Classic where she was part of a four-rider squad that was facing teams of six. For much of the day, Canuel could be seen at the head of the race controlling the race for her teammates. Stevens would go on to win the race after Canuel reduced the peloton on the final climb.

“I felt really, really good in Philly,” Canuel said. “We had a small team compared to the others, but the way we rode made up for the lack of teammates. In the end, the team won, and it was a really great feeling. Being a part of a team that has been strong the whole year has been really fun. The wins keep the energy high and provide a lot of motivation.”

With the season winding down, Canuel has one major target left on her schedule. She hopes to contribute Boels-Dolmans first team time trial world title and hopefully her third.

“The team time trial in Doha is a huge goal for the team and also for me,” said Canuel. There is nothing like standing on the podium with your teammates, and the team time trial is the only race where the whole team is recognised together. I have been part of the winning team for the last two years. I hope to continue that.”

Her team manager hopes that she can develop from domestique to protected rider in the coming season. “I believe Karol-Ann is underestimated,” team manager Stam who for 2017 and 2018 expects to see Canuel take more personal opportunities said. “I hope that she can turn into a winner in this team. She has an unbelievable physical reach, and it is up to us to get that out of her.”