A conversation with Canada’s new junior CX champion

The 2010 Canadian Cyclocross Championships were held in Toronto Saturday with strong fields and tight competition across the board. The elite men’s and women’s races came down to the final lap with Wendy Simms, of B.C., beating out Alberta’s Katy Curtis by just one second and Chris Sheppard, also from B.C., beating Ontario’s Mike Garrigan by 28 seconds after Garrigan rolled a tire on the final lap.

Evan McNeely won the U-23 national title, Peter Mogg won in Master A, Norman Thibault won in Master B, Robert Sule won in Master C and Julie Lafreniere was the Master Women’s winner.

In the junior men’s race, Ontario’s Benjamin Perry beat Karl Hoppner by 33 seconds to win his first-ever national championship. Perry, who won the cadet road cycling and junior time trial provincial championships earlier this year, had a conversation with Canadian Cycling Magazine and said he’s hoping this will be the first of many national titles.

What does the title mean to your career?

“A first national title is a big thing, hopefully I can expand it into other disciplines. I already know the road course for the next two years and I think it’s one I could do very well on. I hope to be successful in following years for cross as well.”

How did the nationals course fit your riding style?

“The course didn’t fit me like a glove, but it had enough power factors, climbs and corners to suit my style. I was lucky enough to get a full breakdown of the course while riding with Nathan Chown, who has given me a lot of mentoring throughout this cross season.”

You mentioned you’re planning on going to the World Championships in Germany (January 29-30, 2011). What are your expectations for that event?

“For Worlds, a prediction will be hard to make. I think I’ll go early and see how I fare in the snow and in faster races. It will be amazing to go there. I’ve seen the videos, but it will be a shock seeing 25,000 people, all of whom paid admission to watch a bunch of 16 and 17-year-olds ride their bikes; It’s a different world. I hope to achieve Top 30 as of now. When I get over there and do some World Cups prior to the actual event, hopefully my thoughts will change and maybe even Top 20 will be achievable this year. I don’t if that sounds crazy, but you must believe to achieve. Whatever happens, I will have loads of fun doing it.”