Bryer: 2013′s top-10 moments in cycling
With the close of 2013 approaching, Canadian Cycling Magazine‘s writers are reflecting on the major moments of the past year. We’ve heard from Kirsten Frattini and Rob Sturney. Here are Charles Bryer‘s top-10 moments.
10. Di Luca positive
Danilo Di Luca’s positive test at the Giro d’Italia was more farce than detrimental event for the sport itself. It symbolized the demise of a once-prevalent practice.
9. Milan-San Remo
With weather that was more characteristic of a Canadian winter, it seemed fitting to include Gerald Ciolek’s win at Milan-San Remo as one of the most memorable cycling moments of 2013. Despite the shortened course, the conditions of the Monument made it among the most epic ever. You have to be good to be lucky in such a race. Ciolek truly demonstrated the prowess of a champion.
8. Tour of Alberta
The addition of a new UCI stage race that attracted some of the world’s best cycling teams and exemplified the growing prevalence of cycling in Canada. Many of the world’s top cyclists used the Tour of Alberta as preparation for the world championships. As a nation, Canada is undoubtedly in the midst of a golden era in cycling.
7. Chris Horner’s Vuelta win
At 41-years-old, Chris Horner won the Vuelta a España. He was only entered in three races in 2013. By winning the Vuelta, he became the oldest Grand Tour winner ever. As unexpected as his win was, he is also the only current Grand Tour winner in the professional peloton without a contract for next season.
6. François Parisien
The 2005 Canadian road racing champion decided to end his competitive career as a professional. As one of the many victims of SpiderTech’s collapse in 2012, Parisien was given a lifeline at the end of that year with WorldTour outfit Argos-Shimano. Despite a brilliant year with a Stage 5 win at the Volta a Catalunya, Parisien was unable land a contract for 2014. He announced officially in the fall that he was retiring. After a successful cycling career, he will remain involved with the sport.
5. World time trial championships
Tony Martin crushed all comers at the 2013 world time trial championships. With perhaps the strongest field in history, Martin prevailed as the fastest rider against the clock for a third year in a row. Rumour has it that he averaged a staggering 481 watts to win the race of truth. He beat 2012 Olympic champion Bradley Wiggins and four-time world time trial champion Fabian Cancellara. Martin was in a class of his own and it was an amazing race to watch live.
4. David Veilleux’s retirement
After a successful season, just as his career seemed about to take off, David Veilleux decided to call it quits. As surprising as this was, the decision demonstrated a certain maturity. Veilleux realized his goals and remained true to his own word.
3. Canadian time trial championships
With the absence of Canada’s time trial powerhouse Svein Tuft, Curtis Dearden was the unexpected winner of the elite men’s national time trial. The B.C. native who is known locally as a time trial expert rode faster than Canada’s best, such as pre-race favourite Christian Meier of Orica-GreenEdge.
2. Veilleux’s yellow jersey at the Critérium du Dauphiné
David Veilleux soloed away from his breakaway companions during the first stage of the Tour de France’s dress rehearsal, the Critérium du Dauphiné. He won the leader’s jersey that day and kept it for three more stages. Veilleux’s success this year at the Dauphiné was a memorable performance and one that made every Canadian proud.
1. Mardi-Lachine record
For years, the Garneau-Quebecor cycling team has operated under the shadow of bigger teams, such as Symmetrics and SpiderTech. As one of Canada’s more underrated cycling teams, they have never garnered the attention that was warranted. In 2013, they were led by one of Canada’ most established and experienced professional racers, Bruno Langlois. This year, the Garneau-Quebcor boys finally put their stamp in the history books of Canadian cycling. On Tuesday, Aug. 6, the team led the Mardi-Lachine race from start to finish. Their tempo was relentless and faster than ever. They set up Simon Lambert-Lemay who finished the 50-km, 32-lap race in a time of 58:16, averaging 51.4 km/h—the fastest ever Mardi-Lachine in the race’s 36 year history.
