Canadians 9th, 10th in junior men’s race

Two riders took Top 10 finishes in the junior men’s World Championship race Friday morning at Mont-Sainte Anne, Quebec. With the crowds growing as each day of the 2010 UCI World Championships takes place, Canada’s Evan McNeely and Antoine Caron finished ninth and 10^th, respectively.

The two came across the line within a few seconds of each other and received bigger cheers than when Michiel Van Der Heijden, of the Netherlands, crossed to take the win. Behind Van Der Heijden, Julien Trarieux, of France, was second and Julian Schelb, of Germany, was third. Other Canadians in the race were Jeremy Martin (24), Leandre Bouchard (28), Mitch Bailey (31), Etienne Moreau (37) and Steven Noble (DNF).

Caron had been running seventh, but flatted on the last lap and had to get a wheel change in the tech zone, which cost him three spots. “I’m okay with (10^th), but it’s heartbreaking to know I was so close to the Top 5, which was a big goal. It was awesome though. All my friends were up there and it was so loud,” he said.

Caron will now move up to the Under-23 category for 2011, but said he’s feeling good about the upgrade. “I have a lot of confidence. I know I’ll have to work hard because the field is obviously a lot stronger, but I’m ready to work hard. That’s what I like.”

McNeely, Canada’s highest finishing rider, said it was a day he’ll never forget. “It was really a good experience. It was more than I expected. I didn’t think this many people would come out for a junior race,” he said.

National team coach Dan Proulx was happy with the results, saying: “Today’s junior race shows what is possible when you give athletes exposure to international racing at an early age. Our junior program is in the best shape we’ve seen in a long time. You saw some of Canada’s future potential in races at this World Championships.”