Cycling Canada’s 2017 trade teams announced
Governing body also shows commitment to UCI continental, women's and mountain bike squads
Seven teams are participating in Cycling Canada’s trade teams program this year, the organization announced Wednesday, furthering a mandate to support Canadian athletes through the development of programs, policies and services. UCI continental and women’s teams, meanwhile, will also be affiliated with Canada’s national cycling organization in 2017, along with four UCI mountain bike teams.
The seven teams include NCCH Elite p-b MGCC, Team RaceClean, Smart Savvy + Garneau U23 Cycling Team, Transports Lacombe-Devinci, The Cyclery -4iiii, Stingray-Trek par Ultime Vélo and Lowestrates Cycling Team. With the exception of an additional track focus for The Cyclery -4iii, each squad will concentrate exclusively on road.
From the UCI continental and women’s ranks, H&R Block Pro Cycling, Garneau-Quebecor, Silber Pro Cycling and SAS-MACOGEP have also been announced as affiliates, while Cycling Canada will also work with Cannondale-3 Rox Racing (cross country), Norco Factory Racing (downhill), Norco Factory Team (cross country) and Pivot Cycles – OTE (downhill) in mountain biking.
Through dedicated public relations efforts, social-media exposure and even free expo space at Canadian championship and Canada Cup competitions, the partnership is meant to shine a spotlight on both Canadian riders and the Cycling Canada competitive calendars.
But to Cycling Canada’s director of performance development, Mathieu Boucher, it’s all about the riders.
“It’s very exciting to see the list of affiliated Canadians teams for the 2017 season. It is a very encouraging sign of commitment to see these teams and their partners support Canadian athletes who aim to reach international podiums,” said Boucher. “Trade teams have such an important role in our ability to support and develop Canadian athletes.”
