Exams first, then the world cyclocross championships for Oliver Evans

“I am currently preparing for exams, but would be happy to respond you your questions later tonight,” said Manitoba’s Oliver Evans on Tuesday evening. Evans who is the current junior cyclocross national champion has his eyes set on the world championships in Tabor, Czech Republic beginning Jan. 31. He’s in the midst of balancing training and studies, however, his plans to head to Europe in the new year are set. “I’ll be staying with and racing for Team Canada. Our first race will be the Hoogerheide World Cup in Hoogerheide, the Netherlands on Jan. 25 and then we’ll race the world championship in Tabor, Czech Republic the following weekend.”

Evan’s is story is perhaps a little unconventional because cyclocross was his entry into road cycling, unlike most cyclists, who race on the road first. “I got into cyclocross before road actually. I was in a local Kids of Mud mountain bike club and my coach, Bill Algeo, introduced me to the local ‘cross scene,” said Evans. From there, Evan’s used cyclocross as a segue into the road scene and now balances his focus between both disciplines. His emphasis for the time being leans toward the road side of things. “’Cross is actually my first love while road has grown on me over the past couple of seasons. ‘Cross keeps me going after the road season,” said Evans. For a discipline that serves as a means to keep fit in the off-season, winning Canadian junior cross nationals and going to the world championships can certainly be considered a strong block of winter training.

Next year, Evans will race for one of British Columbia’s top local elite teams, Accent Inns Russ Hay’s, a team that has experience winning national championships. Curtis Dearden was the surprise winner of the 2013 elite men’s national time trial after beating out WorldTour rider Christian Meier. The team seems extra keen to keep their momentum going beyond road racing. According to Evans, they are playing a vital role in his cyclocross aspirations this year, in addition to their support on the road. “I’ve also received support from my new team,” said Evans referring to his support network.

Evans appears to be one of a strong batch of young riders coming out of an increasingly prevalent Manitoba cycling community. Hundreds of spectators visited The Forks to watch the Canadian cyclecross championships in Winnipeg in October. Evans feels that race events in Manitoba are among the best in the nation. Perhaps it’s a reflection of the strong local cycling community in the province.
Evans is currently spearheading a fundraising campaign to help fund his dream with fellow teammate Danick Vandale the current under-23 cyclocross national champion through a Go Fund Me page. Evans’ ultimate goal is to race professionally and to represent Canada at the highest levels on the road.

I don't wanna study I just wanna train for worlds! pic.twitter.com/4lAFJl9UFN

— Oli (@OlibollyOli) December 11, 2014