Building Champions Together

In the few last years there was a small army of Canadian athletes representing this country around the world that most of the Canadian population have never heard of. Despite hours of training and racing and countless personal sacrifices, perseverance, family and friends were the only support for these proud young men and women. They held the Canadian flag high and brought home medals and results that we all should be proud of. Some of these athletes are part of our local community and there is much we can do to help them excel and develop into true champions. To begin with, we would like to introduce you to and offer an opportunity to support the most promising talents in Cyclocross.

Beside being a very accessible, urban friendly, fast growing and, arguably, one of the toughest cycling disciplines, cyclocross is also known as an overlooked sport by the domestic governing body. It is not only that these fine young athletes are not given any financial support by the Canadian Cycling Association, they are required to pay for the national team jersey when they represent their country on the world stage! Disappointed with such attitudes cyclocrossontario.com started a fundraiser last year that helped send 8 of our best racers to the World Championships in Belgium. Now we want to do more. We want to help young athletes develop into true champions under the same conditions as their peers in other countries. And we are asking you to participate in this program.

In 2007/2008, Cyclocross Ontario and Tour de Creemore* came together to put together a race team of prospective young athletes who demonstrate interest and potential in the sport, and a club for supporters and enthusiasts of all ages. The race team will compete in Ontario, Canada and US. For the first 3 years, participation on the team will be by invitation. The initial model of the team will be as a development squad, with older, experienced 'mentor' riders, helping to bring along younger 'development' riders.

Alongside the race team, will be a supporting club - a cycling club intended to bring together those of like mind for racing Cyclocross, as well as Road Racing, Mountain Biking, Track Racing, Touring and BMX. Club members will be offered discounts on equipment and clothing and they will be offered a chance to ride together as a team in various events.
This first year we made a limited number of racing kits that is available to club members. Club membership is open to all regardless of your other team/club affiliation. To find out more on how you or you can get involved please contact cxo@cyclocrossontario.com

* The Tour de Creemore is a one day cycling event held annually in late spring, taking 100 cyclists through Creemore to Collingwood. The first event was held in 1993 Funds raised from this event are donated to the "Trails Youth Initiatives" a registered not for profit charity that has been challenging and equipping vulnerable boys and girls from the inner city of Toronto since 1992. Trails has also set up a Tour de Creemore account for donations, www.trails.ca

Image copyright ® Jon Safka 2007