A Person Best Half-Marathon - The Fulton Campbell Memorial Run

It was cloudy and 14 degrees.

The 2nd Fulton Campbell Half Marathon on the countryside, hills and Main Street Montague.

The first 5km time of 22 minutes, at 10km mark of 45 minutes, at 15km mark time of 1 hour and 9 minutes and at 20km time of 1 hour and 32 minutes.

I finished in 1:38:31 and came in 27th out of 92 runners.


Mike MacKinnon won the race and Linda MacIsaac-Gallant for the top female.

Mark McCosham and Carla Murphy both won the 5km race.

I better the half marathon best time by 28 seconds from the 2007 PEI half marathon.

Official Result: 27th out of 92
Half Marathon (21.1Km) in 1 hour, 38 minutes, 31 seconds

Fulton Campbell 2007
Fulton Campbell 2006
Fulton Campbell 2005
Fulton Campbell 2004

More Photos (ours)
More Photos (Deborah Mutch/PEI RoadRunners)

Running For Autism
Not Against It
acceptance not cure



http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=148332&sc=99
Miscouche man wins a portion of memorial run

The Guardian

MONTAGUE — Mike MacKinnon of Miscouche captured the half-marathon portion of the Fulton Campbell Memorial Run here Saturday.
MacKinnon, 35, had a time of one hour, 17 minutes and 25 seconds in the 93-runner field at the 21.1-kilometre event. Scott Clark (1:19:50), Shawn McCardle (1:21:36), Evan Pemberton (1:22:48) and Leo McCosham (1:23:00) rounded out the top-five in the RoadRunner Championship Points Series race.
Linda MacIsaac-Gallant was the female winner of the half marathon. Her time of 1:34:30 was good for 20th overall. Corena Hughes, 29th overall, was the second female to finish in 1:38:38 and Bev Walsh, who was 36th overall, was the third female to cross the finish line in 1:42:10. A total of 93 runners participated in the half marathon.

Sunday Long Run in the National Park

It was sunny and 17 degrees.

Instead of going to town, my mom and I went up to Brackley Beach and I ran 8km toward Dalvay and 8Km back to Brackley.

The new path for running, biking and roller blading they built along the side of the road.

Mom biked with me.

That I run the first 10 miles last year to Ryan's house before the PEI Half-Marathon.

Confederation Bridge to host 30th annual Terry Fox Run

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=146009&sc=118
Tour of Hope makes special stops

STEPHEN BRUN
The Journal Pioneer

O’LEARY — It’s saying something that Terry Fox’s one-time home away from home found the time to make a stop in rural P.E.I. during a cross-Canada tour.
Darrell Fox brought the refurbished Ford Econoline van that followed his brother during his 1980 Marathon of Hope to O’Leary this week.
It’s part of the cross-country Tour of Hope, which continues Terry Fox’s fundraising efforts for cancer research.
Darrell Fox said O’Leary’s history of supporting the Terry Fox Run — spearheaded by the Ellis family — is what drew the tour there.
“It’s hard to pick and choose when you have an event that happens in virtually every community,” he said.
“We were able to come to O’Leary where it’s a bastion of Terry Fox support.”
O’Leary resident Warren Ellis and his family raised over $38,000 for the Terry Fox Run in 2007 — a figure Ellis hopes to boost to more than $40,000 this year.
Ellis said he was inspired by Fox’s 1980 run and has been fundraising ever since.
“It just brought tears to my eyes when I saw Terry Fox. We participated when the first run was announced and have ever since,” said Ellis. “On the original trip that Terry started, (the van) didn’t come to O’Leary, so we’re very honoured to have it restored and to have it here.
“We’re very impressed.”
Ford of Canada spent over 1,000 labour hours refurbishing the van for it’s trek from St. John’s, N.L. to Victoria, B.C., which ends Sept. 14.
“The run goes beyond the route that Terry took now,” said Fox.
“It will probably still be emotional to see the tour end for sure, especially when you think that what we saw today is going to be repeated many times over until we get to B.C.”
Over 400 people turned out to the O’Leary Scotiabank to see the van and hear from Fox, said bank manager Georgia Ellis, including about 200 from Hernewood school.
Fox said the van generates a lot of interest because of the history associated with it.
“The only way (the tour) would really be complete is if Terry were here, but unfortunately he’s not. So with the van it offers an opportunity to really connect with people I think. This particular vehicle marked every mile that Terry ran. It was there at all times and it was his home away from home.”

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=145818&sc=103

EDITORIALS

A special kind of magic

The sight of the recently renovated Terry Fox van this week in P.E.I. no doubt generated fond memories of the late Canadian hero's passage through the province 28 years ago.

Many Islanders had the privilege of seeing or meeting Fox as he made his way through the province during his Marathon of Hope for cancer research. And like many other Canadians, they honour his dream each fall by holding Terry Fox runs to raise money for cancer research. It's their way of keeping his Marathon of Hope alive.

But recently the Fox family was able to track down the 1980 Ford Econoline that was used as Fox's second home during his Marathon of Hope run. And now, newly renovated, it's making its appearance thanks to Darrell Fox, brother of Terry and national director of the Terry Fox Foundation, who has taken the van on the road.

For those who remember Fox passing through their communities, the presence of the van holds a special magic. For those who don't, it's a powerful symbol that can still be used to keep alive the memory and the dream of a nation's hero.

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=145913&sc=98

Confederation Bridge to host 30th annual Terry Fox Run

Transcontinental Media

The Confederation Bridge plans to celebrate the 30th annual Terry Fox Run by inviting everyone to run and walk across the bridge in September, 2010.

This marks the second time the Confederation Bridge has celebrated the Terry Fox Run. In 2005, approximately 14,000 people crossed the 13 kilometre-long bridge for the 25th anniversary of the run. The historic event raised $375,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation.

Organizers hope friends and families across Canada will make plans over the next two years to meet on Prince Edward Island and celebrate the run together. The goal is to attract a record number of participants and raise funds for cancer research.

The announcement was made as the original 1980 Ford Econoline van that accompanied Terry Fox on his Marathon of Hope departed Prince Edward Island after a week of fundraising events in the province.

With its whereabouts being unknown for the last 28 years, Darrell Fox, Terry's brother and National Director of The Terry Fox Foundation, followed up on a tip and acquired the van that was Terry's home on the road.

Ford of Canada conducted a full restoration on the interior, exterior and powertrain of the vehicle, with the goal of returning the van to its original 1980 state. Work began this April and took more than 1000 labour hours to complete.

The van is now being driven by Fox family members across the country in a nationwide marathon drive called the Tour of Hope, organized with the support of employees of Scotia McLeod. The van will arrive in Victoria, BC to coincide with the start of this year’s annual Terry Fox Run on Sept. 14.

The Run is a non-competitive event where people get together as individuals, families and groups to raise money in Terry’s name. It is a day of celebrating Terry’s legacy and helping to keep his dream of a cure for cancer alive.

Registration for the Confederation Bridge component of the 2010 Terry Fox Run will take place online. Details will be announced at a later date.

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=146047&sc=98
Terry Fox Run will be held on Confederation Bridge in 2010

MIKE CARSON
The Guardian

BORDEN CARLETON — For the second time in five years, the Confederation Bridge will be part of a major fundraising effort to battle cancer.
On Sept. 14, 2010, the Confederation Bridge will be closed to traffic to allow for the 30th annual Terry Fox Run. In 2005, approximately 14,000 people crossed the bridge in the 25th anniversary of the run, raising $375,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation.
“We thought that was unbelievably great so we’re going to do it again,” said Confederation Bridge general manager Michel Le Chasseur.
“We’re going to do it on the Terry Fox 30th anniversary in 2010. We’re announcing this today (Friday) because we want to give plenty of time and plenty of notice not only for Islanders but for all Canadians to join in in this great celebration.”
Darrell Fox, Terry’s brother and national director of the Terry Fox Foundation, was among those gathered at Gateway Village for the announcement. On display was the van Terry travelled in during his historic run.
Fox has been travelling the Island and said now it feels hard to leave P.E.I.
“We’re actually not looking forward to crossing the bridge after five wonderful days,” Fox said. “You can talk about how every province has something to offer in terms of beauty but the people really make the Island.”
Fox said in their travels across the Island they are sharing the van as a way to reconnect with the public.
“It’s been amazing to see how everyone has a Terry Fox story whether it’s from seeing or experiencing Terry in 1980 or participating in a Terry Fox run,” he said.
Le Chasseur said in 2005 the bridge was closed to traffic for about four hours and he expects the same to occur in 2010
“I think this formula worked fairly well so we’re not going to tweak with a good formula,” he said. “The only thing is if we had 14,000 people at that time we’re probably going to have a lot more and where it was four hours the last time maybe it will be an hour more. We’ll see as we go along.”
Le Chasseur said anyone wishing to participate needs to pre-register and there will be a specific website set up at the Terry Fox Foundation portal that will soon be announced.

Deltaware - a 5K Personal Best

It was sunny and 15 degrees.

The 5km race on city streets and Victoria Park.

The beginning the race I look at the right shoe lace was untied and still run the whole race. I made the 20 minutes barrier in 19:07 and personal best by 30 seconds over the UPEI Homecoming Race and came in 18th out of 147 runners.


Stanley Chaisson won the race in 15:16 and Rebecca Walker for the top female. These top PEI runners selected for Credit Union Atlantic Lung Run in Halifax.

Next Saturday I run the Fulton Campbell half marathon in Montague.

More Photos (ours)
More Photos (Deltaware's)
More Photos (PEI RoadRunners/Deborah Mutch's)

Official Result: 18th out of 157
5K in 19 minutes, 7 seconds

Deltaware 2007
Deltaware 2006
Deltaware 2005
Deltaware 2004

Running For Autism
Not Against It
acceptance not cure

Get ready to run/walk - The fourth annual Bennie Bernard Memorial 6K Run/Walk

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=145779&sc=118
Get ready to run/walk

The Journal Pioneer

PALMER ROAD — The fourth annual Bennie Bernard Memorial 6K Run/Walk is slated for Sunday.
Participants will leave from the Immaculate Conception Church parking lot on Palmer Road at 1:30 p.m. Registration will be accepted before and after the 11 a.m. Mass and until start time.
The event is organized by Project Love, and funds raised will be for repairs to the church. The Knights of Columbus will provide race day assistance.
The run/walk is promoted as a family fun day.
Strollers and wagons are permitted for the little ones, but bikes and in-line skates are not allowed.
There’s a three-kilometre event for children 10 and under
The event starts and ends at the church parking lot. There will be refreshments following the run-walk, and area businesses have donated lots of prizes to be presented.

Terry Fox Tour of Hope - Terry Fox's van and his brother Darrell

The Tour of Hope

The Terry Fox's van was restored and traveling across Canada.

I went to Charlottetown and see it and met Darrell, Terry Fox's brother.

The cake was good.

More Photos: Ours & Athena's

Terry Fox Tour of Hope http://www.tourofhope.ca/

Continuing Terry's legacy

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=144721&sc=98

Continuing Terry's legacy

JIM DAY
The Guardian

Darrell Fox, left, shakes hands with Bob Moffatt, president of the Charlottetown Rotary Club,
Monday, during one of many fundraising stops in P.E.I. on the Tour of Hope featuring the van
that led Darrell’s brother, Terry, on the Marathon of Hope. Guardian photo by Heather Taweel

For Darrell Fox, the van that paved the way for his brother Terry’s legacy holds more than many personal cherished memories.
The recently renovated light yellow 1980 Ford Econoline — a head turner for thousands of motorists during Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope — now holds the promise as a powerful vehicle to raise funds for cancer research.
Darrell, the national director of the Terry Fox Foundation, arrived in P.E.I. Monday with a trailer carting the van that he drove for his older brother for three months as Terry pounded out a marathon a day on Canadian roads on one good leg and a prosthetic one.
With its whereabouts being unknown for the last 28 years, Darrell has been reunited with the van after following up on a tip and acquiring the vehicle.
In Charlottetown Monday, just four days into the Tour of Hope, Darrell is excited by the stir created by a van which had travelled with Terry for 143 days and 5,373 kilometres, serving as a place to rest, sleep, eat, chat with well wishers, give interviews and collect money.
Parked outside a hotel in the capital city, a cab driver stared admiringly at the vehicle. It’s a look of interest and respect that Darrell is quickly growing accustomed to encountering.
He said the van offers people a sense of closeness to Terry and a feeling that they are getting a piece of Terry.
“It’s fascinating to see how people are impacted by it,’’ he said.
“I mean how many people so far in the past four days have said ‘is this Terry’s van?’ They are totally surprised.’’
The van is on P.E.I. until Friday with several fundraising stops planned across the province. Plans have been prepared for the van to travel cross-country, making stops at hosted events and arriving in Victoria, B.C., to coincide with this year’s start of the annual Terry Fox Run.
Darrell hopes the van carries enough emotional momentum to fuel fundraising events for years to come.
“We don’t want the Tour of Hope to end and then the van to park in front of my house,’’ he said.
He said Terry, who died at age 22 in 1981, wanted nothing more than to raise money to help cancer victims.
“I’ll never forget the speech in Scarborough where (Terry was getting) all this attention and profile and Terry saying ‘you know, one think that bothers me is all I keep hearing is Terry Fox. It’s not about me. It’s about those that I left behind in the cancer wards who are fighting for their lives. That’s what it is about’.’’
Well, Terry’s story still touches and reaches people today, notes a proud brother devoted to the cause of collecting money to find a cure for cancer.
To date, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than $400 million for cancer research.
And, like the van, the fundraising just keeps rolling along.
Nine thousand schools will host the Terry Fox Run this year, up from just over 1,000 in the early 1990s. A whole generation, observed Darrell, is growing up with the story of Terry Fox.
“We don’t have to dramatize the story,” he stressed.
“We don’t have to make it out to be more than it really was — the story of an average person, who through hard work and determination, fulfilled a dream. I mean that story can be told forever more.”

Run 4 Wishes raises awareness, funds

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=144306&sc=118

Run 4 Wishes raises awareness, funds

ERIC MCCARTHY
The Journal Pioneer

ST. LOUIS — Twenty-six crewmembers of the naval ship HMCS Charlottetown will be running across Prince Edward Island in August to raise money for the Children’s Wish Foundation.
For Leading Seaman Michael Murphy, this will be the sixth time he takes part in the Run 4 Wishes.
The “4” is pretty
significant: the crew is
hoping to raise enough
money to grant the wishes of four children living with
life-threatening illness.
So far, the crew, through on-ship fundraising activities, has raised $10,000, enough to grant one wish.
“This is an event the whole ship is behind,” said Murphy, speaking to students and staff at St. Louis Elementary School. There will be more crewmembers than ever before participating in the relay, and they are hoping to involve more P.E.I. businesses and individuals in the fundraising than ever before.
At St. Louis Elementary, they enlisted the help of student Dillan Allan. Dillan and his father Randy have run with the team the past three years, and they will be doing so again.
He has collected sponsorships in the past, but this year the HMCS crew provided him the means to involve the entire school. Any student wishing to support the cause was given a collection carton to take home. Dillan will be representing the school in the Run 4 Wishes this year, and all monies students turn in for the cause will be counted on his sponsor sheet.

Run 4 Wishes team members from the naval ship HMCS Charlottetown,
give St. Louis Elementary School student Dillan Allain a lift in an oversized shoe.
Allain will run with the team in August when they conducted their run across
P.E.I. in support of the Children’s Wish Foundation. Giving a helping hand,
background, is Jason MacLean, fundraising coordinator for Children’s Wish. Team
members include, from left, Cpt. Michael Jordan, L.S. Michael Murphy,
M.Seaman Joey DeWolfe, Sub. Lieutenant Marcie Dean and, in front, Sub. Lt. Joe MacDonald

Islanders on the Run - This Weekend at the Johnny Miles

Full Marathon:

6 - Scott Clark - 4/34 - M4049 - 2:48:29*
7 - Mike MacKinnon - 1/13 - M3039 - 2:51:23*
10 - Mark McCosham - 5/34 - M4049 - 3:02:51*
19 - David Forsythe - 10/34 - M4049 - 3:13:54*
28 - Francis Fagan - 5/19 - M5059 - 3:20:39*
32 - Brody Ellis - 5/5 - M2029 - 3:23:42
35 - Tim Murphy - 14/34 - M4049 - 3:26:36*
44 - Dave Beaton - 17/34 - M4049 - 3:33:13*
47 - Ken Taylor - 18/34 - M4049 - 3:38:03
52 - John Van Ekris - 20/34 - M4049 - 3:42:26
53 - Bev Walsh - 1/14 - F4049 - 3:42:49*
65 - Elaine Burkholder - 2/7 - F5059 - 3:53:36*
69 - Kimberley Bailey - 5/14 - F4049 - 3:55:47
79 - Loretta Van Ekris - 7/14 - F4049 - 4:05:07
91 - Dianne Pye - 10/14 - F4049 - 4:26:11
94 - Debby Hughes - 11/14 - F4049 - 4:30:54

108 total runners
* = Boston Marathon Qualifying Time

Half-Marathon:

5 - Leo McCosham - 2/59 - M4049 - 1:22:34 
26 - Gary Simmonds - 10/59 - M4049 - 1:31:44
27 - Andre Chiasson - 11/59 - M4049 - 1:31:23
109 - Kelly McCosham - 11/45 - F3039 - 1:48:34   
110 - Ray Murphy - 29/39 - M3039 - 1:48:30
156 - Eric Deveay - 37/59 - M4049 - 1:53:27
182 - Karen Rose-Mackay - 18/66 - F4049 - 1:56:06
188 - Paul F Johnston - 48/59 - M4049 - 1:56:14
200 - Bertha Campbell - 5/28 - F5059 - 1:57:51
231 - Bethany Lucas - 33/45 - F3039 - 2:03:10        
232 - Denis Chiasson - 53/59 - M4049 - 2:04:05
234 - Pamela Paquet - 25/66 - F4049 - 2:04:01
236 - Donnie Walsh - 26/66 - F4049 - 2:04:19
240 - Elaine Chessman - 10/28 - F5059 - 2:05:07 
304 - G. Weeks - 39/39 - M3039 - 2:22:51
323 - C. Weeks - 60/66 - F4049 - 2:34:22       

345 total runners

10Km:

37 - Paul Seviour - 9/55 - M4049 - 42:35

417 total runners

5Km:

23 - Holly Chessman - 2/19 - F2029 - 24:50
66 - Shauna Chisholm - Summerside - 11/49 - F4049 - 28:07
100 - Anne MacLaurin - 21/62 - F3039 - 30:12
161 - Phil Rodger - 19/20 - M4049 - 33:00

219 total runners

Student Challenge:

123 - Melanie Rodger - 64/112 - F0119 - 28:08
133 - Mathieu Rodger - 62/77 - M0119 - 30:11
134 - Christopher Gardine - 63/77 - M0119 - 30:12
164 - Megan Rodger - 94/112 - F0119 - 33:01

190 total runners

Congratulations Everyone!

PEI Parks Trail Run 10K

It was sunny and cloudy and windy and 12 degrees.

The trail run on Confederation Trail out and back course of 5km each way.

I finished in 42:23 and best this race time by 3 minutes of 2004 and came in 15th out of 71 runners. My 3rd best 10K.

Jamie Nickerson won the race and Jen Nickolson for the top female.

Official Result: 15th out of 71
10K in 42 minutes, 23 seconds

Trail Run 2007
Trail Run 2005
Trail Run 2004

More Photos (ours)

Running For Autism
Not Against It
acceptance not cure

Triathlon plans underway for Summerside event

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=143740&sc=119

Triathlon plans underway for Summerside event

JASON SIMMONDS
The Journal Pioneer

SUMMERSIDE -- A multi-sport event will be held in Summerside on Sunday morning, Aug. 3.
The Summerside Triathlon will feature a 750-metre swim in the Summerside Harbour, a 20-kilometre bike ride over a looped course and a five-kilometre run. The start and finish lines for each leg will be at the same location on Harbour Drive.
"That is called a sprint triathlon," said race director Cheryl Tanton. "It's a very young sport on the Island."
The triathlon is a "test event" for the 2009 Canada Summer Games, which will be held on P.E.I., and organizers need at least 50 volunteers.
"A volunteer could be anything from handing out water to road control," said Tanton, who adds she'll be "thrilled with 100" participants.
"You don't have to be an ironman or woman to try," said Tanton. "It's not your stumble-to-the-finish-line type of event that people see on television."
Tanton hopes to attract participants from throughout the Maritimes and possibly some Canada Games' athletes.
"I'm hoping Island people will come out," she said. "We'll be competing against ourselves. Age-group participants don't have to feel intimidated because we won't be competing against the junior national athletes."
Tanton expects the age groups to be 19-and-under and in all likelihood go in 10-year divisions.
The major challenge in attracting competitors for triathlons, says Tanton, is the swimming aspect.
"You can swim any stroke you want and can even flip over on your back and kick," said Tanton.
To volunteer or to obtain more information, contact Keith or Cheryl at tanton@eastlink.ca.

Trail Run Saturday to benefit Cancer Society

(Click on image to enlarge & read)

Tour de PEI - Final Day

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=143768&sc=99

Oh, what a finish
Seehafer takes home the yellow jersey as the overall winner of the second Tour de P.E.I.

STACEY MURRAY
The Guardian

American Kori-Kelley Seehafer managed to hold onto her yellow jersey Thursday in Charlottetown, taking home the title of overall winner of the second Tour de P.E.I.

Seehafer said she was confident her team, Menikini-Selle Italia/Master Colour, would do well during the tour, although she didn't think she would be the one taking home the coveted yellow jersey.

“I thought the team would take the jersey,” the American said. “I’m pleasantly surprised it was me.”

Menikini-Selle Italia/

Master Colour led from start to finish in the five-stage P.E.I. event to win the overall team title.

Seehafer’s teammates Nathalie Bates and Trine Schmidt came in second and third in the overall results, sharing the podium with Seehafer.

Bates, who also won the polka-dot jersey for best climber of the tour, was 24 seconds off, while Schmidt was 2:24 behind Seehafer's time of 10:40:09.

Seehafer almost lost the lead Wednesday after a major spill caused her to crash.

She said the incident occurred after a cyclist ahead of her got nervous towards the end of the race.

When the cyclist spilled, Seehafer flew over her bike, crashing headfirst and cracking her helmet.

Up to Thursday morning, she was still feeling nauseous and dizzy, she said.

The group had one more thing to cheer about when another teammate, Rochelle Gilmore of Australia, won the tour's final race, the 50-lap Criterium, by less than a second Thursday.

Finishing the Charlottetown race in 1:14:28, she also won the red jersey for best overall sprinter of the tour.

Gilmore said while she was confident at first, her legs started to feel weak partway through.

“It wasn’t until the last five laps that I thought I could do it.”

She said none of it could’ve been achieved without the support of her teammates.

“My team did an enormous amount of work.”

She was happy the team was being recognized for that hard work, instead of just a single member.

“There’s a lot of time . . . only one gets to stand.”

Dalila Rodriguez of Equipe Nationale Cuba and Luxembourg’s Nathalie Lamborelle of team Uniqa took second and third place at the Criterium respectively, crossing the finish line neck and neck with Gilmore.

A final jersey was handed to Merrill Collins of Team Ontario, who was named best Canadian of the tour.

She was surprised at the win, saying she didn't think she was going to take home a jersey.

“Never. I came and I figured I’d race and do OK.”

She said her team has had a good week, and P.E.I. has been wonderful.

“It’s been a great five days . . . I would not question coming back.”

On Thursday, racing started with several cyclists taking the lead at different times, until three cyclists, Kristen Lasasso, Lang Meng and Moriah Jo MacGregor broke away from the others, gaining a 21-second lead.

Leading a second pack of cyclists was team Menikini-Selle Italia/Master Colour.

Seehafer said they were running at about 80 per cent capacity, waiting for their moment.

“So we could ramp it up at the end.”

Over the last dozen laps of the race, the second pack caught up to the leaders, gaining crucial seconds each lap to reach the front.

When the last lap was called, Seehafer took the lead, but it was Gilmore who crossed the finish line the final time around.

*****

Tour de P.E.I. awards:

* Overall Individual - Kori-Kelley Seehafer.

* Overall Team - Menikini-Selle Italia/Masters Colour.

* Top Sprinter - Rochelle Gilmore.

* Queen of the Mountain - Nathalie Bates.

* Top Canadian - Merrill Collins.

(www.tourdepei.com)

Tour de PEI - Day 4

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=143207&sc=99

Cyclist escapes 'disaster'
Seehafer keeps the yellow jersey as the overall leader despite a major spill
during Stage 4 of the Tour de P.E.I.

DAVE STEWART
The Guardian

A major spill on Wednesday nearly cost American Kori-Kelley Seehafer the yellow jersey for the overall lead during Stage 4 of the Tour de P.E.I.

Cuba’s Dalila Gonzalez finished first, with a time of three hours, 18 minutes and 49 seconds, but Seehafer retained the yellow jersey.

“That would have been a major disaster for the race,” one of the race officials said when it was announced at the finish line in Stratford that Seehafer had crashed.

A half hour after crossing the finish line, Seehafer, who finished 34th on Wednesday, was still quite shaken up.

“I don't feel too (good) right now, I’m really dizzy,” Seehafer told The Guardian. “I landed on my head. I definitely cracked my helmet in half. I landed straight on my head.”

Gonzalez is a member of the Cuban national team, while Seehafer is a member of Menikini-Selle Italia/Master Color of Italy.

Overall, Seehafer is followed by Menikini teammate Nathalie Bates, in second position at 16 seconds, and the young Trine Schmidt of Denmark, in third place at 2 minutes 24 seconds.

Australian Rochelle Gilmore, also of the Menikini team, finished second, followed by German Tanja Hennes of Specialized Design for Women.

Merrill Collins of Team Ontario) held onto the best Canadian jersey and is currently seventh overall.

Gilmore and Bates maintained the best sprinter and best climber jerseys, respectively.

In the team race, Menikini still leads, with the Cuban national team in second place.

Wednesday’s stage began on the north shore, departing from Dalvay-by-the-Sea at 2 p.m. The route took the cyclists on a 120-kilometre tour through Tracadie, Mount Stewart and Montague.

The peloton continued south over the hills of Orwell, Cherry Valley and Pownal before the lead racers crossed the finish line around 5:30 p.m.

Tour de P.E.I. is a five-stage international women's cycling event.

Downtown Charlottetown comes to life today as the cyclists race at top speeds around a one-kilometre circuit in the city centre in the final stage of the race.

The action will start at 5:30 p.m. on Grafton Street, in front of the Confederation Court Mall, with the peloton looping east and then south on Prince Street, west along Sydney Street, and north on Queen Street, past Victoria Row, in a criterium totalling 49.25 kilometres.

Cyclists battled very strong head winds on Wednesday, especially around Montague.

By the time Seehafer got back up, she was approximately three minutes behind the leader. Any more time down and it could have cost her the yellow jersey.

With the help of at least one of her Menikini teammates, Seehafer made up significant ground.

“We were just trying to keep it together as a unit and control the day because we have a lot (at stake).”

Seehafer said in addition to her injuries, she had to wait while her bicycle was fixed (the crash bent her handlebars).

“You just try and relax. Your teammates will drop back to help you if you need help. I stayed pretty calm but it was hard because I wasn't fully there. I think I have a bit of a concussion.”

Seehafer said she’ll be good to go in today's final stage, which will be followed by the awards ceremony at 7 p.m.

(More tour results available at www.tourdepei.com)



*****



Top Five Overall

Finishers In Stage 4

1. Dalila Rodriguex, Cuban National Team.

2. Rochelle Gilmore, Menikini-Selle Ialia.

3. Tanja Hennes, Specialized Design for Woman.

4. Fiona Dutriaux, Vienne Futuroscope.

5. Sophie Creux, ESGL 93 GSD Gestion.



Top Five Canadian

Finishers In Stage 4

1. Jenny Trew, Atlantic Cycling Centre, eighth overall.

2. Joanie Caron, Equipe Cascades, ninth overall.

3. Merrill Collins, Provincial Team Ontario, 13th overall.

3. Joelle Numainville, ESGL?93 GSD Gestion, 15th overall.

4. Heather Logan, Provincial Team Ontario, 20th.

5. Mathilde Hupin, Specialized Carrefour/Multisport Mazda, 21st overall.



Today’s Final Stage

A 50-lap, one-kilometre circuit through the streets of Charlottetown, begins at 5:30 p.m.

Team from HMCS Charlottetown lacing up for annual Run 4 Wishes

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=142741&sc=98

Master Seaman John Dewolfe, left, Leading Seaman Michael Murphy and Sub-Lieutenants Joel MacDonald and Marcie Dean
are ready to lace up their boots to help grant wishes to children. HMCS Charlottetown’s annual
Run 4 Wishes for the Children’s Wish Foundation will take place in August with a group running
from North Cape to East Point. Guardian photo
Team from HMCS Charlottetown lacing up for annual Run 4 Wishes

STACEY MURRAY
The Guardian

A team of military runners is lacing up its boots to help grant wishes to children.
Run 4 Wishes is an annual event hosted by HMCS Charlottetown for the ship’s charity, the Children’s Wish Foundation. This is the sixth year for the event.
The group of seamen participating in the event will run a total of 364 kilometres over five days in August, travelling from North Cape to East Point and many places in between.
Leading Seaman Michael Murphy has been involved with the event since it began in 2003.
He said it has received a lot of support since the first year when they raised $3,000 for the charity. During last year’s run, they raised $32,000.
“You can see it has gained a great deal of momentum,” he said in an interview.
The number of runners has also increased from four to 25.
Murphy said it helps that they’re running for such a heart-warming cause.
“It’s for the kids so it’s an easy sell.”
So far, they’ve been able to grant wishes to six children, and want to grant several more with the $40,000 they hope to raise at this year’s event.
“The key focus is we’d like to grant four wishes this year,” he said.
The event’s symbol is a large sneaker the team picked up while in New York City in 2004 during Fleet Week.
Murphy said they saw two large sneakers there, and after some persuasion were able to take one home. While it was originally for one of the crew member’s sons, they decided to use it for the run instead.
The boot will also travel with the runners to several locations, but it won’t be on foot.
“There’s going to be a military truck carrying the boot around,” he said.
The run will take place Aug. 5-9, with runners travelling an average of 73 kilometres a day.
At the end of each day, they’ll stop their run at various Sobeys locations in the province, where a barbecue and bouncy house will be open to the public and donations will be accepted.
Anyone who wants to make a donation can also stop in at the Children’s Wish Foundation office, located at 22 Allen St. in Charlottetown.
During the run, the boot is scheduled to stop at several locations for donations pickups as well.

Tour de PEI - Day 3

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=142818&sc=99

Italian team rolls along
Australian Rochelle Gilmore wins the third stage of the Tour de P.E.I.

The Guardian

Rochelle Gilmore won the third stage of the Tour de P.E.I. on Tuesday, cementing her Menikini-Selle Italia/

Master Color team at the top of the circuit’s standings with two stages to go.

Gilmore, from ?Australia, crossed the finish line in a time of three hours, 12 minutes and 56 seconds in the 122-kilometre race from Kensington to North Rustico and upped her standing to 18th overall from 65th.

Gilmore’s teammate, American Kori Seehafer, finished seventh and retained the overall lead and the yellow jersey.

Seehafer sits just 16 seconds ahead of Aussie Nathalie Bates, another Menikini squad member.

Merrill Collins, from the Ontario provincial team, earned the blue jersey as top Canadian after finishing sixth. Collins also stands sixth overall.

The race began in Kensington centre, passed Malpeque Bay and proceeded through the most hilled part of the Island.

There, racers could earn extra points by conquering the hills in the best times.

Bates grabbed the polka dot jersey for best climber (33 points), while Collins was second-best with 26 points.

In the team category, the Italy-based Menikini group leads the pack with a 18:23.02 total time, over six and a half minutes ahead of Equipe Nationale Cuba.

Today’s stage four is 120 kilometres, beginning in the National Park and running through Mount Stewart, Montague and finishing in Stratford. Start time is 2 p.m.

Thursday’s final stage is a 50-kilometre circuit race through downtown Charlottetown. It starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the awards ceremonies at 7 p.m.

*****

Kensington to North Rustico stage top finishers:

* 1. Rochelle Gilmore, Australia (Team Menikini-Selle Italia/Master Color, Italy) - 3:12:56

* 2. Iraida Garcia, Cuba (Equipe Nationale Cuba) - 3:12:56.

* 3. Karin Aune, Sweden (Team Uniqa, Austria) - 3:12:56.

* 6. Merrill Collins, Toronto, Ont. (Ontario Provincial Team) - 3:12:56 (top Canadian).


Remaining schedule:

* Today - The 120-kilometre race starts at 2 p.m. at Dalvay- by-the-Sea in the National Park and continues into Montague, ending in Stratford.

* Thursday - The final stage, a 50-lap, one-kilometre circuit through the streets of Charlottetown, begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends with an awards ceremony at 7 p.m.

Run 4 Wishes brief tonight

From the PEI RoadRunners Message Board

Run 4 Wishes 2008
Posted on June 2, 2008 at 01:45:14 PM by Run 4 Wishes 2008

First of all the Captain and Crew of HMCS CHARLOTTETOWN would like to thank everyone that participated in last years event. With your support we were able to raise over $32,000 which in turn, granted 3 much needed wishes for Island children.

The organizing team for Run 4 Wishes 2008 will be heading to PEI next week to have meetings with various groups and organizations to plan for this summers event which will take place on August 4th-9th. In saying that we are hoping that ALL PEI Roadrunners can come and meet us at the Charlottetown Allen street Sobeys location in the communtiy room for a brief on this years event. The brief will be held from 7:00-8:00pm on Tuesday 10 June 2008 and refreshments will be provided. At this brief we will go through all the information that you could possibly need to have alot of fun and raise money for such a worthy cause, The Childrens Wish Foundation.
We will also be passing out sponsor sheets and be open to any and all suggestions on how to help make Run 4 Wishes 2008 that much more of a success so that we can beat last years number and grant even more wishes.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Team Leader Leading Seaman Michael Murphy by email at murphy.mw@forces.gc.ca or on the ship at 1-902-427-2762.

We look forward to seeing you all Tuesday.

Cheers,

Run 4 Wishes 2008
Organizing Team

Speed rules at Red Island Relay

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=142336&sc=99

Speed rules at Red Island Relay

The Guardian

ROSENEATH — P.E.I. Speed Inc. won the six-person team competition of the recent Red Island Relay at Brudenell River Provincial Park.
The team, which completed the five-leg course in a time of two hours, 58 minutes and 51 seconds, included David Misener, Cory Jay, Kendall MacDonald, James Vantouver, Peter Toombs and Allan MacEachern.
Finishing second was Lactic Acid 2 of Kyle Chaisson, Dave Clark, Stephen Baglole, Dan McCarthy, Shawn McCarthy and Calvin Chaisson. They finished in 3:09:00.
Naturally Fit Charlottetown took third in 3:16:49. The team had Jason Lindsay, Ben Crook-Hanna, Corey Ellis, Steve Rush, Justin Ellis and Garrett Toole.
Rural Raiders, a six-member mixed squad, was fourth in 3:27:26. The team was comprised of Les MacKay, Shannon Burt, Paul Power, Gena Riggs, Rob Redmond and Dylan Mullally.
A total of 30 six-member teams took part.
The team of Stanley Chaisson and Andrew Scott won the two-person division in 3:07:20, ahead of Matthew Gallant and Tyler LeLacheur (3:09:22), Matt Allen and Mike Christie (3:21:59) and Andrew Pickard and Ashley Pickard (3:28:42).
There were 22 two-person entries.
Ryan Bradley won the solo competition in 3:53:53 while Ron MacDougall was second in 4:03:43 and Craig Beaton took third in 4:07.27.
Eight solo entries participated.

Red Island Relay (previous Post)

Tour de PEI - Day 2

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=142253&sc=118

American wins second stage of the Tour de P.E.I.

STAFF
The Journal Pioneer

BORDEN-CARLETON-- American cyclist Kori Kelley Seehafer (Menikini-Selle Italia-Masters Colours) wears the yellow jersey after today’s race across the Confederation Bridge. An elated Seehafer celebrated with one hundred local students who came out to show their support for the athletes.

A talented junior athlete, Denise Ramsen (Team Ontario), earned the jersey for Top Canadian. Rochelle Gilmore holds onto the sprint jersey.

Today’s 14.5 km time trial, which took place on the Confederation Bridge, the world’s longest bridge over ice covered waters, which links Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick, is an experience the athletes won’t soon forget.

The Tour de P.E.I. presented by Scotiabank, is a five stage International women’s cycling event which runs from June 8-12, 2008. Stage 3 will see the women racing 120.2 km through the hills of P.E.I. from Kensington to North Rustico.

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=142378&sc=99

Strategy pays off for Italian team
Denise Ramsden, 17, gets to wear blue jersey as top Canadian cyclist

STEPHEN BRUN
Transcontinental Media

Team Menikini-Selle Italia continued to dominate Tour de P.E.I. with two of its riders on the podium Monday. Kori Seehafer, centre, of the United States won Monday’s time trial, receiving the yellow jersey, while teammate Nathalie Bates, right, of Australia was second. Team NEBC Cycle Loft/Devonshire Dental’s Sally Annis of the United States was third. The time trial took place on the Confederation Bridge.
For more, log on to www.tourdepei.com. Transcontinental Media photo

BORDEN-CARLETON — An Italian team continued its dominance of the Tour de P.E.I. during Monday’s time trials on Confederation Bridge.
American Kori Seehafer, who rides with the Italian team Menikini-Selle Italia/Master Color, won the individual 14.5-kilometre time trial with a time of 26:26 to capture the yellow jersey as overall race leader.
Strong headwinds during the ride from Cape Jourimain to Prince Edward Island provided the main challenge facing the riders, but the Italian team stuck to their strategy to win the stage, said Seehafer.
“We have a very strong team here and we want to make sure that we have the numbers and we’re winning stages, and we want to win the overall (event),” said Seehafer. “Say you only have five tokens to spend and the team chooses to spend them at the wrong time, you lose the race. So we have to be smart and not use all our tokens at one time.”
Seehafer said she’s a strong time-trialist but she didn’t expect to win the stage.
“I really wanted to stay next to the railing and stay as low as possible, so the railing was above my head,” she said. “I almost ran into the railing because of (the wind).”
Calgary native Jenny Trew went into the second stage wearing the blue jersey as the top Canadian in the field after finishing fourth Sunday.
The sprint specialist and member of the Moncton-based Atlantic Cycling Centre team said time trials are tough going for her but she did her best, finishing in 32:21.
“I went out, gave it everything I could, enjoyed it and it was pretty special to have the Canadian leader’s jersey on today and just enjoy it while I was out there,” she said.
Trew had to relinquish her blue jersey to 17-year-old Denise Ramsden of Kingston, Ont., who rides with the Ottawa-based Ultralink team. Ramsden finished fourth in time trails in 26:49.
She finished well back in the pack Sunday after she was involved in a crash that sent two Ukrainian riders to hospital.
“I had no idea that I was (the top Canadian),” said Ramsden. “I had some motivation from yesterday and I wanted to try and move up.
“I knew it was going to be hard with the wind.”
Race officials said the two Ukrainian cyclists were released from hospital, one with minor bruises and the other with a dislocated shoulder.

Results

Confederation Bridge
time trial results:

1. Kori Seehafer, USA (team Menikini-Selle Italia/Master Color, Italy) -- 26:26
2. Nathalie Bates, Australia (Menikini-Selle Italia/Master Color, Italy) -- 26:42
3. Sally Annis, USA (NEBC Cycle Loft/Devonshire Dental, USA) -- 26:48
4. Denise Ramsden, Kingston, Ont. (Ultralink, Ottawa) -- 26:49 (Top Canadian)

Overall Standings
(After Stage 2)
1. Kori Seehafer, USA (team Menikini-Selle Italia/Master Color, Italy)
2. Nathalie Bates, Australia (Menikini-Selle Italia/Master Color, Italy)
3. Denise Ramsden, Kingston, Ont. (Ultralink, Ottawa)
Red jersey (top sprinter) -- Rochelle Gilmore, Australia (Menikini-Selle Italia/Master Color, Italy) (65th overall).

Victoria Park Cycling lane opens June 30

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=141911&sc=98

Cycling lane opens June 30

STACEY MURRAY
The Guardian

Traffic in Victoria Park will be reduced to one lane starting June 30, allowing the other to be used by cyclists taking in the sights and enjoying the warm weather.
The City of Charlottetown announced details of the pilot project Friday, which was first announced during an open council meeting last month.
The cycling lane will close down eastbound traffic on Queen Elizabeth Drive from Fanningbank to the Victoria Park Pool. The pilot project will run until Sept. 30.
Mayor Clifford Lee said cyclists have become a priority in recent years because of how people are approaching the activity.
“Cycling has become much more than a healthy lifestyle choice. It’s become a mode of transportation.”
He said many places have the ability to accommodate cyclists with cycle lanes, as many roads are wide enough to accommodate them.
“A lot of these things can be done at little or no cost.”
Mitch Tweel, chair of parks and recreation, said the cycling lane is the first step of a plan to make the city more cycle-friendly.
“Cycling in the city in the past has been a survival of the fittest.”
Tweel said he’s excited about the project.
“This is just one more way more people may enjoy what Victoria Park has to offer.”
Kim Green, chief executive officer with Tourism Charlottetown said many tourists come to the Island looking for places to bike.

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=141981&sc=99

Connaughton sets new U.S. track meet record

The Guardian

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Jared Connaughton of New Haven, P.E.I., set a new meet record at the Jim Bush Invitational on the Occidental College track Saturday.

Connaughton, who earlier this year ran a personal best over the 100 metres of 10.15 seconds, has transferred his newfound speed over to the 200 metres while running his Olympic A-plus standard in a time of 20.35.

Connaughton now has one A-plus and two B standards in his quest to Beijing in the 200, now clocked in 20.35, 20.70 and 20.70.

Connaughton also finished second in the men’s 100, in a windy time of 10.17 seconds.

The Islander returns to Dallas where he trains with many of the top sprinters in the United States to prepare for his next competition and the Canadian championships where he plans to secure his spot on the Olympic team.

Tour de PEI - Day 1

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=141977&sc=98

Tour de P.E.I. returns to province

More than 100 international cyclists go past the start/finish line in Summerside Sunday as they participated in leg one of the second Tour de P.E.I. The course was 9.9 kilometres, which the riders did 10 times. The next leg is today and is a time trial across the Confederation Bridge. Racers will leave one by one from the New Brunswick side in the 14.5-kilometre time trial. The bridge will be closed from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Guardian photo by Brian McInnis

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=142012&sc=119

A thrilling finish
Gilmore prevails in sprint to finish

SUMMERSIDE
STEPHEN BRUN
The Journal Pioneer

Italy’s Rochelle Gilmore from the Menikini-Selle Italia/Master Color team won the first stage of the Tour de P.E.I. Tanja Hennes of Specialized Designs for Women from Switzerland placed second, while Sophie Creux of team ESGL 93 Gestion from France placed third.

Even though the weather turned cold and rainy Sunday evening, Italy’s Rochelle Gilmore should have enough attire to keep her warm.
The member of team Menikini-Selle Italia/Master Color won the first stage of the Tour de P.E.I., capturing the yellow leader’s jersey and the red sprinter’s jersey.
The Italian won two of three sprints, which were held on Laps 3, 5 and 7 of the road race. Cyclists did 10 laps of the 9.9-kilometre looped course in the City of Summerside.
“I had some strong teammates and I guess the responsibility was on them to get me to the finish and keep me near the front,” said Gilmore. “Without them, I think it would’ve been quite tough.
“They did a perfect job and stuck to the plan and they’re all strong enough to do exactly what we needed them to do.”

Placed second
Tanja Hennes of Specialized Designs for Women from Switzerland placed second, while Sophie Creux of team ESGL 93 Gestion from France placed third in the 87-cyclist field.
The Italian team was regarded as a strong contender before the Tour began, and proved their skill in the opening stage by setting the pace for the other racers on many laps.

Technical challenges
The tight finish on Harbour Drive offered some technical challenges for the sprint to the finish line, said Gilmore.
“I definitely wanted to be on the inside, which meant you had to be on the outside for the first bend (of the home stretch), then inside for the second bend and my teammate took me right to the finish and it worked perfectly,” explained Gilmore.
Top Canadian Jenny Trew of Calgary, Alta., who finished fourth overall, said Gilmore’s win was expected among the cyclists in the field.
“Rochelle proved her dominance out there with three sprint wins and the ultimate win for the stage,” she said. “We’re not really surprised, we all kind of knew that was going to be the case, but it meant we could relax a little bit going in.”

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=141979&sc=99
Italian cyclist dons two jerseys
Rochelle Gilmore leads Italian team to victory in the first stage of the Tour de P.E.I.

STEPHEN BRUN
Transcontinental Media

SUMMERSIDE — Even though the weather turned cold and rainy Sunday evening, Italy’s Rochelle Gilmore should have enough attire to keep her warm.

The member of team Menikini-Selle Italia/

Master Color won the first stage of the second Tour de P.E.I., capturing the yellow leader’s jersey and the red sprinter’s jersey.

The Italians won two of three sprints, which were held on Laps 3, 5 and 7 of the road race.

Cyclists did 10 laps of the 9.9-kilometre looped course in the City of Summerside.

“I had some strong teammates and I guess the responsibility was on them to get me to the finish and keep me near the front,” said Gilmore. “Without them, I think it would’ve been quite tough.

“They did a perfect job and stuck to the plan and they’re all strong enough to do exactly what we needed them to do.”

Tanja Hennes of Specialized Designs for Women from Switzerland placed second, while Sophie Creux of team ESGL 93 Gestion from France placed third in the 87-cyclist field.

The Italian team was regarded as a strong contender before the tour began and proved its skill in the opening stage by setting the pace for the other racers on many laps.

The tight finish on Harbour Drive offered some technical challenges for the sprint to the finish line, said Gilmore.

“I definitely wanted to be on the inside, which meant you had to be on the outside for the first bend (of the home stretch), then inside for the second bend and my teammate took me right to the finish and it worked perfectly,” said Gilmore.

Top Canadian Jenny Trew said Gilmore’s win was expected among the cyclists in the field.

“Rochelle proved her dominance out there with three sprint wins and the ultimate win for the stage,” she said.

“We’re not really surprised, we all kind of knew that was going to be the case, but it meant we could relax a little bit going in.”

Representing New Brunswick’s Atlantic Cycling Centre, Trew said she’s a sprinter by nature but is happy with her finish.

“It would’ve been great to be top three, but I’m super stoked to be top four,” she said.

“My goal for the day was to take the Canadian jersey, so I’m pretty excited.”

Trew was born in Calgary but now lives in Vancouver.

(www.tourdepei.com)

******

Tour de P.E.I. schedule:

* Today - The 14.540-kilmotre time trial starts at 11 a.m. in Cape Jourimain, N.B., and ends at about 1:30 p.m. on the P.E.I. side of the Confederation Bridge.

* Tuesday - The 120-kilometre race begins in Kensington at 2 p.m. and is expected to end around 5:45 p.m. in Rustico.

* Wednesday - The 119-kilometre races starts at 2 p.m. at the National Park and continues into Montague, ending in Stratford.

* Thursday - The final stage begins at 5:30 p.m. and will wind through the streets of Charlottetown, ending with the awards ceremony at 7 p.m.

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=142006&sc=118

Tour accident sends two cyclists to hospital

SUMMERSIDE
STEPHEN BRUN
The Journal Pioneer

The sound of two vehicles crunching together isn’t pleasant in any circumstance, let alone when you’re in the middle of 87 cyclists during a world-class road race.
But that’s exactly what I heard shortly after I hopped into a van for members of the media in the middle of the first stage of the Tour de P.E.I. in Summerside Sunday afternoon.
As we pulled out into the course, a yellow motorcycle suddenly materialized out of a blind spot to our right. There was nothing the driver of the van could do — the two vehicles sideswiped each other, with the motorcycle getting the worst of it.
I looked back in shock as the motorcycle toppled over and cyclists parted around it — or at least most did.
Two Ukranian riders, Svitlana Galyuk and Yelizaveta Bochkarova, along with several other cyclists toppled over. The Ukranian pair was taken to hospital.
“It’s an incident where two vehicles were near, touched, and some riders couldn’t go by. I don’t believe (it could’ve been prevented,)” said event organizer Daniel Manibal. “We’re very sorry for the riders. That’s cycling.”
He said a similar incident happened during a recent race in Montreal on the last curve of the race, but such mishaps are common in the sport when a troupe of cyclists is mixed with the entourage of vehicles that follows them.
Canadian cyclist Jenny Trew saw the incident take place, but was able to avoid it.
“I was pretty lucky, and I was parallel with it. I saw the bike go down and went to the left and the crash was on the right,” said Trew. “But that’s part of bike racing, unfortunately.”
Manibal said all would be forgotten by that evening, and the cyclists don’t like to dwell on the hazardous possibilities of road cycling.
“It emphasized how fragile a cyclist is when he meets a car on the road,” he said. “It tells us all to be very, very careful with cyclists and be courteous of each other.”