This past weekend the Grand Prix Cycliste de Gatineau was held in the Wheelers back yard of Gatineau QC. This UCI sanctioned event is one of the only North American UCI races for elite and pro women and we were honoured to host a great field of racers.
The Wheelers are pleased to welcome new members Kelly Knowles from Ottawa, Lenore Pipes from Guam, Olivia Dillon and Caroline Ryan from Ireland, and Arlene Marchildon from Toronto. to the club. The Wheelers are honoured and humbled that Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli recognizes the Wheelers as her Canadian club, as do the other ladies.
Mme. Longo’s palmares are legendary, and her appearance in Gatineau is a testament to the level of competition the event attracts.
Jeannie finished 4th in the time trial and 10th overall in a race that was won in a bunch sprint by the current world champion, Georgia Bronzini. Jeannie is still a force in any women’s field.
We look forward to Jeannie showing us how it is done at our next roller race. Remember, once a Wheeler always a wheeler….
More pictures are available here
Ladies: thank you, good race, and continued good luck. The Wheelers are proud that you joined us and represented us well for a great weekend of racing in our hometown. We hope to see you again next year.
Lenore snuck in the money too with a 20th place finish. Great ride in such an elite field.