Canadian Press reported last Friday that this year's edition of the Montréal World Cup was in danger of being cancelled until a cash injection from two levels of local government came up with an extra $200,000 Canadian dollars to keep the race alive.
In addition to its usual $40,000 contribution, Montréal's municipal government chipped in an extra $100,000, with the Québec government also donating $100,000.
"It would have been sad if it wasn't held," said local hero Lyne Bessette, who raced alongside countrywoman and now four-time winner Genevieve Jeanson [2001, 2003-05] in yesterday's race. Bessette finished 18th, a minute behind Jeanson.
The 2005 edition of the Montréal World Cup was the eighth edition of the race, and the round seven of the 11-race series. It is also the only women's World Cup held in North America. The four-day Le Tour du Grand Montréal stage race follows, starting Monday, May 30, with Nurnberger's Judith Arndt back as defending champion.
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