Tuft repeats as Canadian time trial champion

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Experience proved to be the key factor at National Cycling Championships in the Elite Time Trial as Svein Tuft (SpiderTech) took his seventh men's title while Hugo Houle (SpiderTech) repeated as the Under-23 men's champion.

The rolling and windy 21.67 kilometre circuit proved to be more difficult than many riders expected, but Tuft was dominant. The course was different from many time trial circuits, in that it was a loop rather than an out-and-back. From the center of the village of Belfountain the riders almost immediately hit the main climb of the circuit. After that, they hit an almost continuous set of rolling climbs and the men had to contend with rolling thunder showers which periodically drenched the course.

Tuft was expected to face a significant challenge from David Veilleux, who has been competing on the European professional circuit this season with the pro continental Europcar squad. At the halfway point, Tuft was only 12 seconds ahead of Veilleux, with Christian Meier (United Healthcare) a further two second in arrears. However, the veteran rider stepped up the pace in the second half of the race while his rivals faded, to finish one minute in front of Meier, with Veilleux a further 13 seconds back.

"I wasn't too worried about the first half of the race," revealed Tuft. "A lot of guys go out too hard, and have nothing left for the second half. I took it a little easier at the start, and was able to really punch it for the last part of the race."

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