Hughes dominates Canadian time trial championship

Canada crowned its national time trial champions for 2012: Clara Hughes and Svein Tuft, both repeat champions. For Tuft, it was his fifth consecutive title and the eighth of his career.Svein Tuft Wins Canadian National Time Trial Championship

Tuft flew through the 39km route in Lac-Mégantic, clocking a 47:25 - more than two minutes faster than second placed Christian Meier.

"I wanted to defend the title, of course, but for me, my approach and the way I ride are more important to me than the result," said Tuft. "I'm not interested in only having a good ride today. I'm looking down the road at the World Time Trial Championships. It's a huge goal for the team, and I want to contribute to us having a good crack at it there. Every time I'm on the time trial bike, it's in preparation for that end of the season goal."

The hot, windy day made the rolling, open course more challenging for the field. While Tuft was careful to stay hydrated and limit his warmup, Meier realized the error of his ways halfway through.

"In the end, my result today was much better than my ride. The first lap of three went well for me, and by the midway point of the second lap, I could already feel my power dropping. From there, it was more damage control than anything else," Meier said.

"Svein was a real ripper out there," added Meier. "He truly showed his class with the time trial win."

Third placed Hugo Houle was the top U23 rider in the test.

"I knew I had the second fastest time in the second lap. I knew I was fine, but Tuft was just too strong today," said Houle. "The course was tough, and the heat was scorching. The course required a lot of concentration.

"Considering my young age, the podium with two WorldTour guys is very good. We have to be realistic, and I am really satisfied."

In the women's field, Clara Hughes once again showed her class with a commanding victory, 1:40 over Rhae-Christie Shaw.

The event took place on the day of the announcement of the country's Olympic team, with the committee having made its decision the previous week.

Shaw, not among the riders named for the team, overcame her disappointment to clock a time almost four minutes quicker than Canada's second rider for the Olympics, Denise Ramsden.

"I am happy to win the silver medal at the Canadian National Time Trial Championships. It was a very challenging course, with windy and hot conditions," Shaw told Cyclingnews.

"It has been a difficult week of preparation and travel, given that I was notified a week ago (but had to keep it quiet) that I was not selected for the Canadian Olympic Team, so I am proud of how I raced and handled myself this week.

Full Results

Full results - elite and U23 men

* denotes under 23 rider