World's Best Mountain Bike Cyclists Return to Mont-Sainte-Anne

BEAUPRÉ, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - July 29, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced $100,000 in funding from the Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, to Cycling Canada Cyclisme to support the International Cycling Union (UCI) Mountain Bike World Cup. The event is taking place from July 31 to August 2, 2015, at Mont Sainte-Anne, Quebec.
The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup is part of Vélirium, Canada's biggest mountain bike and cycling festival. In addition to the UCI Cross-Country and Downhill World Cups, Vélirium will feature other competitions, including Raid Vélo Mag, Véli-Kidz,Pumptrack EPIC and Duel de la Côte.

Quick Facts

• Mont-Sainte-Anne has hosted the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup every year since 1991, including two UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in 1998 and 2010.
• There will be 470 athletes from 42 countries competing in two world cup disciplines: men's and women's elite cross-country and downhill.
• Hosting the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup will provide 80 Canadian athletes (including 11 carded athletes) with a competitive opportunity and will also incorporate 15 Canadian coaches and 8 Canadian officials.
• Cycling Canada Cyclisme is the national sport organization responsible for organizing and promoting the sport of cycling in Canada.
• The Government of Canada places great importance on our high-performance athletes, as well as healthy and active Canadians. In Economic Action Plan 2015, the Government doubled the Children's Fitness Tax Credit to $1,000 to help offset the costs of parents enrolling their children in organized sport. Starting in 2016-17, it will be investing up to an additional $20 million into the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes to ensure they have what they need to push for the podium, now and in the future.

Quotes

"For 25 years, the beautiful region of Mont-Sainte-Anne has been host to the world's best mountain bike cyclists in UCI Mountain Bike World Cups. During the Year of Sport in Canada, we continue to see our Canadian athletes face off against international competition here at home. I have no doubt the endurance and determination of the cyclists competing will inspire Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life to 'Hop On' and stay active."

-The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)

"This 25^th year of the Mont-Ste-Anne World Cup of Mountain Biking is a testimony to the organizers and many volunteers who continue to make it one of the most desirable stops on the World Cup tour. Thanks to the Government of Canada's Hosting Program, the event has become the proving grounds for many Canadian mountain bikers, including recent Pan Am Games gold and silver medallists Emily Batty, Raphael Gagné and Catherine Pendrel. We are appreciative of the ongoing support for this important event in the international cycling calendar."

-Greg Mathieu, Chief Executive Officer / Secretary General, Cycling Canada Cyclisme

Associated Links

Canada.ca/Sport

Cycling Canada Cyclisme

Year of Sport in Canada

Children's Fitness Tax Credit

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