Team KBS Diary: Fast on the heels of competing in the TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championships, the KBS team heads to the Tour de Beauce, which starts June 9 and is now in its 24th year.
KBS will join no less than five other American teams for Canada’s premiere stage race, battling against four Canadian squads and a smattering of international competition. The race will undoubtedly feature some stiff competition from the likes of BMC Racing, Trek LIVESTRONG directed by Axel Merckx (son of Eddy) and Garmin’s U23 ProTour reserve squad. Despite the heavy American presence, the fleur de lys will continue to hold an important place in the race with Planet Energy (six out of seven riders hailing from Quebec), Garneau-Club Chaussure, the Canadian Team and the Quebec Team all fielding squads for the six day, seven stage race.
"Our team is well suited for the Tour de Beauce," says performance director Jonas Carney. "It’s an event that favors aggressive teams with a lot of depth. Doing well at Beauce is a major priority for our team, especially because our roster features some of the most accomplished athletes in Canada."
Carney of course refers to Candadian star "Le Carcajau" David Veilleux, whom continental cycling fans should be proud and excited to see return from his March injury with road race and time trial Championships in hand to race on home soil. Unfortunately, his Canadian sprinting powerhouse companion Zach Bell (second at the world track championship) will not be joining him as slated, due to a disclocated shoulder he suffered during the Philly race. Rider Clay Murfet will replace Bell and join Alex Candelario, Reid Mumford, Jake Erker, Scott Zwizanski, and Veilleux for the race.
The action will unfold as follows:
Stage 1: Lec-Etchemin
A 165 km warm up sees riders heading north along this classic course in the region of Bellechasse.
Stage 2: Thetford Mines
Introduced for the first time this year, riders should expect quite a challenge from this hilly second stage. The 161 km trip highlights the beautiful natural landscapes of the towns surrounding Thetford Mines.
Stage 3: Mont Megantic
A true test for climbers, the 3rd stage sees riders starting in St. Georges and heading up this monstrous mountain, culminating at an observatory perched on top of the highest (paved) road in Quebec. Expect the descent to be just as arduous.
Stage 4: Time Trial and Stage 5: Downtown Crit
A tough two-a-day starts off with the 20 km individual time trial in the morning. Expect huge crowds at the 40 lap crit later that evening, running a 1.5 km circuit through downtown St-Georges.
Stage 6: Quebec City Circuit Race
Another fan favorite, the loops widens for a circuit race in and around downtown Quebec City. Beginning near the Parc de la Francophonie, on Grande-All?e, the 13.9 km loop will be covered 9 times and take riders on a steep descent and along the river before a traditional attack on the "C?te de la Montagne" street.
Stage 7: Saint-Georges Circuit Race
A final chance for Canadian urbanites to experience pro racing action, this traditional 11 km circuit will let riders soak up applause through 12 laps around downtown Saint-Georges, culinating in a (hopefully) green tinted podium.
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