Rosters revealed

Times Reporter   

 

The 15 professional teams competing in the September 3 to 8 Tour of Alberta race have been announced, featuring 20 professional Canadian cyclists, along with riders from over 20 different countries.

Headlining the race is current world number two, Peter Sagan with Cannondale Pro Cycling, and 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans of the BMC Racing Team. Canadian Ryder Hesjedal – winner of the 2012 Tour de Italia – is confirmed as well, for Team Garmin-Sharp.

“The people of Alberta, and all of Canada, will be able to see Tour de France and Olympic heroes as well as many former and current national champions of their countries,” said Jim Birrell, Tour of Alberta race director.

Some of those national champions include Brent Bookwalter, who finished second in both U.S. Road Race and Time Trial National Championships this year, and 2011 Australian Road Race Champion Jack Bobridge. Bobridge also won silver in track cycling at the London Olympic Games.

“We’re elated to announce the participation of some of the world’s top cyclists, which confirms our intentions of making this a great field in the inaugural year of the Tour,” said Executive Director Duane Vienneau.

Ryder Hesjedal’s Garmin-Sharp roster is star-studded, with 2012 USA Pro Challenge winner Christan Vande Velde, three-time Tour de France stage winner David Millar, and seven-time U.S. time trial champion David Zabriskie.

“This event is not only great for Alberta but all of Canada,” said Tour of Alberta chairman, Brian Jolly. “We are introducing a world-class event to Canada with a world-class field. We’re on the right track for success.”

Current Canadian National Champion Zach Bell will be riding for the Champion System Pro Cycling Team, and last year’s Canadian Champion, Ryan Roth will be on the same roster. Edmonton native Ryan Anderson will also be racing, as will Will Routley of the Canadian National Team.

The UCI sanctioned race is set to be one of the highest level pro cycling events in North America. The riders will be pedaling through Strathmore on Sept. 6.