CYCLING CANADA ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF ITS 2021 ANNUAL AWARDS
Ottawa, Ontario (November 3, 2021) – Following the conclusion of its Annual Conference last weekend, Cycling Canada is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2021 Annual Awards in the following categories: Best Junior Rider of the Year, Best Performance in Competition at the World Championships or Olympic and Paralympic Games and Provincial / Territorial Association of the Year.
Cycling Canada’s Athletes’ Council submitted nominations and in conjunction with the Athletes’ Council Annual Survey, winners were chosen by their peers through a vote, for both the Russ Copeland and President’s Trophy Awards. A similar process with developed for the Torchy Peden Award, where Provincial and Territorial Associations submitted their application and the winner was chosen by the Inter Provincial Council.
“Congratulations to Kelsey and Jackson on their awards,” said Andrew L’Esperance, Chair of Cycling Canada’s Athlete Council. “It is such an honour to be recognized by your peers for your accomplishments. This is the first year that the Athletes’ Council was involved in the process of these annual awards and we hope this continues for years to come.”
The Russ Copeland Award for Best Junior Rider of the Year was awarded to Squamish’s Jackson Goldstone who had a breakthrough first professional season, winning three Downhill World Cups and placing second in an additional three to take the World Cup overall title. He went on to claim the rainbow jersey at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in August, finishing the season on a high note.
The President’s Trophy for Best Performance in Competition at the World Championships went to Olympic Sprint champion Kelsey Mitchell, who recently won her first medal at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in the women’s Sprint after beating teammate Lauriane Genest in the bronze medal final. Mitchell is also a world record holder and a Pan American Games gold medallist in the event.
Finally, the Torchy Peden Award for Provincial Association of the Year was awarded to Saskatchewan, who took tremendous initiatives throughout the year to help development riders continue to progress in their respective disciplines. The Saskatchewan Cycling Association kicked off the year by organizing the Canadian Junior Virtual Racing Series on the RGT platform and went on to host track, road and BMX development camps in collaboration with Cycling BC, Cycling Canada and 94Forward, as well as several National Team athletes.
