Torrid weather thins cycling field
Bruno Langlois finally captured an elusive elite men’s title at the Global Relay Canadian road cycling championships yesterday after a thrilling finish in Ottawa.
The Matane, Que., cyclist was in a battle with Ben Perry, Will Routley and Ottawa’s Matteo Dal-Cin heading into the final corner of the 180-kilometre race before the latter rider slid across the road, taking down Perry and Routley. That allowed Langlois to roll to victory.
“I think I’ve done all the top ten places except the win,” said Langlois, 37. “Today I raced from the front, because on this course it was one where you had to gamble. I tried to attack at the end because I don’t have a good sprint, but the others guys were too strong. At the end I think the others guys went too fast into the last corner and unfortunately they crashed, so I was able to come around. Nationals is always a game of poker, especially on a course like this. It’s my best result; to be champion of your country. Everybody wants this, and I’ve been chasing it for a long time.”
Perry, of St. Catharines, settled for the under-23 title and finished second, while Routley, of Whistler, B.C., came third after running his bike across the line because of mechanical problems after the crash.
Only 18 of 141 starters finished the race on a very hot day.
The championships continue Tuesday in Gatineau with the timetrial events.