The men’s sprint team will be deprived of a key element for this Nations Cup on Canadian soil.
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Double Olympian, Hugo Barrette will be conspicuous by his absence. Engaged in the reality show Big Brother Celebrities where he took third place, the track rider from the Magdalen Islands has not ridden his bike since last January.
Franck Durivaux is visibly upset by the absence of Barrette. “We have no news of him and no idea of his plans,” lamented the sprint team coach. He’s living on his Big Brother stardom. »
The Canadian team had been warned that Barrette would not be present during the filming of the show, but the coach was confident that he would be back at the conclusion of the show. “It was agreed that he would be back. He was on the first entry list. »
Canada signed its best result in a long time at the world championships in Roubaix last September with a 7th position in the team sprint. “It was the best result for the boys in several years, underlined Durivaux, and Hugo was an important part of this success. We also won gold in Cali. We will do without him. »
Could Barrette be able to take back the collar and be ready for major dates? “It’s never too late, but he will have to take responsibility,” summed up the French-born coach. I don’t know if he wants to come back. We had agreed to let him go to Big Brother and it would be the least polite for him to let us know his intentions. »
We would have liked to speak with Barrette to find out his intentions, but he did not respond to our messages.
Banking experience
Mathias Guillemette continues to gain experience. After experiencing his Nations Cup baptism last September in Cali, the 20-year-old rider will compete in a third international competition for seniors after starting two weeks ago in Glasgow.
“I’m learning a lot with every race,” he said. I no longer know what to expect. I’m in good shape and I’m aiming for a Top 10 at elimination. I finished in 16th place in Glasgow and it is possible to do better. As for the team and solo pursuit, I want to execute well. »
With the departure of three Olympians from the Tokyo Games, the endurance team has taken a youthful turn and Guillemette wants to seize her chance.
“I’m given opportunities to race internationally and I’m very well placed on the Canadian team. »
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