Canadian track cyclists have expressed frustration over Cycling Canada’s decision to pull out the women’s team pursuit squad from the upcoming world championships in Shanghai. The organization cited performance-based reasons and budget constraints for this move, emphasizing a focus on the men’s program instead. Despite the women’s historical success in the event, including Olympic medals, recent trends did not indicate a potential for medal-winning performances in upcoming games.
Cycling Canada CEO Mathieu Boucher defended the decision, stating it was made in the program’s long-term interest. However, he assured that the women’s team pursuit program is not being abandoned, leaving a possibility for the team to compete in the 2028 Olympics if talent and training standards are met. The organization highlighted upcoming events where targeted investments will support athlete development.
The decision sparked backlash from Canadian track cyclists, with Vancouver cyclist Fiona Majendie expressing disappointment in the treatment of the women’s team pursuit program. Retired athlete Ariane Bonhomme criticized the management of the program in recent years for its decline. Former Olympian Clara Hughes also voiced her sadness over the decision, calling it unnecessary and unacceptable.
Despite the setback, Cycling Canada remains committed to developing the women’s team pursuit program and ensuring clarity and accountability in its high-performance initiatives. The organization aims to build on Canada’s track cycling success while addressing the concerns raised by athletes regarding support and long-term planning.