Langley BC's Svein Tuft has made Canadian cycling history this week by taking the 2007 International Cycling Union's America Tour. The America Tour, which is a season-long competition between all nations in both North and South America, is one of the world's premiere event for professional cyclists.
Svein Tuft is the three-time Canadian national champion, and one of cycling's most talked about riders. This year, Tuft has had his strongest season ever, and along with his Symmetrics Fuelled By FarmPure teammates, he has done something no Canadian or American has ever done before: taken top honours in the America Tour.
10 MONTHS OF DEDICATION WITH AN UNPRECEDENTED REWARD
Tuft began his season well with a win in the two-week long, super-tough Tour of Cuba. In the hot, gritty stage race, Tuft took the overall win which catapulted him into the lead. Tuft then returned stateside for the biggest win of his career in the US Open Championships, a premiere event that was broadcast live on NBC television for three hours. Tuft took a brilliant win, stealing the race from a bevy of international riders.
Once in the distinctive white leader's jersey of UCI America Tour leader, Tuft acquired more points in the Commerce Bank Lancaster Classic, the Canadian Tour de Beauce, the Vuelta a Venezuela and finally the Tour of Missouri.
"It's been a long, hard season for me," Tuft said. "But it's been one of the best. Having the goal of the America Tour has made me train harder, race harder, and stay focused all year. It's been a 10-month stage race, in a way. But I'm just so happy we did this, both for the team and for Canada."
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES: 2006 vs 2007
Symmetrics Cycling earned 199 points ranking 6th in the team Category in the 2006 UCI America Tour. Last year, Canada was ranked 8th of 19 countries with a total of 431 points.
This year, in the 2007 UCI America Tour, thanks to the great success of Symmetrics Cycling, Canada is now ranked 3rd of 19 countries overall with a total of 977 points.
Of those 977 points, Symmetrics Cycling scored 624 and ranked 1st in the team category (the second place team scored only 473)
Furthermore, Svein Tuft, the UCI America Individual Champion, earned more points individually than our entire team did last year. Svein also scored more points this year than all Canadian riders combined did last year, Svein took the title with 235 points - well clear of the second place rider at only 195. Three other Symmetrics Cycling riders are now ranked in the top 40.
Tuft's accomplishment is part and parcel of Symmetrics Fuelled by FarmPure's belief that Canadian riders can contest the world's stage through solid teamwork and clean riding. With a long-term plan that supports Canadian riders both at home and abroad, the team has also accomplished another Canadian first - the team has won the team category as well. Having put 4 riders in the top-30, as well as Svein Tuft, Canada has now won the international competition for teams in North and South America through Symmetrics Fuelled by FarmPure.
SECURING A PLACE FOR CANADA ON THE WORLD STAGE
As a result of Symmetrics Cycling's huge tallies, Canada will now have three berths at the World Championship Road Race as opposed to the single one it had last year. The team's success this year has also guaranteed Canada three spots in the road race at the Beijing Olympics!
Another benefit of the high ranking Tuft and the team has helped Canada to achieve will continue as the UCI points available at the Canadian National Championships will now double making it a easier for us to keep improving Canada's position in the cycling world and access to premiere events.
All in all, Tuft's accomplishment is a huge feat for Canada! Congratulations, Svein!
