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KAROL-ANN CANUEL / CANADA
CANUEL, KNOWN AS THE CANADIAN ‘STEAM TRAIN’,
IS ABOUT TO START HER FOURTH SEASON WITH THE
BOELS-DOLMANS TEAM. FROM QUEBEC ORIGINALLY,
KAROL-ANN CANUEL FEELS COMPLETELY AT HOME IN THE
TEAM WHERE SHE GENERALLY RIDES AS A SUPER
DOMESTIQUE FOR HER TEAM LEADER AND TEAM CAPTAIN.
“This is where I belong, during the periods when I am not in Canada,
the team is my second family. This ensures that I perform optimally
and can give everything for the team.” The team has relied on Canuel's
strength for years. “They can always rely on me. I receive an instruction
and carry it out to the best of my abilities.” Victory in a race
is the only thing missing on the CV of this reliable and stable factor in
the team. She came closest to her first major win during the Ladies
Tour in Norway. Frustratingly, she was overtaken by the chasing
group just 100 metres before the finish line, “it was heart-breaking”.
She also narrowly missed victory in two Canadian time trial races,
including the national championship. Even so, Canuel can look back
on a successful season last year. She is particularly satisfied with
the second part of the season. “I rode myself into the spotlight
in Sweden, Norway and during the World Championships in
Innsbruck.” Many are unaware that Canuel crossed the line in sixth
place at the end of the punishing world championship road race in
Austria. The Canadian star prefers challenging, hilly courses and
multi-day races. The three Ardennes Classics and the Giro Rosa are
her favourite races. “I am a true team player and enjoy seeing how
the group becomes even more close-knit during the major tours.
We ride together, eat together and spend a lot of time together on
the road while working as a team to achieve final victory. I love that
on an emotional level.”
"THIS IS WHERE I BELONG"
Like the other riders, she has a special click with team leader
Danny Stam. “His approach to selecting riders and setting out a
strategy inspires confidence in me. In tactical terms, I still learn
something new in every race. Danny is a brilliant tactician, so it is
hardly surprising that we have been the best team in the world for
four years in a row. In addition, he makes life as easy as possible
for us, which is great when you’re trying to get the best out of
yourself.” In addition to her team role in the classic races, Canuel
is looking forward to showing off her qualities as a time trial rider
in the new season. She has circled the World Championships and
the Canadian national championship race on her calendar. “I want
to win back my national title more than anything; that’s a point of
honour for me.”