Magaly Rochette (Specialized - Feedback Sports) is not among the Canadians participating in the Pan American Cyclocross Championships this weekend in Garland, Texas. The two-time elite champion would have been one of the favourites to win had she participated, especially after finishing second in the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Besançon, but she made the tough decision to miss out on a chance to retain the jersey due to calendar conflicts in Europe.

Rochette was scheduled to compete in the Superprestige Boom on Saturday and the now-canceled UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Antwerpen on Sunday.

"I am very honored to be the Pan American Champion for the last three years," Rochette said, while also expressing disappointment at not being able to compete in Garland.

"Unfortunately, the race dates overlapped with the World Cup calendar, which put us at a great disadvantage for North American competitors trying to compete on the World Cup circuit."

"In the future, we hope that the continental championships will be held on the same dates as the European championships to equalize the competitive environment. We hope that this will equalize the playing field."

"The Rochester Championships are a very competitive event.

On the weekend of Rochette's absence, her compatriots from various trade teams will be racing, and seven developmental riders from Cycling Canada will compete.

Current U23 Pan American champion Ruby West will also make her debut in the elite category.

"I am really looking forward to this year's Pan American Championships. From what I've heard about the venue and past races, I think it will be a dry and fast course."

"I'm not completely sure what to expect, but I know I'm in good shape right now and I'm really excited and motivated for this race. This will be my first race in the elite category and my first Pan Am since winning the U23 title.

Among the seven junior riders competing are twins Ava and Isabella Holmgren, who competed in senior World Cup races in Waterloo, Fayetteville, and Iowa City earlier this season. Also competing will be under-17 mountain bike national champion Ian Ackert and track talent Chiara Lillick.

At the Pan American Championships, the elite and U23 titles will be decided on Saturday, November 4, with the junior races on Sunday, December 5.

CyclingNews contacted Cycling Canada to confirm the final roster of Canadians competing in the 2021 Pan American Cyclocross Championships.

Canadian teams

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