Media / Communications

To connect with Bicycle Nova Scotia about media inquires, please contact

Steve Bedard, Administrative Officer

5516 Spring Garden Rd

Halifax NS, B3J 1G6

W: 902 425 5454 ext 228

(June 12, 2019) Bicycles Are Now Permitted in Nova Scotia’s Wilderness Areas

Over 100 km of off-road trail has been opened to bicycles in Nova Scotia’s Protected Wilderness Areas. BNS has been working with the DEO, Protected Areas branch, to help push this designation through, opening 14 new and varied landscapes for off road cyclist.

In conjunction with this new designation, BNS is planning several rides within the protected areas throughout the summer and fall. Keep your eyes open for further details on these rides!

(Nov 8, 2018) Cycling Athlete Suspension in Nova Scotia

As recently announced by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES), a Nova Scotia cyclist has been suspended for refusing to participate in performance testing at a cycling event held in May, 2018.

When applying for a racing licence, Bicycle Nova Scotia race licence-holders are obliged to participate in performance testing when approached by anti-doping officials. BNS supports every effort made to ensure a fair and even playing field among all participants in sanctioned race events and supports the decision by the CCES .

For more information about bicycle racing in Nova Scotia, please visit cyclingns.ca

—————————————————

Bicycle Nova Scotia (BNS) is the province’s administrating body for competitive cycling and advocates for improving the profile and safety of cycling, both in a competitive and noncompetitive capacity. Along with our community partners, BNS is a leader in expanding the Nova Scotia Blue Route: a continuous network of designated bicycle routes on roads, streets, and trails spanning the province to encourage local riders to explore what Nova Scotia has to offer, and to attract more cycle tourism to our great province.

Further media inquiries can be directed toward Steve Bedard or call (902) 425 5454 ext. 228.

(July 20, 2018) Canada Cup MTB Race in Kentville NS

For the first time in over a decade, the Canada Cup — a prestigious cycling event– is returning to Nova Scotia. Held in Kentville from August 2nd to the 5th, the Canada Cup is a premiere mountain bike race that challenges amateur riders, but also serves as a venue for Canada’s elite mountain bike riders to earn internationally recognized racing points through the UCI –cycling’s world wide racing authority.

With great local representation by Elite Nova Scotian mountain bike riders the Canada Cup already has competitors registered from Quebec, PEI, California, even as far away as Japan.

In addition to racing, the Town of Kentville along with supporting organizations like Trailflow and Bicycle Nova Scotia will be hosting skill training events, guided rides and concerts in a fun, festive atmosphere.

For more information on bicycle racing in Nova Scotia, please visit cyclingns.ca.

(July 15, 2018) Team Nova Scotia competes among international racers at Tour de l’Abitibi

Despite early crashes and mechanical failures during one of Canada’s largest multi-stage cycling races, the Tour de l’Abitibi, team Nova Scotia had a strong performance among an international level of professional road cyclists.

“The boys got basically a years worth of race experience in six days,” notes Provincial Coach Jon Burgess. “The weather was hot and humid as the racers averaged a staggering 45-47 kph daily for 100-120 kilometers.” The participation in the Tour de l’Abitibi builds upon a defining year for Nova Scotian racers. In June, Halifax’s own Ed Walsh won the U-23 title in the National Road Race Championship in Sanguenay, Quebec. Mackenzie Myatt of Musquodoboit Harbour recently came in 5th place at the Canadian Cross Country Mountain Bike Championships in Canmore, Alta on July 21st.

(June 28, 2018) Nova Scotian Cyclist Wins National Under-23 National Title

When it comes to hometown sport heros, Nova Scotians can be forgiven if they quickly respond with Hockey Super-Star Sidney Crosby, or Colleen Jones of Olympic Curling fame. Despite our focus on Canada’s penchant for excelling in winter sports, Nova Scotia is beginning to hit well above its weight class in Cycling. On Saturday, June 23rd Halifax’s own Ed Walsh, 22 years-old, won Canada’s National U-23 Road Racing title in Saguenay, Quebec.

This isn’t Walsh’s first national title. In 2014 Walsh took the top Junior Road Racing title during a National Championship race in Saint Georges de Beauce, Quebec. Since his 2014 title-win, Walsh has taken the time to hone his abilities and learn from some of the world’s best riders after being picked up by professional Belgian Cycling Team, T-Palm PCW. Although most of his 2017/18 season of competitive riding and training has been in Europe, Walsh also trains on Nova Scotian roads with Provincial Team Coach, Jon Burgess. Walsh notes the near four and a half hour, 180 km course in Sangunay suited his riding style, however Coach Burgess breaks-down the race a bit further: “He rode smart and made the right major, decisive race moves putting himself into the front group of 10 elite men and the only under 23 rider left in the leading group after 9 laps. With 30km to go he got dislodged from the lead group with a precarious lead over his 2nd and 3rd place under-23 competitors. The under 23 win and championship jersey was within reach, but not without a monumental amount of focus and determination.” Walshed won the race ahead of 2nd place Noah Simms (Ontario) and 3rd place Connor Toppings (Alberta) by only 8 and 12 seconds.

Add this to Nova Scotia’s growing list of Cycling Championship titles.

In May 2018, Musquodoboit Harbour’s Mackenzie Myatt was crowned US Collegiate Champion during a race in Grand Junction, Colorado. Myatt also boasts a USA Varsity Mountain Biking Championship victory, and has represented Nova Scotia in past Canada Games events.

A Bright Future for Cycling in Nova Scotia.

With a group of young, talented athletes developing their riding styles and skills under a new Provincial Coaching program, it won’t take long before Nova Scotian riders will be seen sprinting, climbing, and time-trialing to more podium finishes on the international stage.