H&R Block Pro Cycling Team Year End Review

Recent News

Vancouver, BC – The H&R Block Pro Cycling Team wrapped up the 2016 season with another great experience at the Tour of Alberta p/b ATB Financial. We were very grateful for this opportunity and thank the Tour of Alberta steering committee, along with Medalist Sports, for their continued effort in helping Canadian teams grow in the sport. The final day, Edmonton Stage, saw the team bring everything it learned during the Tour together with a 4th place finish by Peter Disera. Felix Bouvette was on Disera’s wheel to be the team’s designated sprinter, but was rear-ended in the final metres by the crash that ensued. Without this, a podium would have very much been possible. This is a great example of how important such a race is in our schedule for Canadian riders to continue their development in the sport; it was an exciting end to the week’s tour and 2016 season.

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Peter Disera sprints to a fourth place finish on the final stage of the 2016 Tour of Alberta in Edmonton (Photo credit: Rob Jones)

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Post Tour of Alberta Meet & Greet was once again well attended. It was a fun opportunity for sponsors, guests and team fans to meet the riders and staff in person. (Photo credit: Gary Clarke)

After the Tour of Alberta – Jack, Garrett and Jure took part in the RBC GranFondo Whistler. The three teammates rode a strong race together with Jack taking the win after an impressive solo move that saw him attack the field almost from the start. His effort set the course record and captured the $15,000 prize.

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Jack Burke takes the win at the RBC GranFondo Whistler. (Photo credit: John Tolkamp)

As the team transitions into the 2016 offseason, the 2017 race calendar and rider discussions are well under way. The team will see current riders Garrett McLeod, Bailey McKnight and Jacob Schwingboth officially retire from cycling at the Pro level. Each have been fantastic ambassadors of the team and sport and we wish them all the best in their next chapter off the bike. Over the years, the team has been a platform for several riders to take the next jump in the sport and this year we will see Danick Vandale and Jack Burke move on to other teams that will allow them to continue to progress at the highest level in the sport. Danick and Jack progressed tremendously this past season. Felix Bouvette will also also be moving on to another new adventure that will allow him to continue in the sport and we wish him all the best as well during this transition. Joel Taylor, our youngest rider in 2016 has decided to focus his effort on his University degree. We fully support his decision for this and wish him all the best this academic year.

All of our sponsors will be rejoining us in 2017 and over the next few weeks we will be making a few additional announcements on new partners and riders who will be joining the H&R Block Pro Cycling Team next season.


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