Audrey Lemieux to take Bessette's place

After Canada lost Lyne Bessette due to injury for the Commonwealth Games, the national federation has confirmed that Audrey Lemieux, of Alma, QC, will replace her compatriot in the road race this Sunday.

Bessette suffered from a shoulder dislocation following a training session last week. Lemieux, a member of the Colavita/Cooking Light Cycling Team, was selected as the first alternate by the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) High Performance Committee. Lemieux is the current U23 Canadian champion and winner of the road and individual time trial competition at the 2005 Canada Games.

Kris Westwood, CCA’s Director of High Performance Programs, reported, "We are thrilled that Audrey has been given permission by her Colavita/Cooking Light Cycling Team to join the Canadian National Team for the road race at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. She represents the next generation of young cyclists in Canada and this will be a tremendous opportunity for her to take part in her first major games."

Lemieux will arrive in Australia on Thursday, March 23.