Canada fights on

Despite the bad luck of having nine bikes stolen just before the start of the World Championships in Stuttgart, Canada is getting ready with replacement bikes.Anne Samplonius of Montreal, who competes on opening day today, is vying for a top-10 finish in the women's time trial. "The goal is to obtain an additional spot for the Olympic Games," said Kris Westwood, high performance director for the Canadian Cycling Association. "Our goal in the men's time trial is top 15. It won't be easy but we can do it." Top hopes for the men are the interesting Svein Tuft and Ryder Hesjedal.

The time trial course has no flat sections. "It's a grinding course," said Westwood. "There are some technically-challenging turn. There's a lot of variety. The winner will be good, not lucky. The guys really liked it."