December 9, 2009 (Chateauguay, QC) – Canada's Martin Gilbert (Planet Energy) carried the Olympic torch through his hometown on Tuesday, just southwest of Montreal. Some 5,000 spectators - many of them local school children - cheered as the 2008 Olympic track cyclist carried the torch some 300 metres to a ceremony outside of the municipal library.
Gilbert was loudly applauded as the local athlete from this town of 43,000 who made it to the Olympics. He then shared the stage with MP Carole Freeman, Quebec MNA Pierre Moreau, and sports commentator Randy Fergusson. As reported earlier, eight current and former members of the national team have been selected, among many others, to carry the torch as it slowly makes its way across Canada toward the opening ceremony of 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver on February 12 - for the list click here.
Pedal caught up with Gilbert just after the ceremony outside the library and asked him what it was like to carry the torch.
“It was pretty cool. This was a big moment for me and it certainly was different from many other moments that I’ve had in sports. This is my home town and where I was born. It gives me a thrill to see all of the school kids here watching me carry the Olympic flame. Perhaps it will give some of them the desire to also try competing in the Olympics someday.”
We also asked Gilbert about the highlight of his season, his fabulous win on September 13 at the final stage of the Tour of Missouri, beating the likes of Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team and other ProTour riders.
“Everyone on Planet Energy knew their job; it was great teamwork,” commented a happy Gilbert. “I drafted behind Keven Lacombe who launched me in a perfect slingshot manoeuvre at 250 metres from the finish line.”
“It was tough racing during September and October because I was simultaneously studying for my pharmacy degree full time at the University of Montreal. This made for little conflicts as I would race during the day and then would study at night. In the spring I plan to take fewer courses.” – read more on Missouri here.
Earlier this week there were concerns that the ceremonies in Chateauguay would be blocked by protests at the nearby Mohawk reserve of Kahnawake. Locals there were opposed to the RCMP escorting the flame across First Nations lands. This dispute was resolved amicably when Mohawk Peacekeepers replaced the RCMP as the flame travelled through the native community. Once the torch passed through to Chateauguay, the RCMP resumed its security role.
The Olympic flame will pass over the Saint Lawrence River to Montreal where some of the torch carriers will be riding Bixi rental bikes according to Radio Canada.
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Photo: Pasquale Stalteri
Martin Gilbert (Planet Energy) with the Olympic Torch.
Photo: Pasquale Stalteri
Photo: Pasquale Stalteri
Martin Gilbert (Planet Energy) addresses the crowd.
Photo: Pasquale Stalteri
Photo: Pasquale Stalteri
Martin Gilbert (Planet Energy) runs with the Olympic Torch.
Photo: Pasquale Stalteri
Photo: Pasquale Stalteri
Martin Gilbert (Planet Energy) with the Olympic Torch.
Photo: Pasquale Stalteri
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