By: Normand Gosselin

Each edition of the Tour has its own story and anecdotes. This year’s 54th edition has its own very special story.

The New Zealand junior rider Oliver Scott, could not complete his last year in his country in this category because of a health problem, which made him miss his qualification for the future at the international level (summer in New Zealand takes place while the mercury indicates full of degrees below zero in Quebec). In order to accumulate essential points, the 6-foot-4-inch young man looked for a US regional team that could welcome him to complete his final Junior year. Oliver dreams of graduating as a professional rider.

His social media call led him to chat with the NorthStar Development Cycling team. Several videoconferencing sessions with the team, then other videoconferencing between his parents and the management of the team were intended to determine whether he would be compatible with the other riders of the team and vice versa. All of which proved promising, he came to the other end of the world to meet his future teammates and then finally hit the road for 17 hours to arrive on time to Val-d’Or to start the Tour de l’Abitibi.

Charles and Sherry Townsend, respectively coach and team president, are delighted with the harmony between the five riders and the training effect Oliver has on the desire to win. The determination of the young man leaves no doubt and the results have quickly arrived. Winner of the Challenge Sprint from the first competition, on Monday evening, July 15, Oliver took back where he had left off and took the gold medal of the Amos-Val-d’Or route, completed by three laps in the urban circuit.

Second in the time trial stage on Thursday 18 July, it was a little more difficult in the second half stage of the day, in Malartic, where he could not break away from the peloton. However, he kept an interesting general classification, in third position. His insatiable taste for victory suggests an extra effort for the other three stages.

Charles and Sherry Townsend are very happy with the experience. The accountant and clinical psychologist have seen much more over the past 22 years leading a team of cyclists. They founded NorthStar Development Cycling 12 years ago and welcomed the other club they had participated in for more than 10 years; they give no sign of wanting to give up their place.

Over the years, their two combined clubs have competed 16 times in the Tour de l’Abitibi but it was still their main coach who accompanied the team; it is the first time that the Townsends lead the youth group to the Tour.

Only one runner of the 2023 edition participates in this 54th edition, Lucien Randolf Tarrant. Apart from Oliver Scott, the other riders are in their first Junior year.

We can only salute the dedication of the Townsend couple who strive first and foremost to promote cycling in general.

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