10th win for Brett Tivers this Intl season

At the top of the Montreal-Quebec podium ©Ralph Samson/ Louis Garneau Sports

Aug 16th, 11. Another day, another country and another Kiwi success - Brett Tivers won the 250km Montreal-Quebec in Canada yesterday. It was his 10th victory of the international season.

"I can't really believe it. I kind of always knew I could get results, but breaking bones has never really helped my seasons in the past," the 29 year old said of his fantastic list of 2011 victories.

"I am having a really good time over here, so as the saying goes  - when you are happy, you ride happy ... and results just follow!"

Tivers had many reasons to want to do well in this race. The finish was just 200m from his apartment, his team's sponsor was the event sponsor, and Mr Louis Garneau himself was at the finish line. 

The race was also the longest and oldest one day race in Northern America, Tivers told RoadCycling.co.nz

Tivers' team Garneau Club Chaussures followed their plan and put a couple of riders in the early break. For the first 180km, Tivers and his teammates left in the peloton simply had to follow the attacks, but with 70km left to ride, the action began.

"I went back to the team car to get bottles, plus talk race tactics. As I was getting back to bunch I saw a bunch up the road and I rode to the front, gave a teammate a bottle, then bridged to the 13 rider break solo," Tivers explained.

With five teammates in the break, Garneau Club Chaussures had many options and Tivers took turns attacking other team's riders to thin out the front group.

"In the end, the others guys on my team said they weren't feeling well, so I knew then that I had to win the race," he said.

The break was down to just five riders with 40km left to ride. 20km later, Tivers made his move.

"I attacked on a climb taking one guy with me. I tried attacking him a few times but he is a strong rider so I had to wait for the last climb, which is a a wall of a climb, but I know it well since it is so close to home. I attacked him up that to take the win solo - luckily I could just cruise the last kilometre as my legs were a wreck!" he said.

 
Mr Garneau, who had completed the 200km fun ride earlier in the day, and who sometimes rides with the team, was excited to see the Kiwi win the race.

This is Tivers first year racing in Northern America.The New Plymouth born Kiwi spent the last few seasons racing in Australia, but he felt he needed another challenge to help motivate him after a bout of bad luck with health and injuries.

Ten victories this season proves he found the motivation he needed to succeed.

Tivers is heading home soon, but first he has a few more events - a three day stage race and the Univest criterium and road race.

He plans on taking his international form to the Tour of Southland, after which he is having a much earned rest.

Tivers wins again ©Ralph Samson / Louis Garneau Sports Inc.