May 23/08 11:10 am - Parisien Confirms Team RACE Signing

Posted by Editor on 05/23/08
 

Parisien Confirms Team RACE Signing

At the beginning of the week (Monday) we broke the story that François Parisien was planning on leaving Team Symmetrics because he would not be selected for the Philly Week and Tour de Beauce team projects, which would severely impact his plans to make the Beijing Olympic squad.

A day later Frank confirmed that he was leaving Symmetrics (effective June 1st), and hoped to have a new team lined up within a week. Well, it has happened even more quickly than expected, with Parisien confirming that he will join Steve Bauer's Team RACE Pro squad for the remainder of the season.

"I don't have the contract in my hands yet, but I've already picked out my bike (Argon 18), my handlebars, saddle ... so I think it is pretty much done," said a relieved sounding Parisien from his home.

Part of the reason that the deal came together so quickly was that Parisien had come close to signing with Team RACE Pro at the beginning of the season.

"I was talking at the beginning of the year with Steve [Bauer], and I almost signed with them before going to Symmetrics. When Team RACE Pro heard that I was looking for a team they jumped on the phone right away to talk with me."

"I'm very happy to go with them, because it will be a much easier transition to go with another Canadian team. On this team I know all the riders. The team is doing a great job, I think, they are very organized and professional."

Parisien will join the team as of June 1st. "I am still racing for Symmetrics up until then; tomorrow I will race for Symmetrics, and I will still do the Kelly Cup and Tour of Somerville [for Symmetrics]. The CSC Invitational will be the first race with Team RACE Pro, then Philly and Beauce for sure; that was my goal. After that I will make my preparation for the national championships, then possibly BC Superweek and then, hopefully, the Olympics."

Parisien can now reveal that he was talking with five teams: Team RACE Pro, Team Type 1, Kelly Benefits, Jittery Joes and Rite Aid. However, "the problem with most of the teams was that their roster for Philly was already done. But I had good discussions with all of the teams, and I will keep in contact with them for future years."

As for Philly, "I don't know the roster yet, all I know is that I'm going to do it. I have achieved my goals, so I am happy; nothing could have worked out better."