December 3, 2003 – Due to the uncertainty regarding international participation at the U-23 Criterium scheduled for Soldier Hollow, USA in Feb. 2004, the NSTC has formulated a contingency plan which would be implemented in the event that the planned trip to the Under-23 Criterium does not take place. This contingency plan involves lengthening the OPA tour and possibly adding one to two more athletes to the tour. OPA tour selection criteria for this contingency are at CCC's web site.

At this time the USSA is still making an attempt to host the U-23 Criterium. CCC fully supports the USSA in their attempt to continue to host this event. Should a viable event take place, CCC will participate and the original World Under-23 criteria will be applied.

However, if the event does not have sufficient international participation to make it worthwhile for CCC to send a team, CCC will adopt the contingency plan for the extended OPA tour and apply the contingency criteria.

CCC's final decision will be made, at the latest, in Mont Orford after the final selection race.