Roux, will replace Francis Van Londersele who has assumed coaching duties with the new French team Cofidis.
``It was an opportunity to go to the pro system and I took it,'' said Roux. ``I had to think about it but this was too great an opportunity to turn down.
``Coaching in Canada was good learning experience. I will take it to the pro system with me.''
A professional rider for nine years, Roux's spent four years coaching the Canadian team.
Under the Frenchman's guidance, Canadian cyclists, particularly the women, established themselves as a respected force and claimed three medals at the Atlanta Olympics -- two bronze and one silver.
He deposes Frenchman Laurent Jalabert who is now second, 112 points behind, but Sunday's world road race championship in Lugano could bring changes with 250 points going to the winner.
Defending champion Abraham Olano of Spain is still ranked third, 352 points behind.
Tour de France winner Dane Bjarne Riis remains fourth, 436 points behind Zuelle, last month's Tour of Spain winner.
1. Peter de Clercq (Bel) 160 km in 3.52.00 2. Johnsen (Nor) 0.02 3. De Geyter (Bel) 0.13 4. Vandromme (Bel) 0.39 5. Sergeant (Bel) .. 14. van Steen (Neth) 1.14 .. 24. Engels (Neth)