2011 Track Cycling Nationals

Photo by Tim Sherstobitoff

So, this post is a little outdated...but track cycling never gets old, so read on!

The 2011 Canadian Track Cycling Nationals wrapped up at the end of August in Bromont, QC, and I was fortunate enough to train and race in Quebec as member of the CyclingBC Provincial Track Team.

The first few rainy days were spent on the road bike exploring Bromont's network of bike paths, and in ice baths and compression tights trying to keep my legs fresh for racing. After CyclingBC put their stamp on the first few days of racing with medals in almost every endurance event, it was finally time for the sprint events to start.

In the 500m TT, I rode a new best time of 37.5 to take the silver medal behind Alberta's Monique Sullivan (36.49), a multiple-time National Champion and World Championship team member.

The next event was the flying 200m, a qualifier for the sprint competition. After carefully watching the lines taken by the elite men and listening to advice from the BC Coach, I rode my 200m in 12.08, a new personal best time that would qualify me in second place. After winning my quarter and semi final heats, I went up against Monique in the final round and lost both races to finish second overall. Although it is never fun to lose, I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to ride with Canada's best female sprinter and pick up some very valuable technical pointers.

After riding two sprint events in the morning, I switched gears (literally!) and did a Team Pursuit with two members of Canada's internationally-ranked women's team, Laura Brown and Steph Roorda. Both of these endurance riders are very experienced, and it was such a great chance to learn some of the technical aspects of the team pursuit event. 

Thank you to CyclingBC and all its supporters for giving me the chance to gain valuable track experience and race with some of Canada's fastest women!