May 8/08 11:01 am - OCA Cadet Mountain Bike Talent I.D. Camp

Posted by Editor on 05/8/08
 

OCA Cadet Mountain Bike Talent I.D. Camp ˆ Hardwood Hills
Courtesy OCA

May 3-4, 2008

Congratulations to all athletes who attended the 2008 Cadet Talent Identification Camp this past weekend at Hardwood MTB Centre. Ontario Provincial MTB Coach Kevin Simms would like to thank the athletes for the success of this project. Everybody endured the first annual "Cadet Camp Epic Ride" (in the downpour!), the technical training sessions and tactical learning over the course of the weekend. Participants showed their commitment to improving themselves as athletes and racers.

Riders came from across the province to ride and train with Elite level coaches Kyle Douglas, Peter Glassford, Mike Garrigan, Catherine Vipond and Shane Hollingshead. As well, O-Cup winner from the weekend, Andrew Watson, was able to speak to the group in a Q & A setting as an invited guest speaker. Interaction between these young athletes and the senior role model riders was ongoing throughout the weekend.

Racing and training sessions took place each day on the trails of Hardwood and surrounding local single track. Mid-afternoon sessions included stretching with coach Glassford and core training with Kyle's now famous "Team" Core Training session. Each athlete had an opportunity to complete a Computrainer ramp test, helping to affirm athlete training plans in preparation for the upcoming season of racing on the O-cup and Canada Cup circuits.

Overall, the weekend proved to be a valuable activity for identifying the young talent coming through the Ontario Cycling Association High Performance programs. Best of luck to all athletes on their season. Coach Simms hopes to see everybody this weekend at Albion. Anybody interested in participating in the Canada Cup Project to Bromont and Tremblant are reminded to contact Kevin before this weekend of racing begins.

The OCA would like to thank all the athletes, coaches, volunteers and especially Hardwood Hills for their support of Mountain Biking in Ontario.