October 29/09 9:55 am - Travis Smith Discusses National Track Program

Posted by Editoress on 10/29/09
 

The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) recently held a national track camp in Los Angeles, where veteran member Travis Smith provided insight into the national track program.

At the recent National Championships in August, Smith was impressed with the development and junior riders moving up the cycling ranks and challenging him, "All the juniors that are starting to come up from development (are) ... going to push me harder, and that's what's needed."

He was not only impressed with their physical talent, but also their positive energy and strong team focus. It is Canada's veteran cyclists Smith, as well as Zach Bell (YK) and Tara Whitten (AB), who both brought home silver medals for Canada at last years World Championships, who are helping to fuel the momentum of track cycling in Canada. Travis Smith can be heard in the video interview below.

The international race calendar starts with the first World Cup in Manchester, Great Britain from October 30 to November 1. Canada will be represented by David Boily (QUE) in the Points and Scratch races.

The second World Cup is in Melbourne, Australia, on November 19-21, where Smith will be a strong competitor in the sprint events. He will be joined by first year senior rider Jacob Schwingboth (BC) will contest the endurance races.

The third round of World Cups is in Cali, Colombia, where Canada will be sending 11 athletes and, for the first time, entering a team pursuit team. The size of this team is indicative of the growth the National Track Team has experienced over the last few years.


Travis Smith Interview (courtesy CCA)