August 3/16 13:13 pm - Waterloo Junior Grass Track Classic

Posted by Editoress on 08/3/16
 

The KW Youth Cycling Academy and the City of Waterloo hosted the first Grass Track cycling event at the Old Oak Park, Waterloo over the weekend. 46 racers arrived to a perfectly manicured 250m track that provided, safe, fast and competitive racing on a new venue.

Local professional cyclist Ryan Aitcheson (Astellas Pro Cycling Team), the current Series points leader in the United States, was on hand to meet the local youth who came out to the event. Aitcheson started racing as a 14 year old at the Forest City Velodrome and the KW Youth Cycling Academy, before there was an Academy.

Ryan Aitcheson, racing for Team Canada, ToA 2013

37 youth racers took to the track in 5 different ability based categories, with three riders demonstrating the ability to grab hold of the Grass course and win all the races in their categories. Richie Elliott (Centurion New Wave - Barrie) was on the top step of the B category in 3 events, Findley (Kallisto-FCV pb Toyo Tires - Toronto) and Benin MacEwan (Lap Dogs Cycling Club - Toronto) dominated the C and D categories respectively, taking the top of the podium.

The feature race of the day was a 500m Wheel Race. The final 6 riders came to the start line, through a series of elimination races. The athletes ranged in age from 12 to 17 years old, and they all brought their "A" game to the Wheel Race final. The stagger (handicap) for the final was set up, and the riders dug deep and were on the rivet to the finish. In the end, Lucas Taylor (Kallisto-FCV pb Toyo Tires - London) on a Mountain Bike came away with the first win in a Wheel Race on Grass.

This success of this initial event could turn into a 6 race series in 2017. Two Clubs have expressed interest and more will be on board before September.

To find out more information about the KW Youth Cycling Academy (Kallisto-FCV Youth Team) go to the website: www.kallistocyclingteam.com.

Courtesy Rob Good