August 20/01 12:02 pm - Canadians in Colombia, MSA Registration, Ontario Road Photos

Posted by Editor on 08/20/01
 

Canadian Team Report from Colombia
Courtesy National Coach Kurt innes

Racing begins tomorrow here in Medellin, Colombia at the 2001 Pan American Championships for Track and Road Cycling. The competition begins with the men's and women's 200 meter Time Trial. 23 men will compete, with 10 women. Steen Madsen, Doug Baron and Lars Madsen will compete for Canada in the men's event. Later in the morning session is the men's pursuit qualifier, with Mark Ernsting and Alex Cloutier competing for Canada.

The velodrome is a very nice concrete 250 meter track, with approx 49 degree bankings in the corners. They (the organizers) have been working like mad to have the track surface painted (yes, you heard me correct, they have painted the entire cycling surface a dull yellow color), and also have all of the sponsors names, etc. painted around the apron of the track. The facility itself is in the midst of an "Olympic Centre of Excellence" . Housed in the complex is a diving facility, a roller speedskating track , two soccer stadiums, and many other training facilities. There is an athlete housing area, along with a very nice cafeteria, etc all within walking distance from the sporting facilities.

The track itself seems to be fairly fast, as the relatively high altitude (1500+ meters) and the smooth concrete surface (along with the 30+ degree celcius heat) will really keep the athletes moving !!

On another note . . . Jim Fisher, "the rabbit's foot " of our team, continues with his adventures in Colombia. Today he spent approx 20 minutes in between floors 2 and 3 of our hotel in the elevator. Jim was on his way down to lunch, when he and the elevator decided to take a little "siesta" ! Jim was rescued from the elevator without any harm and was very jovial at lunch as he was able to fill us all in on the adventures of Jimmy !!!

More news tomorrow .


Mont Ste Anne Registration

Closes tomorrow at 8:00 pm EDT.


Ontario Road Provincial Championship Photos

A few photos from the Ontario Road Championships/

Josh Hall
Andrew Pinfold
Darko Ficko
Ann Turrin