June 20/03 10:44 am - Kivehsekib Grand Prix

Posted by Editoress on 06/20/03
 

Kivehsekib Grand Prix Olympic Oval, National Cycling Centre, Calgary
Courtesy Kurt Innes

The Kivehsekib Grand Prix will offer some fast times and exciting competition this weekend, June 21 & 22 at the Glenmore Velodrome. Many talented Oval Program athletes are competing, including twenty-three year old Travis Smith who recently qualified for the B World Championships and will compete in Lusanne, Switzerland next month. "He has been riding extremely well this season, and I am excited to see what he can do at the Kivehsekib Grand Prix. It will be a great warm-up before the B World Championships," says Coach Kurt Innes.

Smith's best events are the 1000 Meter Time Trial, Match Sprints, Keirin, and the Team Sprint. At the B Worlds, he will be competing in the sprint events (1000 M, Match Sprints, and Keirin). This event is an automatic qualifier for the 2004 Olympic Summer Games for athletes who place top two in their events. These Championships are open to all countries that did not qualify for the 2002 World Championships. Smith is looking forward to the experience. "I don't know what to expect at B Worlds. You have to look at it like it's just another race. I want to stay calm and focused."

This weekend, you can watch Smith's tune-up in the Sprints and Keirin events at the Glenmore Velodome. "I have been recovering from a throat infection and hope to be 100% by this weekend. I will use this as a practice for the racing in Switzerland. I want to get some more Sprints under my belt."

The Kivehsekib Grand Prix runs Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and admission is free. The Glenmore Athletic Park and Velodrome is located at 5300 19 St. SW. Please note: this event is weather permitting.