June 6/04 7:34 am - Canadians Invade Detroit: Ontario Training Camp Report

Posted by Editor on 06/6/04
 

Canadians Invade Detroit
Courtesy Rob Good

The Velodrome at Bloomer Park in Detroit, played host for the 1st Training Camp of the 2004 season this past weekend. With a dozen riders taking to the boards, the presence of the Canadians was felt in every work-out and race event.

The Ontario women took on some of toughest competition. New track rider Maogosha Pyjor (Animis Cycling Club) was a threat in every event, from the Roll-up tempo races to the Points and Scratch races. London rider Amy Maher set another personal best in the Flying 200m, and was a rider at the front stretching the field in the endurance events. Michelle Perrin came out of retirement to participate in many of the events and showed great power in the sprint and medium distance races. Julia Bradley (Animis Cycling Club) supported all of the new riders from both sides of the border. With Julia's help many of the women riders were encouraged to participate in races, they were not sure they would be competitive in.

Ontario Coaches Steve Karpik and Don Andrews kept the men ready to go for their workouts and events. First timer at Detroit, Jet Fuel sprinter Brooks Rapley, had a great day winning the "B" scratch race. Andrews, Neil Digman (Waterloo Flying Doggs) put the hurt on the "A" field in both the Scratch, Points and Olympic Sprint events. Jim Henning from Guelph took the Track 101 offered by the track on Saturday morning.

Both men and women were paired up - 9 teams of experienced and rookie riders were put together in a tempo paced, 20 minute Madison, late on Saturday afternoon. Quite interesting since, 7 of our riders had never competed in a Madison. No crashes, a couple of close calls and, all riders are looking forward to their next Handsling.

Many of the Americans present were impressed with the skill and speed of the Canadian Riders. The camp produced "the desired results" said Karpik at dinner after the day's events.

There are 2 weeks to go before the Ontario/Michigan Track Championships. Junior Worlds Qualifying races will be included in the Championships. The event is open to all riders.

New and experienced riders are encouraged to attend the Last Track 101 clinics before the Championships this coming Saturday at 10 am. Racing begins at 3 PM

We will be updating the Schedule of Events for the Championships, Riders will be placed in the their ability based Divisions (A,B,C)

Kilo and 500m and Olympic Sprint events Friday night. Sprint, Scratch Race and Pursuits on Saturday. Sunday will feature the Kierin, Points races, and Can-Am Madison.

For more information contact Rob Good 1-888-508-3944