December 24/05 1:49 am - Victoria Training Camp

Posted by Editor on 12/24/05
 

Victoria Training Camp Report
Courtesy Rick Thiessen

Dec 15-20, 2005

While cyclists all over the country were busy on their trainers indoors, the National Cycling Centre in Victoria hosted their first cycling camp of the season; outdoors. While the temperatures were seasonally low for Victoria, they were more fall-like than the winter gripping the rest of Canada. It did freeze a couple of nights, and the rides had to start later to ensure the safety of the riders. Led by centre coaches Houshang Amiri, and Rick Thiessen, 14 athletes spent 6 days working on their base for the 2006 season. It was challenging to meet the needs for the range of athletes; from juniors to athletes preparing for the Commonwealth Games in March. Joining us were two of Canada's top triathletes. Most of the athletes were Victoria area residents, but we also had a couple of juniors come from Vancouver and Winnipeg.

The camp started off with a flat time-trial, a hill-climb, and included specific training on the rides. The rides included the flat peninsula, but also some of the awesome climbs, and spectacular scenery that Victoria is famous for. Along with the 6 days (approximately 750km) of riding there was an indoor gym session, yoga, talks by Houshang and Crissy Redden. The next camp will take place January 26-30, with testing taking place on January 25. This camp will also be open for junior, espoir, and elite riders who are not part of the National Cycling Centre. For information on this and other activities at the Centre go to www.pacificsportcycling.ca.

Happy Cycling from the athletes, coaches and administration of PacificSport National Cycling Centre.