07.13.10 - Women’s Track Camp Off To A Fast Start

Coaches looking for future talent at London track cycling camp

(London, ON July 10, 2010) The Canadian Cycling Association held 1 of 2 women’s endurance camps this past week-end in London, Ontario. Lead by coaches Rob Good (Waterloo, ON) and Denise Kelly (Caledon, ON), they are looking for strong riders to add to future national team pools.

The first day of this camp went off spectacularly. In true Rob Good fashion, a brand new rider to the track, Elyse Nieuwold (Newmarket, ON), was doing a team pursuit drill a mere couple f hours later. Another rider, Jennifer Gilbert (Ottawa, ON) said: “I learned more in this one session with Rob than the six times I went to the Trexlertown velodrome in the past two months. His ability to bring me out of my comfort zone allowed me to move to the next level swiftly.”

Veteran riders to the track worked on getting their ‘track’ legs back after absences ranging from a couple weeks to a couple months. Flying 500’s assisted in enhancing the neuromuscular system to fire as high leg speeds were reached. The session finished off with team pursuit drills where exchanges became smoother and smoother. Copious quantities of water were consumed to offset the 28 degree temperature in the velodrome.

Tim Taha, Sports Physiologist from the Canadian Sport Centre – Ontario, observed the riders, took times, chatted with the coaches and provided valuable input. He will continue to work on enhancing his track cycling knowledge over the upcoming season.

On Saturday morning riders were greeted by Sports Psychologist, Peter Papadogiannis who gave an excellent interactive talk on “Preparing to Achieve: Performing when it counts the most”. Peter gave practical suggestions on how to build self awareness, take stock of strengths and areas of development and focusing on how to perform to one’s potential. Athletes were then worked on one aspect of the ‘Performance Pie’ in the recovery section. Sherry McClure, Registered Massage Therapist, assisted the rider’s preparation by providing leg rubs.

It was back to the track in the afternoon for more timed 500’s and kilos. Krista Ruby (Inglewood, ON) was thrilled to be able to have a structured camp where she was able to hit a new PB. “The way the days are set up allow us to really practice all aspects of race preparation. It’s easy to push ourselves when everyone’s motivated to go fast.”

Team pursuit drills continued mixing up the combination of riders with respect to numbers, order and composition. Heather Logan-Sprenger (London, ON) worked hard in each group and was happy to spend time on the track with riders she hadn’t seen in awhile. A well earned pasta dinner was eaten with relish at the local Boston Pizza.

Amazingly enough, the temperature in the velodrome was a very manageable 24 degrees on the last morning of the camp. Tired legs hit the boards and amazingly enough times continued to drop with Krista Ruby hitting yet another PB of 34.34 seconds for the 500. Riders were challenged by Rob with yet another speed endurance drill to which they responded very well. Completing the quality work was yet more team pursuit drills and lap times continued to drop.

Athletes all commented on the camp:
Laurence Paquette – It was very fun. I was very proud to be with the fast girls at the end in the team pursuit drills.

Audrey Labire – It was my first time riding with a real group and it was lots of fun.

Candice Vermeulen – I’m actually lost for words as I’ve got nothing left in my legs - I’m spent. It was an excellent weekend, as I had to think of nothing else but riding.

Stephanie Bester – It was a great learning experience for everyone from the least to most experienced. It was lovely training in a sauna!

Nina Nesoldy – It was a very well thought out camp with lots of organization.

Sarah McKenzie-Picot – IT was really nice to have riders from different provinces who we don’t normally see. We get to work with the competition which is the best of both worlds.

Kristen Worley – It was very helpful to have outside professionals like a sports psychologist. The camp helped to raise the bar of the quality of women’s track cycling.

Emily McKenzie-Picot – Lots of fun.

Heidi Salamon – Awesome camp and I’m tired out.

The camp was a huge success for the Women’s Endurance Development Program. Burnaby is the next stop for Western and invited riders which will take place during Superweek in BC.