08.12.10 - Para: Pre-Worlds Training Camp: “The benefits of a Team Training Camp”, a story by Arnold Boldt (C2)

Nestled in at the Motel Bromont (avec Cuisinette) located in the beautiful rolling hills of Bromont, QC, are 22 very focused and motivated high-performance athletes along with an equally motivated group of support staff. All here are participating in the pre-2010 UCI Para-cycling World Championships training camp.

The Bromont pre-Worlds training camp offers 22 para-cyclists the opportunity to get to know each other and bond as a team; to eat; to put the finishing touches on a year’s worth of hard training (hundreds of hours and thousands of kilometres); to eat; to nap; to share stories of our lives; to eat; to laugh; to eat. Having been a member of the Canadian Para-cycling Team that went to the 2009 UCI Para-cycling World Championships last year in Bogogno, Italy, I am very impressed by this year’s higher level of fitness and preparedness with which all the athletes have come to camp. We are truly focused on and ready for these world championships. And perhaps more especially this year since we will be representing Canada on Canadian soil, in Baie-Comeau, QC.

The training camp itself is a tremendous opportunity for all of us from around the country to train in person with our coaches and to meet the rest of the organization who have worked diligently throughout the year to prepare and build a top-notch team for the World Championships. So much of the year for many of us athletes is spent at quite a distance from the national team’s coaching and support staff. Our communication is training plans and information sent by email and discussions of progress by telephone. And, while the advent of digitized communications has allowed us opportunities hitherto unavailable, the chance to be together, face-to-face, is welcomed.

The training itself has been going very well. It comprises the usual set of workouts: endurance rides, hill intervals, eating, moto-pacing, tempo rides, eating, recovery rides, time-trialing. Often we inspire and challenge each other during our workouts, pushing ourselves to new limits. Seeing someone ahead of you on a 14% percent climb pushes you to close the gap. Watching your teammates power up a climb—whether on a tandem, hand-cycle, trike—is inspiring. I am proud and honoured to be a member of this 2010 Canadian national team! Cheers!!

Arnold Boldt

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