08.21.10 -Track Athletes Test Leg Speed Behind Motorbike

Canadian Track Riders Train in LA the Week Before Nationals

(Los Angeles, CA – August 21, 2010) The Canadian Track Cycling Team continued to work on speed and power as they train at the Home Depot Centre in Los Angeles. “Today we did a motor pace session. we were in groups of two and were jumping off the bike for three laps and then recovering between efforts behind the bike. It was a great session,” beamed Steph Roorda (Vancouver, BC). “It has been a good reintroduction to some hard track work before we head to National championships in a few days.”

The electric motorbike that was made specifically for the Canadian Track Team by Electric Coast Vehicles out of Vancouver has had a large impact on the athlete’s training. The capabilities of the bike to reach faster speeds than most other motos and a battery life that will last an entire training session, the piece of equipment has been invaluable. Julia Bradley (Caledon, ON) who spent July training outside in Trexlertown, PA before moving inside to train this month is enjoying the motorbike sessions. “Today was a really fun day as it was all about speed and seeing how fast we could go as a unit. We put on big gears and were lead into our Team Pursuit efforts by the motorbike. We were hitting some pretty fast speeds. I think that next time we do our regular paced efforts, it will feel much smoother and easier.”

Monique Sullivan (Calgary, AB) is the lone sprinter at the LA camp, but was enjoying the positive training environment. “It was nice because it wasn’t a selection camp it was just a really good training opportunity before Nationals. We had a few new riders out who brought really good energy to the group and it was fun to have them.” The Canadian Cycling Association will be renting a house for the athletes to use as a winter training base, and to feel more like home than a hotel while benefitting from training on the world class velodrome. “We also got to see the house we will be (renting). It is beautiful and in a great location. Makes me a little bit excited to (train) down here!”

All of Canada’s Elite track cyclists will be in Bromont, Quebec next week for the 2010 National Track Championships.