courtesy of CCA
June 19, 2002 (Ottawa, ON) – Doug Baron of Calgary, a member of Canada’s
National Track Cycling Team since 1993, has made the difficult decision to
retire from the National Team Program.
Over the years, Doug’s success, both on and off the track, has been
evident in everything he sets his mind to. His commitment to the National
Team has always been unquestionable. His dedication to his job as a
physical therapist, and to his wife and daughter Cassandra, remain his top
priority.
Doug has been one of Canada’s best sprinters on the track, demonstrated by
his numerous National Sprint Champion titles. Over the past 9 years with the
National Team, Doug has participated in many National Team projects, with
outstanding results. Among the many international events Doug has
participated in are the 1999 Winnipeg Pan American Games and the 1998
Malaysia Commonwealth Games.
In his own words, here are Doug’s feelings regarding his retirement:
It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement from the National
Track Cycling Team program. The past 9 years have been very rewarding for
me. I have met many different people around the world and made lifelong
friendships. Although I am not able to train anymore at the intensity
required for international competition, I will continue to race at the
local level (maybe even nationals occasionally). As well, the possibility
of coaching looms on the horizon.
I wish to thank all the supporters that I have had over the years. My wife
Lynn and the rest of my family have been very supportive of my endeavours.
I want to recognise my personal sponsors as well. Oakley eyewear/clothing),
Paris Sport (Continental Tires) and Shimano (pedals
and shoes) deserve to be mentioned here for providing awesome products
over the years. Also, the national team sponsors provide us with bikes
(Look/Devinci), wheels (Mavic), clothing (Louis Garneau) and financial
support (Tim Hortons).
My current status with Sport Canada allows me to continue to receive
financial support. I plan to support 2 young athletes who represent the
future of the CCA in international competitions in the coming years. In
this way I hope to re-invest in a sport that I would love to see grow even
bigger in Canada.
I wish all the best to the entire team selected to the Commonwealth Games
in July.
Cheers,
Doug Baron
Canadian National Track Cycling Team
The CCA wishes Doug and his family all the best, and we look forward
to our continuing relationship with him in the future.
Some of Doug’s Results:
2001:
National Champion, Olympic Sprint
Gold – Pan Am Championships, Olympic Sprint
Silver – National Championships, Match
Sprint & Keirin
4th – Pan Am Championships, Match Sprint
2000: National Champion, Sprint & Olympic Sprint
Bronze – National Championships, Kilo
Bronze – Pan Am Championships, Kilo & Keirin
1999:
14th World Olympic Sprint Championships
Pan Am Games 3rd Kilo; 4th Olympic Sprint; 7th Sprint
1st Kilo, EDS Track Cup round 3
1999 Arvid Geldsetzer Memorial Track Meet: 1st – Match Sprint; 1st –
Olympic Sprint; 1st – Kilo
1999 Bikeshevik Grand Prix: 1st – Match Sprint; 1st – Kilo
3rd – 500m TT and Match Sprint Barbados Invitational