February 18, 2017 (Cali, Colombia) – Team Canada recorded three top-10 performances on the opening day of the third round of the Track World Cup on Friday, in Cali, Colombia. Canada’s Kate O’Brien (Calgary, AB) and Amelia Walsh (Ayr, Ontario) claimed 7th overall in the Women’s Team Sprint as Walsh made her World Cup debut at round three of the UCI Track World Cup, in Cali, Colombia on Friday.

“I wasn’t sure how it was going to work out,” admitted O’Brien. “I was in a new position as the second rider so it was good to test it out with Walsh.  It’s a bit terrifying to be the veteran now, but I have to step up and embrace the role.”

Stefan Ritter (Edmonton, AB) and Patrice St-Louis-Pivin (Sherbrooke, QC) also performed at their inaugural World Cup debut joining Rio Olympian Hugo Barrette (Iles de la Madeleine, QC) in the Men’s Team Pursuit finishing 9th overall. Barrette recorded the fastest split of any rider in qualifying.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve competed so I was nervous,” said Barrette.  “It’s a new team but we pulled it off; we rode in the 44s [seconds], which is pretty amazing for Canada.  Against some world-class teams we were ninth; of course we wanted to qualify for the next round, but I’m really proud of the progress we’ve done since the beginning of the season – it’s only been four months that we have been together.  My ride I felt fast, I had the best second lap against some great sprinters.”

Stephanie Roorda moved up to 8th from 11th in the 4-event Women’s Omnium with a strong finish in the final Points Race. “In the final race I felt that I didn’t have anything to lose, being so far back on points,” said Roorda.  “Physically I’m not feeling 100%; I had a cold last week.  So I just wanted to finish the Omnium off on a good note and get ready for the Team Pursuit on Saturday.”

With files from Cycling Canada

Results to follow.