August 02, 2016 (Waterloo, ON) – The KW Youth Cycling Academy and the City of Waterloo hosted the first Grass Track cycling event at the Old Oak Park, Waterloo over the weekend. A total of 46 racers arrived to a perfectly manicured 250m track that provided, safe, fast and competitive racing on a new venue.

Local Professional cyclist, Ryan Aitcheson (Astellas Pro Cycling Team) the current Series points leader in the United States was on hand to meet the local youth who came out to the event.  Aitcheson started racing as a 14 year old at the Forest City Velodrome and the KW Youth Cycling Academy, before there was an Academy.

The event saw 37 youth racers took to the track in 5 different ability based categories, 3 riders demonstrated the ability to grab hold of the Grass course and win all the races in their categories.  Richie Elliott (Centurion New Wave – Barrie) was on the top step of the B category in 3 events, Findley (Kallisto-FCV pb Toyo Tires – Toronto) and Benin MacEwan (Lap dogs Cycling Club – Toronto) dominated the C and D categories respectively taking the top of the podium.

In the feature race of the day a 500m Wheel Race.  The final 6 riders came to the start line, through a series of elimination races.  The atheletes ranged in age from 12 – 17 years old… they all brought their “A” game to the Wheel Race final.  The stagger (handicap) for the final was set up, and the riders dug deep and were on the rivet to the finish, in the end, Lucas Taylor (Kallisto-FCV pb Toyo Tires – London) on a Mountain Bike came away with the first Wheel Race on Grass.

This success of this initial event could turn into a 6 race series in 2017.  2 Clubs have expressed interest and more will be on board before September.

To find out more information about the KW Youth Cycling Academy (Kallisto-FCV Youth Team) go to the website here.