August 27, 2008 (Burnaby, BC) – Canada’s top track racers have amassed at the Burnaby Velodrome for the Junior and Senior Track National Championships taking place Aug. 27-31. This will be the first time that the Track Nationals have been held on the steep 200m BC track, though the excellent facility has hosted some exceptional events such as the Burnaby 6 Day the last two years.

The junior numbers in particular look to be quite large with large contingents from Ontario, Alberta and BC, and full fields are expected in most events. In addition the men’s Point race is likely to feature qualifiers given the track’s 24-rider field limit (of note the UCI maximum for the Madison on any track under 250m is an astounding 18 teams!).

Both of Canada’s Olympic track riders Zach Bell (Symmetrics) and Gina Grain (Webcor) are expected to attend, as is Canadian hard man and Olympian Svein Tuft (Symmetrics). Road sprinter Andrew Pinfold (Symmetrics) is also expected to make a rare appearance on the track in Wednesday’s pursuit. Notable absent riders include Commonwealth Games medalist Travis Smith and Olympic Madison rider Martin Gilbert.

Expectations on Bell are high to dominate most of the endurance events along with his Madison partner Tuft. Former junior star Daniele Defranceschi (Jetfuel) who won last year’s Omnium even will be looking to upset the leader board along with an always strong Quebec team.

Last year’s national’s surprise Tara Whitten is back to defend her status as Canada’s top female pursuiter. The women’s Team Pursuit will be held for the first time in Canada, and Whitten will be a heavy favourite along with anyone she rides with. They will have to face a strong Giant team featuring top track talent Steph Roorda, Laura Brown and Jenny Trew (borrowed from Vanderkitten for the event). In the sprint events it seems unlikely that any rider will challenge Monique “Supersonic” Sullivan, though last year’s Keirin champ Roorda will be looking to upset that theory.

On the junior men’s side, BC is looking to defend last year’s team pursuit title and Cody Cambell (Symmetrics) will be seeking vengeance after a broken arm cost him a spot at junior track worlds. Cambell’s main competition is likely to come from Ontario rider Ryan Atchison (Jetfuel) and his on-from team-mate Kevin Thorpe (Trek-Red Truck Racing).

As often is the case, pre-race predictions have a way of falling by the roadside soon after the start pistol is fired and doubtless some unknown riders will burst into the limelight by week’s end.

For schedule and other information please visit www.burnabytracknationals.com.