November 26th, 2004 – The Burnaby Velodrome is bursting with activity in preparation for the BVC Track Race taking place November 26th-28th. Steve Fenning, a relative newcomer to track cycling and the organizer of the race, has watched awestruck as Olympic Gold Medalist Lori-Ann Muenzer of Alberta has powered around the track at scary speeds. “She has been coming around noon when no-one else is at the Burnaby Velodrome,” he said, “she makes the tight turns seem effortless.” Fenning tried track cycling for the first time last year, and is already hooked.

As of yesterday there were 51 registered athletes for the race but Fenning expects more. The schedule is predominantly mass start races, except for the flying 200 meter time trials on Saturday morning. Many of Canada’s top track athletes will be in attendance because these races are part of the selection procedures for making the Los Angeles World Cup team.

Subsequent to the weekend, on Tuesday the 30th, there will be timed selection races. The Canadian Cycling Association has set time standards for all these events (see below). If any athletes meet these time standards or demonstrate undisputable potential they will be asked to remain in Vancouver for a training camp. From this pool of athletes, a World Cup team will be selected.

The best of luck to everyone!

Schedule of events

Friday, November 26th

– Chariot Races
– Miss&Out Race

Saturday, November 27th

– Flying 200 meter qualifications
– Sprint 1/4 Finals
– Sprint 1/2 Finals
– Scratch Races
– Sprint Finals
– Points Races

Sunday, November 28th

– Keirin Races
– Snowball Races
– Feature Scratch Races
– Olympic Sprint Races

(note: For every race there is an A, B, and C category)

Click on the link to view the qualification time standards:
http://www.cycling.bc.ca/fileadmin/resources/pdfs/News_Links/SELECTION_FOR_LA_WORLD_CUP.pdf