June 6, 2004 – The Velodrome at Bloomer Park in Detroit, played host for
the first training
camp of the 2004 season this past weekend. With a dozen riders taking to
the boards over the weekend the presence of the Canadians was felt in every
work-out & race event.

The Ontario women, took on some of toughest competition. New track rider
Maogosha Pyjor (Animis Cycling Club ) was a threat in every event from
the Roll-up tempo races to the Points & Scratch races. London Rider Amy
Maher set another personal best in the Flying 200m, and was a rider at the
front stretching the field in the endurance events. Michelle Perrin, came
out of retirement to participate in many of the events showed great power
in the sprint & medium distance races. Julia Bradley (Animis Cycling
Club) supported all of the new riders from both sides of the border. With
Julia’s help many of the women riders were encouraged to participate in
races they were not sure they would be competitive.

Ontario Coaches Steve Karpik & Don Andrews keep the men ready to go for
their workouts & events. A first timer on the Detroit track, Jet Fuel
sprinter Brooks
Rapley, had a great day winning the “B” scratch race. Andrews, Neil Digman
(Waterloo Flying Doggs) put the hurt on the “A” field in both the Scratch,
Points & Olympic Sprint events. Jim Henning from Guelph took the Track
101 offered by the track on Saturday morning.

Both men & women were paired up, nine teams of experienced & rookies were put
together in a tempo paced, 20-minute Madison, late on Saturday afternoon.
This was quite interesting as seven of our Candian riders had never
competed in a Madison.
There were no crashes despite a couple of close calls & all riders are
looking forward to
their next handslinging session.

Many of the American’s present were impressed with the skill & speed of the
Canadian riders. The camp produced “the desired results” said Karpik at
dinner after the days events.

There are two weeks to go before the Ontario/Michigan Track Championships.
Junior Worlds Qualifying races will be included in the Championships.
The event is open to all riders.

New & experienced riders are encouraged to attend the Last Track 101
clinics before the Championships this coming Saturday at 10a.m.
Racing begins at 3p.m.

We will be updating the schedule of events for the Championships, Riders
will be placed in the their ability-based divisions (A,B,C)

Kilo & 500m & Olympic Sprint events Friday night.
Sprint, Scratch Race & Pursuits on Saturday.
Sunday will feature the Kierin, Points races, & Can-Am Madison.

For more information contact Rob Good: 1-888-508-3944