March 07, 2013 (Victoria, B.C.) – As a result of a unique community partnership, 20 new track bikes will help make cycling more affordable and accessible for young cyclists at the Westshore Parks and Recreation Velodrome.
The Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE) responded to a lack of equipment by committing a grant to purchase new track bikes, including at least one tandem track bike for para cyclists, by challenging the Greater Victoria Velodrome Association (GVVA) to find matching funds. GVAA has been successful in raising almost $5,000 to equal PISE’s contribution by securing donations and support from provincial sport organizations, cycling manufacturers, local bike shops, national cycling champions, and locals inspired to help youth enjoy cycling in a safe, learning environment.
“These bikes are essential to fuel our growing programs,” said Michael Cooper, President of the GVVA. “Our FastTrack youth program was a great success last year, but with more bikes we could have had many more kids cycling. Novice kids in Westshore and other island communities will now be able to experience the fun of track cycling without the cost of expensive equipment. Thanks to PISE kick starting program growth and to Westshore Parks and Recreation’s ongoing support, it’s going to be a stellar year for sport development at the velodrome.”
The new bikes, provided by Fuji Bikes and assembled by Rider’s Cycles, arrived in time for the start of the 2013 School Bike League. Open to any local youth in Grades 6 to 12, the league is sanctioned by Lower Island School Sports for School Districts 61, 62 and 63 and kicks off with Bike Jam on Good Friday, March 29 at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre. The full-day event will be led by top level coaches including Olympians Kurt Innes and Erinne Willock who will introduce participants to the cycling disciplines of track, road, mountain bike, BMX, cyclocross, dual slalom, dirt jump, pump track, and para cycling. (see backgrounder for more details)
“PISE is very pleased to offer this support to the cycling community to enhance the track experience for existing cyclists and provide opportunities for youth to try a wonderful, healthy activity,” said PISE CEO Robert Bettauer. “We are also excited to help build such a beneficial community partnership between the GVVA and the Westshore Parks and Recreation Velodrome and we look forward to growing that partnership.”
| Community Partners in Track Bike Rental Program | |
| Name | Contribution |
| Greater Victoria Velodrome Association | Velodrome operation and management, including insurance, coaching, bike rental, storage, membership, weekly racing, track maintenance. |
| GVVA Membership | Donations towards rental bikes |
| “FastTrack” – Youth development program | Youth coaching from Kurt Innes, Olympic athlete and coach |
| Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence | Inaugural grant to support rental bike purchase |
| Riders Cycles | Value in kind: bike assembly and customization, two years of maintenance |
| Fuji Bikes | Reduced price on 19 track bikes |
| Naked Bikes (Sam Whittingham) | Reduced price on custom para tandem |
| BC Blind Sports | Loaner tandem bike; grant towards a new tandem; coaches and tandems for BikeJam 2013 |
| Private Donors | |
| Gerry Loster | Financial |
| Bob Cameron | Financial |
| Wayne Walker | Financial |
| Michael Cooper | Financial |
| Larry Reynolds (Vancouver Island Youth Performance Racing Squad, Comox) | Financial and grant writing |
| Kerry Blain | Donated custom track bike and race equipment |
| Carly Grigg (National Para Alpine Team, para cyclist) | Para tandem |
| Steve Grant Inc. (Vancouver Island Youth Performance Racing Squad, Comox) | Donation of storage container |
| SportAbility BC | Assistance with Canadian Paralympic Committee grant application for matching funding for equipment, and program (pending) |
| Cycling BC | Assistance with grant applications |
| Partners in The School Bike League | |
| AFD Petroleum | Presenting sponsor of The School Bike League, value in kind for league expenses; purchasing and supplying the airbag, a key attraction of BikeJam. |
| Oak Bay Bikes, Trek ProCity, Victoria Cyclocross Club, Condo Group Cycling Club, Marty’s Mountain Cycles, Performance Bicycles, Victoria BMX Association, GVVA. | Sponsors of The School Bike League events, including coaches at BikeJam, draw prizes, event organization and volunteers. |
| Gillian Carleton – Bio | |
| Full name | Gillian Carleton |
| Date of birth | December 3, 1989 |
| Age (as of January 1, 2013) | 23 |
| Birthplace (Birth) | Scarborough, Ontario |
| Hometown (Grew-up) | Victoria, British Columbia |
| Residence (Currently reside) | Los Angeles, California |
| Discipline | Track |
| Cycling Club | Stuckylife |
| Current coach | Tanya Dubnicoff |
| Training center | Canadian Sport Institute Pacific |
| Pro Team | Specialized/lululemon |
| Bike Company you ride on | Track – Look, Road – Focus |
| Years on National team | 2 |
| Sponsors |
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| Website | www.gilliancarleton.com |
| @gilliancarleton | |
| Facebook Fan Page | Gillian Carleton (athlete) |
| Key Results | |
| Olympic Games |
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| World Championships |
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| World Cup/Pro Tour |
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| Canadian Championships Titles |
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Why and how did you start cycling? I competed in triathlon and road cycling at the provincial level when I was a teenager, then took some time off to focus on my studies at university. In 2011, after doing some alleycat races and becoming involved with the local fixed gear scene, I started riding the track, and have since been pursuing it full tim.