April 03, 2018 (Gold Coast, Australia) – The XXI Commonwealth Games open tomorrow and the racing gets underway April 4 starting with the track events for four days until April 8. Pedal caught up with Team Canada’s Allison Beveridge for her take on the new Anna Meares Velodrome and the scene in Australia leading up to these prestigous Games.
When did you arrive at the Gold Coast?
Allison Beveridge: We arrived two days ago. We had our prep camp in New Zealand so we’re not coming from quite as far as the guys.
AB: I love it. I love this part of the world for the summer although it’s pretty hot… but it’s gorgeous out. It’s a nice little corner.
You’re also doing the road race?
AB: Yes.
Have you had a chance to review the course already?
AB: Not so much for the road race. Track is the focus for now and then we have a little time before the road race. We’ve seen the course outlines but we haven’t actually seen what they look like exactly.
How do you like the track here?
AB: I love it. It’s a very nice track, super smooth. We were only on it yesterday, that was our first day, and it seems to be a fast track and you get going pretty quick here. It’s hot as mentioned, really hot for sure and it’s definitely going to be a factor… but it’s a really nice track.
AB: Yeah, I think actually Wales and England have a pretty decent team pursuit line ups though. Wales seems to have some team pursuiters that have gone to the road but have come back together for the track…they have put a pretty strong program in place for Commonwealth. England basically have their juvie development team here – what was their juvie development team who are now mixing with their latest team and some current world champions. It’s going to be a pretty good battle. The Aussies are obviously prepping for this so let’s see what they come out with as we haven’t seen them in awhile. It’s going to be a fight and with only two rounds you’re going to have to get that first ride quite right – you’ve got to come out strong.