March 10, 2014 (Hamilton, ON) – The bike coaches knew something was really cooking in the cafeteria at Westdale Secondary School. It was February, 2010 and the National Cycling Centre Hamilton was on a talent hunt. A 15-year-old, Grade-10 kid who had never been on a road bike and never raced had just blown away the competition in a time trial test in a virtual velodrome set up in the Main St., Hamilton school.

That diamond in the rough was Saskia Kowalchuk.

Two years after taking that first pedal stroke, she was representing Canada at the junior world races in Holland.

“When I was told that I had a unique talent for cycling it really hit home with me,” Saskia says.

‘”I had never been good at any sport in particular and inspired by the Vancouver Olympics, I was eager to get involved in something,” she says.

“I had no idea that in four years I would win a national championship, ride at the world championships, travel the country, and get a full time job with the NCCH.”

Saskia is just one of many young riders discovered by NCCH which is heading back into Hamilton area schools later this month with the Trillium Funded, and the support of its new title sponsor DEC Express to look for raw ability, no experience required.

The NCCH has about 150 riders, 90 per cent of whom came through the schools program.

Other riders recruited through schools who won national championships on the track last summer are: Naomi DeSousa, Miles Eastwood, Hillary Lowry, Jesse Schultz, and Ruby West.

The centre’s focus is on young riders but everyone is welcome, says Rick Lee, NNCH manager/head coach.

“We Identify, recruit and develop athletes and coaches through a structured training environment, with a focus on commitment, dedication, self-discipline and applied effort to achieve athlete determined goals,” Lee says.

“Our priority is on the development of junior athletes, as they are the future of the sport, but we are inclusive of all ages and abilities,” he says.

“We place importance on the whole athlete … lessons learned through sport contribute to the growth and development in all areas of one’s life.”

“Saskia is a great example of what can be achieved, she started just for fun and to ‘give it a go’, has no travelled North America and has represented her Country. And recently she was appointed as the full time Development Officer, with her major focus on recruiting and retaining young riders”

March is the month to join up for our cycling programs, so whether you are wanting to gain new skills, ride to keep healthy, or want to represent your country, we can help you.

For more details, contact cyclingdevelopmentofficer@ncch.ca