February 05, 2014 (London, ON) – Kids always love a day off school, and in this case, it was U19 cyclists taking a break from their studies to participate in the Ontario Cycling Association’s Testing day at the Forest City Velodrome last Friday.

The young athletes started to arrive before the testing equipment on Friday morning.  Members of the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario were on hand with their Velotrone testing equipment on hand to conduct the new Cycling Canada 3 minute Critical Power test on the Thirty Three U17 athletes at the camp.

Once the athletes were ready to be tested they left the on track portion of the camp to face 3 minutes of pain.  The results of the testing on this initial group of young athlete will form the Gold Medal Profile  for the sport scientists to integrate for the new Milton Velodrome.  This is very exciting as we look toward the new facility in Milton.

Sean Kelly Ontario Provincial head coach said “There were many athletes who said they had an amazing day and that it was a lot of fun!”  I also had one kid tell me that “riding the track is my favorite thing to do now!” Pretty awesome!

The on track portion of the camp, lasted 3 hours and their were 11 kids new to the FCV and all had a blast. Eager riders who couldn’t seem to get enough track time were introduced to many new skills.

‘Thanks to the staff at the Ontario Cycling Association and Rob Good of The Forest City Velodrome for initiating the Rising Stars Program in the Province of Ontario.  The athletes attending this event ranged from beginners to experienced and enjoyed a fantastic day at the track in London.  Everybody was able to complete the testing activities and receive valuable riding skills on the track.  The OCA testing staff were patient with athletes and parents as many would have experienced testing for the very first time.  Rob and the FCV staff were diligent at working to ensure a safe and progressive session for everybody.  Several of my athletes are looking forward to training on the FCV track over the next few weeks and the opportunity to compete on the 22nd of February in the FCV Youth Championships.  Everybody is excited about the upcoming opportunities with the Milton track opening soon’- Kevin Simms, Earth Adrenalin Coaching Co.,  NCCP Level III Coach

The next chapter in the Rising Star program is the 2014 FCV Youth Championships for all riders under 19 years old. The Championships take place on Saturday February 22nd at 9:30am and it is expected to draw 70+ riders to this Omnium formatted event. There will be 10 categories for the competition (U11, U13, U15, U17 & U19 – Boy’s & Girl’s divisions).  Medals will be given for the top 5 in each category. The FCV will be open for training on Friday night ($10.00 for track time) 6pm – 9pm.

Registration for the 2014 FCV Youth Championships is done by email: ForestCityVelodrome@Live.com  The entry fee for the Championships is $20.00, payable as riders sign in on Saturday morning (7am – 9:15am).

The top performers at the FCV Youth Championships will be invited to a Special Camp in Los Angeles in late March with will further enhance the riders comfort, skill and add to the excitement of the Rising Star Academy for Ontario Youth.

The Rising Star Endurance Academy is a program at Ontario Cycling to promote track cycling for Youth Cup road racers in Ontario. The Forest City Velodrome, have continues to see a renewed momentum for youth cycling in Ontario.  For more information go to the OCA website: www.OntarioCycling.org