October 28, 2009 – Travis Smith has been a member of the National Canadian Track Cycling Team for seven years and is excited about the recent changes to the National Team Program. Lead by Head Coach Richard Wooles, the program has been shaken up and come alive. Wooles was part of the transformation of the Great Britain Cycling Program that went from a small development squad to the Cycling Powerhouse that they are today, in a short four years. Canada is on track with talented athletes who are being offered more quality training opportunities, including camps in LA, where Smith resides.

At the recent National Championships in August, Smith was impressed with the development and junior riders moving up the cycling ranks and challenging him, “All the juniors that are starting to come up from development (are) … going to push me harder, and that’s what’s needed”. He was not only impressed with their physical talent, but also their positive energy and strong team focus. It is Canada’s veteran cyclists Smith, as well as Zach Bell (YK) and Tara Whitten (AB), who both brought home silver medals for Canada at last years World Championships, who are helping to fuel the momentum of track cycling in Canada.



The international race calendar starts with the first World Cup in Manchester, GBR from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. Canada will be represented by David Boily (QUE) in the Points and Scratch races.

The second World Cup is in Melbourne, AUS, from Nov. 19-21, where Smith will be a strong competitor in the sprint events. He will be joined by first year senior rider Jacob Schwingboth (BC) who will contest the endurance races.

The third round of World Cups is in Cali, COL where Canada will be sending 11 athletes, and for the first time entering a team pursuit team. The size of this team is indicative of the growth the National Track Team has experienced over the last few years.

A National training camp will be held at the Burnaby Velodrome from Nov. 2-6 where National team athletes and coaches will be training and available for interviews, including David Boily who will have just returned from his first experience of racing at the elite level of a World Cup. The team will be available:

– November 2, Monday 9 AM until 12 PM
– November 3, Tuesday 1 PM until 4 PM
– November 4, Wednesday 9 AM until 12 PM
– November 6, Friday 9 AM until 12 PM

To see and hear more of what Travis Smith has to say about the National Team, as well as to view other Canadian track cycling videos click here.