December 10, 2009 (Cali, Colombia) – The Canadian team preparing for the World Cup in Cali, Colombia spent their last day of training before racing starts fine tuning their team pursuit exchanges and their mental game. “Everyone was busy doing their individual rituals to get ready to race. But we still had a great team atmosphere” according to Mark MacDonald (AB) who will be competing in his first World Cup.

Travis Smith (AB), who arrived in Cali on December 8th, felt good during his first day of training on the track and noticed the difference in team atmosphere in having a larger team. Smith was part of a 3 man team at the second World Cup; whereas, there are 11 riders and 5 staff members who make up the Canadian team at the third World Cup. “I’m excited to have the support from the riders and coaches. It is a change for the better for the Canadian track program.”

Racing begins today at noon with the women’s sprint and scratch race, and the men’s points race, kilo, and keirin. Everyone is excited to test themselves against some of the world’s best riders, including Mark MacDonald. “The next three days are going to show the effort we’ve invested over the entire winter. Expectations are high for everyone to go above where we’ve been before.”

December 10
Women
– Sprint: Monique Sullivan
– Scratch Race: Tara Whitten

Men
– Points Race: Zach Bell
– Keirin: Travis Smith
– Kilo: Stephane Cossette

December 11
Women
– Individual Pursuit: Tara Whitten
– Points Race: Tara Whitten

Men
– Sprint: Travis Smith and Joseph Veloce

Results will be posted on the Canadian Track Cycling Facebook and Twitter pages as they become available.