Masters' looking fine on Saturday ride -
Spring, summer, and fall - on Saturday mornings, our Masters' Group gets in a long ride from the Good Earth Cafe. When the weather is especially fine, the group looks especially good! Now, if only Tino could choose the correct jersey . . .
A tight, and smooth ride - just like the pros -
An hour into the ride and the Juventus group looks fresh!
perfect tl! / PERFECT TL!
Kids love the track - and on Thursday evening tl! ensured the perfect conditions for fun . . . and riding and racing track style. tl! goes every Thursday at 5:30 - 6:45pm at the Argyll Velodrome. The emphasis is on learning, and then about figuring out how to go faster . . .
Jeff shows the first tl! group how to sight the best 200 line -
And at 7 pm on Thursdays y'all are welcome to TL! racing. 'A' and 'B' groups raced a Devil, Wheel Race, and Japanese Tempo, with the 'C's taking on a Team Pursuit instead of the WR. Great competition all evening finished with a 'friendly' 5 km, and a 10 mile. Who would have guessed that Adam would make the move to split the race! In the end, it was Zac just nipping Scott at the line. How long will Zac's time remain in the #1 position on the 10 mile leader board?? Come race, or come spectate next week!!
TL! 'A' group tactics unfold in the Devil -
Gail, and Dave getting a few words from Coach Alex -
'B's and 'C's ready to enjoy seeing the 'A's suffer a little -
The Devil has eliminated one . . . who is next?
Jack runs the show tonight, 'A's racing, and a beautiful Thursday to enjoy the competition at Track League!
track league! and Track League!
Starts tonight!!! - Thursday May 4th
tl! (track league! for kids) 5:30 - 6:45 pm The emphasis is on learning and fun.
TL! (Track League! for the rest) 7:00 pm
Info for 2017 Alex Stieda Classic!!
81" Cup Sunday!
Get ready to spin those legs at the nth annual 81" Cup!
Sunday April 30th
Racing starts at 10 am
Cog and ring combos that yield 81" of advance/full pedal stroke . . . (or less if your name is Ross Wilson)
- 48/16 will work (47/16 if your name is Ross Wilson)
2nd Annual Alex Stieda Classic May 27-28!
Exciting times ahead for LAMP+, Juniors, Elites, and Masters . . . The Alex Stieda Classic is set for Saturday May 27, and Sunday May 28!
Stay tuned and be ready to volunteer when you receive our recruitment email. Maximal fun guaranteed!
Alberta Weather - Wrong!
So many Juventus have trained diligently throughout the winter months . . . on trainers, CTs, and rollers. Finally, FINALLY . . . the snow melts, the roads begin to look a bit less filthy. We are outdoors!!! We are breathing fresh air!!! Our view is ever changing . . . but then - Alberta.
This Easter ride looks like a heck of a lot of fun, but do not be fooled - indoor roller riding in April sucks. And the Masters over in the CT room probably agree. Hang in there Juventus . . .
Annie, Meika, Paul's ear, Kinley, Jeff and Adam endure an indoor Easter session, as a snow covered track thwarts yet another April ride.
Stefan Ritter named Alberta Junior Male Athlete of 2016
Stefan Ritter, along with coach Alex Ongaro, put together one wild ride of a season for 2016. In his final year as a junior, Stefan won the Junior World Championship in the I km TT, and took bronze in the Match Sprint. He then targeted, and set a new Junior World Record for both the 1 km TT, and Flying 200.
Stefan Ritter - Junior World 1 km TT Champion 2016
Alberta Sport Connection is honouring Stefan with the Junior Male Athlete of 2016 Award.
The Athlete Award recognizes and celebrates significant achievements, performances and contributions of Alberta’s amateur athletes. Award winners are outstanding role models who inspire other Albertans to higher achievements at the recreational or competitive level.
Stefan is currently in Hong Kong, where he is set to compete in the 2017 World Track Cycling Championships. He will ride as man 3 in the Team Sprint, as well as the 1 km TT.
The Awards will be presented at the Alberta Sport Recognition Awards Banquet on April 28, 2017, at the 2017 Alberta Sport Leadership Conference in Banff.
Congratulations to Stefan on being named Alberta's Junior Athlete of 2016, and best of luck in your upcoming World Championship competition.
Track ready for riding!
A few people think they were first to ride the track this year . . . but all are WRONG. Someone else got his/her wheels there first! HaHA!
No need to fret . . . this season has ample opportunities for track racing and track training. The track group will shift its schedule to Tuesday@6:30 / Sunday@9am next week (April 4). Naturally we will be outdoors - unless we are not.
And stay tuned for tl! and TL! starting on May 4th. What is tl! you ask? Hmmmmmm . . . Some fun for sure!
Meanwhile, a solid group of 11 contested the first Ten Mile of the season on March 29th. Some were fast, and others were much faster . . .
It's spring in Europe and Burtnik is ready!
Juventus U23 Evan Burtnik is in his second season with Cycling Canada's Team Race Clean.
After a rest stop in Edmonton over Christmas - including skate skiing and the occasional trainer session at the clubhouse, Evan headed to L'Alqueria De La Comtessa, Spain to train with his trade team.
Evan arrived January 20th, and has been operating from a house just south of Valencia.
Evan and Team Race Clean have put in many, many . . . MANY kilometres - pedalling the country side, and augmenting road work with tough Lemond trainer sessions.
2017 Team Race Clean
Guys - that cloud's coming in pretty fast!
Reps up vall d'ebo . . . definite skin eater workout!!
Training on the cobbles
Now, two months later, Team Race Clean has moved it's hub, locating near Ath, Belgium; Evan is feeling confident, and the lads are ready to take on some key races!
First up was Kattekoers 2017 - the first offering in the UCI U23 Nations Cup. The UCI U23 Nations' Cup is an annual, season-long competition for under-23 male road cyclists.
Kattekoers is a race rich with history, and has been contested in various forms since 1934. Evan described it as, "a 187 km kick in the teeth"! One thing about road racing - the result sheet doesn't tell the whole story. Evan's description of the race:
"60 km in there was a huge crash as soon as we hit the crosswinds. Sean went down, I barely dodged it. Rode echelons for 30 km and eventually got on . . .
Dodged and got caught up in some more crashes . . .
Wasn't feeling that bad heading into the circuits but I'm just not that strong over cobbles, I got thrown around, and I'm just not very smooth . .
So over the kemmelberg I barely make it over with the peloton
Chain dropped at the bottom of the 3rd berg a few km later and got caught between the frame and crank
Had to get off and rip it out and that was my day over
Brutally savage day though"
Kattekoers - Nations Cup 2017
Kattekoers - Nations Cup 2017
Solid racing.
For those who know road racing, you're probably appreciating the intensity of Evan's riding.
Evan is in great spirits, and looking forward to testing himself at Boucle de l'Artois 2017 on April 1st and 2nd.
This is a 3 stage race with 84 and 82 km stages on the first day, followed by the final 159 km stage the next day.
This french D1 race will be another fantastic chance for Evan and his team to challenge themselves.
Best of luck to Evan Burtnik!
Masters sessions lightening up . . . as workloads increase?!
Yes, it does make sense. All through the cold, short, and dark days of the long, LONG winter . . . our dedicated Masters have diligently ridden trainers, rollers, and the CT device of excitement.
This sage group remains keen and committed, as Bruce puts them through yet another Tuesday night grind . . . and as you can see, a hint of daylight in the background means outdoor riding is not too far away!
Wow, looks like one of the group is already off his bike. Better change that sweaty T for a sharp jersey.
Lovely times in La La Land -
Juventus riders, and a few extra special guests, enjoyed a great time in the Los Angeles area!
Stefan competes in the Team Sprint
The gang of racers and race supporters enjoyed cheering our very own Stefan Ritter, as he represented Canada in the team sprint event, at the final World Cup prior to World Championships. After Stefan raced, he joined the gang in the stands - including Mom and Oma. They ensured the Canadian flags waved with pride every time a Canadian athlete took to the boards!
The action was fast, and thrilling, as the best racers in the world showed everyone how it’s done! Canada came away with several medal winning performances, and our racers came away with some special inspiration to motivate their own training.
The opportunity to train on the wonderful indoor 250 m track was another boost for our athletes. Under the critical eye of skillful, and highly organized coach Alex Ongaro, the group (from absolute beginner and brave soul Clive - to seasoned old timers Dave and Gail) tested their legs. They completed several intense intervals, competed in some fun races, and got some great feedback on how the winter's training has been working. The short answer to that is: fantastic!!
Dave used his SUV to transport all bikes to LA, a very compact bit of Tetris that he has mastered . . . and now for the reassembly.
Everyone nearly set up to go!
Executing Alex's workout in LA
Alex and Ross midweek prior to Para World Champs.
Set for coaching.
Alex’s friend Eugene was a huge help with timing and organization, and quickly became a friend to all. Michel and Peter got to test themselves with some speedy short jumps, Lindsay laid down a super satisfying 500 meter time that has everyone feeling great about her future prospects at Nationals; Zach, fresh off the Western Canadian Championships gained more valuable track experience, and Dave and Gail had a great face-off pursuit that left Gail feeling quite good about the year to come.
World Cup cheering section
Learning from the best.
The Canadian Para Team joined our group as they fine-tuned themselves for the World Championships on the weekend. The supportive atmosphere and wonderful community we had there made everyone feel at home and ready to compete! Clearly, things went quite well for Canada and Juventus as evidenced by Ross’ double World Championships!
When you are with an enthusiastic, and track savvy bunch - the cheering is contagious.
Gail and Dave road riding out and about Palo Verdes.
Some of the gang imagining Italy?
Gail and Lindsay enjoy the action at the World Cup, but are more excited for their own upcoming track time.
Watching the World Cup action . . .
Zac fresh from Western Track Challenge . . .
. . . and more great World Cup racing.
The group got in some warm weather road rides between track sessions. Wonderful!!
Some great meals and sunny, scenic road rides rounded out the week to remember. Plans are already coming together for next year!
2 World Championship Jerseys for Ross Wilson!
Not like a lamb, and not like a lion . . . March came in like gold for Juventus member Ross Wilson. Ross competed at the 2017 Para World Track Cycling Championships, in Los Angeles March 3-5, and is now the reigning Para World Track Cycling Champion in both the 1 km TT, and the Individual Pursuit!! To top off the 3 day event, Ross executed great team work with fellow Canadian Tristan Chernove - for 2 top ten performances in the Scratch Race.
Ross's shoes caught in action - the diabolical blur of dazzling brilliance!
Ross Wilson signing his first (but not only) championship jersey of the 2017 Para World Track Cycling Championships.
Ross began competition with the 1 km TT. He felt that he executed his ride perfectly, riding to a 0.5 second PB - outstanding, especially as the Los Angeles track is not known to be particularly fast. Ross credited the work he has done with cycling coach Cameron Jennings, and strength coach Dean Somerset.
If you train regularly with Juventus Track, you will also know the dedication, and effort Ross exhibits (much pooling of sweat, the best pooling of sweat). It is satisfying to see hard work rewarded.
Canadians Tristan Chernove and Ross Wilson with C2, and C1 World Championship Jerseys . . . and Gold!
Ross donned and signed his first World Championship jersey, enjoyed the moment, but soon had to begin preparations for Day 2 and the Individual Pursuit. This event would (hopefully) require 2 rides, a qualifier and a final. Ross again delivered a superior performance, and qualified in first place. Notably, Ross's start looked smoother - almost certainly due to the new Butterdome Starting Facility engaged by track director Jeff Bakal.
In the final for Gold, Ross opted to attack his competitor with an all out effort. He was able to catch the American, and decisively win his second World Championship.
Ross Wilson - double gold!
It is a beautiful sight to see . . . the Canadian Maple Leaf rising high, while our national anthem plays.
Naturally, it is an overwhelming feeling to perform so well, and be rewarded. You can imagine how extra special it was, for Ross to have a cohort of Juventus fans in the stands to cheer him on. Special horns included!
Congratulations to 2017 World Champion Ross Wilson - a wonderful representative of Canada and Juventus!
Tristan and Ross battling it out, Day 3, in the scratch race. Result - 2 top ten finishes!
The efforts and expertise of Canadian team specialists ensure an athlete's optimum performance.
Testing the legs at Burnaby!
Recently, a handful of Juventus youngsters (who, especially this winter, were consistently dedicated to improving spin, and increasing power) ventured to the Vancouver area. They were after that other component in a competitive track cyclist's toolbox - race experience! Burnaby's notoriously exciting 200 m indoor velodrome was the perfect venue, and the Western Track Challenge the perfect event.
The clone of the Eastern Track Challenge (held a week earlier), aimed to provide a caliber of racing similar to that found at the upcoming Junior National Track Championships. But it was much more for Mat, Chris, Zac, Annie, and Lukas. This was an opportunity to ride indoors on a wooden track for the very first time!
Mat, Chris, and Lukas representing Team Alberta and Juventus at the Western Track Challenge.
The banking and co-efficient of friction on the Argyll Velodrome does a poor job of preparing a rider for the necessary speed, and quick response required for the tight action of Burnaby. Seriously - have you every seen anyone slide off the track in TL!? - in a neutral lap? even in C?
Annie said, "It was for sure scary at first, but once you were going, it was fun!" Mat noted, "The corners on the wood track were sharper than what I was used to, which made the turn feel faster while on the bike. I was surprised at how hard it was to stay on the black line, with the sharp corners pulling you up the track."
So . . . there were a few butterflies, but the group quickly got down to business. A couple of laps at the bottom and up they went, . . . smooth, . . . fast, . . . FUN!!
Juventus U17s mixing it up in bunch races.
Mat launches for his IP
Juventus U15s Lukas, and Annie, along with U17s Mat, and Chris, aimed to get their money's worth. The U15s had a 200 qualifier, Match Sprints, Scratch, IP, and Points Race. The U17s tacked on a Keirin, and Elimination. Added experience came in the form of a Team Alberta Team Sprint for Chris, and a Team Alberta Team Pursuit for both Mat, and Chris.
Zac chose the sprint events offered to the Junior Men - 200 qualifier, Match Sprints, and Keirin. The tight boards of Burnaby offered great feedback for honing sprint skills.
Zac, Chris, and Mat will be off to the Junior National Track Championships (offered for U17 and Junior) at the end of March, in Milton, Ontario, adding yet another velodrome racing experience to their toolkits.
Good racing Juventus!!
Juventus in the U17 Team Alberta TP
Chris rolls to warm up, and rolls to cool down in Burnaby.
Chris with a great gate start.
Chris and Mat join with Jackson and John from Calgary for Team Alberta silver in U17 Team Pursuit!
Gibson, Ritter - with success at World Cup!
Juventus members, Stefan Ritter and Kinley Gibson, are currently training with Canada's national team program. Stefan is training with the sprinters, and Kinley until recently with the NextGen program. This past weekend, they raced in Cali, Colombia at the 3rd UCI Track World Cup.
Pre-race training at the Velódromo Alcides Nieto Patiño in Cali, Colombia
View from the stands - Day 3 women's points race at Velódromo Alcides Nieto Patiño
For Stefan, this was his first experience racing against elite men at the World Cup's international level. For Kinley, this was her first experience racing as a member of the Canadian elite women's pursuit team.
Stefan got his first taste of competition on Day 1, racing the last leg of the men's Team Sprint. The key for Stefan was to get onto man 2's wheel (Canadian rider Hugo Barrette). In man 3 position, Stefan had 500 m of hard effort and then a final 250 m of intense, try and hold on till the finish effort. The Canadian team (Patrice Saint-Louis-Pivin, Hugo Barrette, and Stefan), finished in 9th, just 0.2 seconds from qualifying top 8 for the final.
Stefan Ritter with a good start for the Team Sprint qualifier.
Day 2 - Kinley would be in P1 (starter) position for the women's team pursuit qualifier. The team of Kinley, Laura Brown, Ariane Bonhomme, and Steph Roorda started well, and was a half lap in, when the marshall double fired his gun: a rider on the opposition Polish team had pulled out of her pedal. A successful re-start allowed the Canadians to ride, and qualify in 2nd place into Round 1.
Kinley Gibson launches for the team pursuit qualifier.
Day 3 - The final day of competition was successful for both Stefan and Kinley. The Canadian team pursuit women rode against the Aussies for the right to the gold medal final: although the Canadians improved their time by over a second (and had the overall second best time in the competition), they were bested - and qualified for the bronze medal final against France.
Stefan competed in his specialty, the 1 km TT (kilo). Stefan is the current Junior World Champion and Junior World Record holder, but this was his first time experiencing both a qualifier and final in the event - and at the international elite level. Stefan, with a very good effort, qualified in 7th place for the final.
Canadian women qualify to race in the bronze medal final.
Stefan Ritter qualifies for the 1 km TT final.
The final session on Day 3 provided the toughest weather conditions of the competition. Although covered, the track is open air; the tropical 32C atmosphere is kind to muscles, but wind gusts wreak havoc with effort and lines. Still, everyone is on the same track.
Stefan starting the kilo in Cali, Colombia.
Stefan ended up in eighth place in the 1 km TT final.
"My first goal was to get into the top 8 for the final, and I did. In the final, I wasn't as good as I expected or wanted, but I can't really complain about a top 8 at my first World Cup."
Stefan Ritter 1 km TT World Cup final
In the TP bronze medal final, the Canadian women put together their best performance of the event.
According to Ariane Bonhomme, "It was a big day, but very exciting! It took us a couple of rides to figure out how to manage the first part of the race. We have never ridden together as a team – Kinley and I have ridden on the NextGen team, but we’ve never trained with Steph and Laura, so the first two rides we started a bit fast and didn’t have so much left for the last kilometre . . . but we nailed it down in the final. It was perfect.”
Canadian women after winning the bronze medal final - 2017 World Cup - Cali, Colombia.
Laura Brown, Steph Roorda, Kinley Gibson, Ariane Bonhomme
Congratulations to Stefan and Kinley - great representatives for Canada, and Juventus Cycling Club!
Stefan Ritter and Kinley Gibson - 2017 Track World Cup - Cali, Colombia.
Sprockids, Cranx, LAMP now live on Zone 4!
An unlikely place to race -
It's winter and the track is covered with snow . . . how about start practise?! Friday nights and Juventus trackies love the countdown to pedal power at the newly appointed Butterdome Starting Hall (you can google it). It's great to get familiar with the start gate, but two up duels from the 2x2 are the best!
Paralympian Ross Wilson demonstrates great focus as Olympian Alex Ongaro checks form.
We have a diverse track group, all keen to improve technique, endurance and power.
Juniors' winter work continues!
Although a few of our Juventus crew have been sharpening tan lines, most Canadian cyclists don't have the opportunity to travel to a warmer climate for winter training. Yes, our Juniors do get outside for winter rides, but regular indoor trainer work is a definite staple for a competitive Edmonton cyclist.
Wednesday night at the clubhouse . . . windows about to get steamy.
Tracy keeps track of effort during efforts. Yeah, you're not going to fool him.
All the watts.
LAMP, Sprockids, and Cranx ready to go!
Our youth programs begin accepting registrations on February 15th. All registrations are done through Zone 4.
Ensure you choose the correct program; each program has a separate registration page on Zone 4.
Sprockids
Cranx
LAMP