Juventus 1 Masters top the Crankmasters' TTT podium + what TMZ dug up on This is Gonna Hurt!

Juventus 1 - George Irwin, Bruce Copeland, Dan Nelson, Peter Toth - Crankmaster TTT 1st place

 

Our Juventus Masters are certainly a diverse bunch, yet there is a unifying bond when it comes to Team Time Trials. Our masters seem to thrive on the training required for a successful TTT outing. The Crankmaster TTT on August 14th provided an opportunity for Juventus to test the cohesive watts of two teams:

• Juventus 1 - Bruce Copeland, George Irwin, Dan Nelson, and Peter Toth

• This is Gonna Hurt - Lorne Dmitruk, Sherman Cutknife, Clive Burke, and Velo transplant Ed Heacock

The course was a rolling 32 km, out and back, and included a light headwind on the way out.  Juventus 1 rode really smoothly, trying to catch This is Gonna Hurt 5 minutes ahead. Unfortunately we do not have pictures of This is Gonna Hurt, apparently due to concerns about their combined good looks. 

Juventus 1 rode well, and without issue, until about 8 km from the finish. It was on a fairly sharp hill that Dan seemed to have had enough. Up until that point, Hollywood's ride had been smooth and strong. The three remaining Juventus 1 riders forged on, wishing for 55 tooth chainrings instead of the paltry 52s they pedalled. Memories of junior gears haunted the team.

Meanwhile, This is Gonna Hurt's combined age of 227 years provided the wisdom to evaluate the team's special warm up techniques and pre race strategies: 

• Sherm probably drove 1000 km getting to and from family and race events, but did arrive with enough time for a warm up.

• Ed rode from Edmonton for his warm up.

• Clive DID NOT lock his keys in the car and DID come to the correct venue on the first try.

• Lorne was given a warning, as commissaires noted a mid section exceeding the 3:1 regulation.

 

After a solid effort, the team of three Juventus 1 hit the finish strong with Dan right behind. They were pleased with their final time of just over 43 minutes, but confident they can roll faster at the Miquelon Lake Team Time Trial on Sunday August 28th!  This is Gonna Hurt finished in 48:52 and remain convinced "we were robbed"! They will not let Bruce et all off so easy at Miquelon.

Thanks to Bruce and Lorne for providing narrative to both of these excellent results.
 

2016 LAMP Cup highlights new skills!

The weather on Sunday afternoon was perfect for racing at this year's LAMP Cup. Edmonton Research Park was the scene for the crit, the Argyll Velodrome hosted the track events, and the Argyll Ravine provided the challenge for cross-country mountain bike skills. Check out the pictures by Lori-Ann Muenzer, and others on our Photo Gallery Page. 

LAMP Director Bill Burtnik gives riders final instructions before the Edmonton Research Park Crit.

LAMP has a dedicated group of coaches and parent assistants; coaches ensure quality instruction, a safe environment, and fun for our LAMP cyclists. Pictured are a few of our enthusiastic team.

And the race is on!

The Edmonton Research Park 2016 LAMP Crit - photo credit Lori-Ann Muenzer

Working together

Strung out and following the attack

Argyll Velodrome hosted the Flying Lap, Scratch, and TT portion of the LAMP Cup Omnium.

Bunch race skills

Conserving energy in the Scratch Race

On the way to the cross country mountain bike course

Argyll Ravine course challenges LAMP Cup racer's cross country mtn bike skills - photo credit Lori-Ann Muenzer

LAMP namesake, Lori-Ann Muenzer was everywhere . . . photographing the action, cheering encouragement, and finally offering, to all our LAMP riders, some very inspirational words about pursuing dreams and persistence. She also brought along her GOLD Medal from the 2004 Athen's Olympics, Canada's first ever cycling gold medal, and LAMP riders got to touch, and learn a bit about all it represents.

LAMP riders gather for refreshments, awards, and motivational words from Lori-Ann Muenzer about pursuing dreams and persistence. 

LAMP Graduates were given the chance to see & touch Lori-Ann Muenzer's 2004 Olympic Gold Medal.

This year's (2016) LAMP Cup was awarded to Miles Sowak.  Miles had a great day with his TT, Crit, Flying Lap, Scratch, and Cross Country Mtn results giving him the overall OMNIUM!

Lori-Ann Muenzer is on hand to present the LAMP Cup: Bill Burtnik notes past winners, and highlights their continued success.

Miles Sowak, winner of the 2016 LAMP Cup! Devaney Collier and Stefan Ritter also celebrated the success of LAMP graduates.

TL! celebrates success & offers best wishes!

Thursday night was warm, dry - and perfect for the good turnout at Track League!  The A, B, and C groups were challenged with Win & Outs, Keirins, Team Sprints, Japanese Tempos, and the usual 5 km and 10 miler. Everyone enjoyed a great evening full of tactics, speed, and fun racing.

Before racing started, Juventus member, and recent Junior World Kilo Champion, Stefan Ritter was presented with a specially produced Juventus World Champion Parentini jersey. Looking sharp, Stefan gave his best and raced a variety of challengers in A group. 

Stefan Ritter in new Juventus World Championship jersey. 

Stefan and Jeff Bakal - a guy who knows a thing or two about developing elite cyclists. 

Meanwhile, spectators were top shelf as well. Juventus member and ABA commissaire Meredith Plant was out for one last TL! visit, before heading off to Aberdeen, Scotland to study Law. 

Club president Gail Wozny toasts Meredith Plant, wishing her the best on her Scotland Law studies adventure.

Meredith and dad John Plant enjoy the celebration ... John's shoulder and elbow (and broken bones within) take a rest from his Bowness crash induced sling. 

To wish Meredith well, celebrate Stefan's success, celebrate Devaney Collier's Junior World's Scratch Race silver medal performance, and generally have a wonderful time, everyone celebrated with a champagne, or champagne surrogate, toast . . .  A very fine bit of fun.

Miquelon Lake ITT & TTT registration is open!

We have all the details accessible here.

Sprockids, Cranx, & LAMP Fall Program registration is open!

Get ready for 5 weeks of mountain biking adventure!

• Saturday mornings  9:30 AM till noon

• September 10th - October 8th

• You must be 8 years of age by December 31, 2016 to register.

Click here to sign up

THE DETAILS

•  DATES: Saturdays, 9:30 AM to Noon, Sept 10th through Oct 8th 
• AGE REQUIREMENTS:  Sprockids/Cranx/LAMP kids must be between 8 and 14 as at December 31, 2016.

• FRIEND REQUESTS: We always honour friend requests, so your child will be riding with friends.

• REGISTRATION LINK: As with last year, you can register multiple riders from the same family on a single checkout.

• ABILITY: we will be creating a number of groups based on riding ability (after friend requests have been honoured), so your child will be riding with kids of similar ability.
• EQUIPMENT: your child must have a multi-speed mountain bike and a certified helmet.  Also recommended are bicycling gloves and a backpack with water, snack, and a cold/wet weather jacket.
• BICYCLE: Please ensure that your child's bicycle is tuned and ready to ride.  A multi-speed bicycle with working brakes and gears is required at a minimum (your child must have the physical ability to change the gears and work both the front & rear brakes

PARENT ASSISTANTS

We are looking for Parent Assistants to ride with the kids again this fall.  As always we will need to have Parent Assistants insured by the Alberta Bicycle Association.  Please contact me if you are interested in riding with us this year.

We are looking forward to seeing you and your Cranx, LAMP or Sprockid this fall.

Stefan Ritter - World class sprinter

Juventus Cycling Club knows a thing or two about developing young cyclists. Stefan Ritter is the latest example: a LAMP graduate, Stefan progressed to ride with Tracy's Juniors, continuing his road, mountain bike and cyclocross education. He joined in Jeff's track training, riding rollers in the winter, and Edmonton's outdoor 333 m Argyll Velodrome on warmer days. He regularly raced Thursday night Track League(!) to develop his track savvy. 

LAMP - (the Lori-Ann Muenzer Program)

Argyll Velodrome Track League(!)

LAMP - C2 coached by Gail Wozny

It was obvious early on that Stefan was born to be a sprinter (he chose his parents well). A couple of years ago, Argyll Velodrome Racing Academy (AVRA) coach Cam Jennings tested Stefan to see what sort of power he could generate. The results got the attention of national sprint coach Erin Hartwell . . . "we need to keep an eye on this kid!"  But Stefan was still 'just a kid' . . . and so he continued with a variety of cycling disciplines, doing well enough to compete in the Junior World Cyclocross Championships in February 2015.

Later that year, Stefan qualified as Canada's top junior sprinter for the 2015 Junior World Track Cycling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. He rode a respectable 200 m, yet quickly realized that there was much to practice and experience if he was to become a truly great sprinter. He continued training in Edmonton, guided long distance by Erin Hartwell. 

Alex Ongaro holds Stefan for start practice - Argyll Velodrome

Meanwhile, Cam Jennings of AVRA had been appointed as the Canadian Women's NextGen coach and had moved to Milton. Fortunately, after a careful talent search, AVRA was able to hire Olympian Alex Ongaro as its new head coach.

The timing was perfect. Alex and Stefan started working together at the start of 2016. Between weight room sessions at the Juventus clubhouse, and work on the track, trust developed and a bond formed. Alex Ongaro, 1984 Canadian Olympic Sprinter, had an athlete ready to absorb and practice strategy - an athlete committed to taking on the best in the world.

It was great news when Alex was named to coach the sprinters of the Junior National Team. He would be on hand to mentor and coach Stefan in Aigle, Switzerland at the 2016 Junior World Track Cycling Championship.

It became apparent to Alex that Stefan's engine and power suited the 1 kilometre (Kilo) time trial. Coach and athlete continued to work on skills and fitness necessary for the 200 m, Match Sprint, and Keirin, but focus was put on the Kilo. Rounding out Stefan's training was an emphasis on good nutrition, maintaining regular sleep cycles, and oh yes . . . finishing high school. Stefan is an honour's student, fluent in German, who plays trombone in his high school band. Diplomas were written, graduation celebrated and the intense month of June was complete. 

The Canadian Junior National Team met in Milton, Ontario at the Mattamy Velodrome for a final tune up before heading to Switzerland. After a couple of weeks of hard work, Stefan and Alex were ready to see how the past months of training would pay off. The velodrome of the UCI training centre would provide an additional challenge, as it was 200 m rather than the traditional 250 m.

Alex and Stefan discuss best lines on the UCI 200 m track in Aigle, Switzerland

Stefan's first event was the Keirin and he won his qualification easily. It was in round 3 that he would turn heads: after getting boxed in at the back, he slowed to extradite himself from his poor position, then accelerated to come up and over the top, passing the entire heat to win in a stunning blast of speed.

" . . . and then go to the front and stay there until the finish line! . . . " 

Now the young Canadian was marked. Stefan would go on to dominate the final, but end up 4th in a photo finish. Time to regroup and refocus for the next day's event.

Alex throws Stefan into the Keirin

Stefan gets the bike in this round

Dominating the round

The Kilo is an event just long enough to send an athlete into an anaerobic state. It is a one shot, individual, timed bit of torture. A calm and steady influence, Alex provided words of encouragement as Stefan warmed up.  Stefan was staged early in the line up, and was ready.

Stefan's Keirin performance got the attention of the media. Now they are interested in what his Kilo might look like.

The 5 second beeped countdown, and then Stefan burst from the starting gate with phenomenal power. Riding a clean line, he delivered an exceptionally solid ride of strength and fitness, finishing in 1.01:673 - only 0.3 off the current Junior men's world record.

Stefan's start is textbook and explosive. He will win the Kilo  just 0.3 off the world record in 1:01.673

One by one, fellow competitors took their turn on the track, but Stefan's time continued to hold against the best the world had to offer. Stefan Ritter becomes the 2016 Junior Men's Kilo World Champion! - with a rainbow jersey, a gold medal, the Canadian national anthem echoing thoughout the track centre, and Canada's flag rising above the rest. The win is Canada's first ever Junior World Championship!

 2016 Junior Men World Track Cycling Championship Kilo podium (L-R) Bradly Knipe - New Zealand, Stefan Ritter - Canada, Junggyu Na - Korea

The celebration with coaches, teammates, family, and well wishers was all high fives and hugs, filled with sincere excitement. The jubilation was eventually curtailed  . . . as there was still one more event on the sprinter's race card.

Stefan signs rainbow jerseys, does interviews, and accepts congratulations graciously.

Sharing the victory with his coach - Stefan and Alex

Stefan arrived at the track the next morning in a very happy, and enthusiastic mood. He went through his race routine and put down the second fastest 200 m time, clocking a 10:245. It was time to combine tactics with speed. Stefan easily dominated the 1/16 and 1/8 sprint finals.

Accelerating to a 10.245 flying 200

Against Korea's rider, it would take until the decider for Stefan to win the 1/4 final.

Stefan rides the outside line to win this match

Each ride takes its toll on the sprinter and each match requires a focus of energy and concentration. Thus with each ride, Alex provided support; Stefan cooled down and warmed up,  prepared to give his best. The semi final was a drag race with Australia's Connor Rowley: Stefan raced 2 laps at top speed on the outside as the two vied for the lead, but Rowley prevailed. Stefan was into the Bronze medal final.

Australia's Connor Rowley bests Stefan. Alex will have Stefan ready for the Bronze medal match.

Each sprinter had raced multiple times and both were taxed. Stefan was successful in his first match against the rider from Poland. That left just one more win to access the podium. Alex knew the Polish rider, as first starter, would head down track. In a calculated fashion, he waited and with a massive heave, threw Stefan into action. Stefan delivered one last acceleration and held on to win the bronze medal.

Alex's throw in is timed and strategic.

Stefan takes the Bronze!

All three junior men on the Match Sprint podium with Stefan are World Champions: Australia's Connor Rowley in the Keirin, Stefan in the Kilo, and New Zealand's Bradly Knipe in the Match Sprint. That is pretty fine company to keep. 

Junior World Champions - Connor Rowley AUS - Keirin, Bradly Knipe NZ - Match Sprint, Stefan Ritter  CAN - Kilo

Congratulations on your World Championship, bronze medal, and performance Stefan! Well done.

Here is an interview Stefan did with CTV discussing future plans (you have to endure an ad first - sorry)

A seamstress of sorts with champion Stefan Ritter, who wears his repaired kit with confidence.

Welcome to Paul Wyminga - our new Sprockids Director!

Please welcome Paul Wyminga to our Juventus youth cycling community!

Paul will be taking the helm of the Sprockids program as of July 2016. His first task will be to organize the Fall session for Sprockids/Cranx/LAMP kids.

Paul Wyminga and Sprockids group

Many of you will know Paul well.  He has been a longtime Sprockids coach, leading groups in both our Spring and Fall programs since 2012.   He is an active and competitive mountain biker – he has racing almost all of the regional mountain bike events, the 24 Hours of Adrenalin, and this year the 7-day BC Bike Race.  A big plus . . . he enjoys racing cyclocross in the fall.    His daughter Annie is a long-time Juventus cyclist, completing both the Sprockids and LAMP programs, and this year raced to a silver medal in the Provincial Track Championships. 

Our youth programming has grown to the point where we need to bring on board exceptional talent like Paul to keep the program vital, valuable, and exciting.   Lindsay Dodd, who has shepherded our Sprockids program so successfully, will continue in his role as Director of the Cranx program for the 2017 season, and continue to assist the other youth cycling Directors: Paul Wyminga with Sprockids, Bill Burtnik with the LAMP program, Alex Stieda with our LAMP+ program, and Ken Germain with our Junior program.  

Thanks to all of the families that continue to support the Juventus Cycling Club youth programs.  We couldn’t deliver these exceptional programs without your assistance.  

Devaney Collier collects silver in Aigle!

Juventus junior Devaney Collier was one of five Canadian girls recently competing at the 2016 Junior World Track Cycling Championships in Aigle, Switzerland. Devaney was part of a 4th place (and Canadian record) performance in Junior Women's Team Pursuit (TP), as well as a silver medalist in the Scratch Race.

The girls team had the 4th best time in TP qualification heats. In Round 1 they raced in Canadian record time, but were bested by the World Record holding and eventual Junior World Champion Italians. They were slotted against France the in the Bronze medal final, and caught with 2 laps to go, finishing in 4th.

In the Scratch Race, with 5 laps left, Devaney launched an explosive attack, attempting to catch the GB rider who had been off the front for much of the race. The pack was unable to match Devaney's effort and she finished with a strong silver.

Congratulations to Devaney Collier on these excellent performances!

Alex Steida to be inducted into Hall of Fame!

Juventus Cycling Club honourary lifetime member and current LAMP coach Alex Steida will be recognized for his exceptional contribution to cycling. Alex will be inducted into the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame, on October 2nd 2016, in conjunction with the Canadian Track Cycling Championships and Milton International Challenge.

In order to initiate the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame, Cycling Canada formed a Working Group to develop the Hall of Fame concept and process, and bring it to fruition.

The Working Group developed a curated list of 21 cycling alumni to be considered for the Hall of Fame class of 2016. The votes, both from the Working Group and the public were cast, and six were chosen for the honour – four in the Athlete Category, one in the Early Era Category and one in the Builder Category.

Alex will join LAMP namesake and Juventus honourary lifetime member Lori-Ann Muenzer (inducted in 2015) in the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame.

Alex Steida with U17 podium winners in the inaugural 2016 Alex Steida Classic.

Congratulations to Alex Steida on this exceptional recognition and honour!

Strong results for Juventus at Stampede Road Race!

The Stampede Road Race is a staple on the Alberta racing calendar. This year provincial road race honours were also on the line.

Early Sunday morning, 20 Juventus members across the spectrum of age, and ability categories caravanned their way to Dogpound, Alberta for the 2016 Provincial Road Race Championships. 

Tracy and his team in Dogpound, Alberta for the Provincial Championships.

Racers confronted a multitude of tough hills, rain, and right hand turns . . . (which president Gail Wozny says she has had "quite enough of for the season - thank you very much!"). The prairie course and weather did prove to be challenging.

Gail, Lorne, and Sherman - ready to go!

Congratulations to all of our Juventus competitors, including these podium finishers:

• Jack Almond - 2nd Master E Men

• Gail Wozny - 2nd Master C Women

• Mike Verveda - 3rd Junior Men

• Sidney McGill - 1st Junior Women

• Marin Cislo - 1st Cat 3/4/5 Women

A special thanks to coach Tracy for getting our youth both to and from Dogpound, well prepared and safe - and extra kudos for jumping in and racing so well!

Abbey McGill races Rimouski!

Rimouski, Quebec is a beautiful, small city on the St. Lawrence River located about a 5 hour drive north east of Montreal. The surrounding sharp hills, little villages, and country roads provides the perfect setting for The Tour de la Releve International de Rimouski.

The Rimouski Stage race presents five stages over five days in a small scale Tour de France format. It is an important component on the North American race calendar for Juniors (U19) and Cadets (U17), and allows them to gain quality international experience.

Many teams opt for dorm accommodation at the University of Quebec and enjoy the fun of a campus experience along with fellow riders. 

Abbey McGill racing with Centurion Next Wave Cycling - Rimouski QB

Juventus rider Abbey McGill is a second year cadet and jumped at the opportunity to join a composite team competing in the Junior Women's category.

Fellow teammates Megan Heath, Ruby West, and Dana Gilligan raced the team time trial (TTT), 78 km road race, 15 km individual time trial (ITT),  35 km criterium, and infamous Cathedral hill 4 lap circuit race to complete the 5 stages. 

On target to win the Team Time Trial

The Centurion Next Wave Cycle Team that Abbey raced with had impressive results - winning the TTT, securing podium and top ten finishes in the remaining stages, as well as winning the overall Team GC.

Centurion Next Wave Cycle team Megan Heath, Abbey McGill, Dana Gilligan, Ruby West with Team GC win!

To race with a dense field of junior women on such demanding and challenging routes is a huge opportunity. Congratulations to Abbey McGill, and the team of Centurion Next Wave Cycle for racing so well in the Tour de Releve International de Rimouski!

Kinley Gibson takes Elite Women's National Criterium title!

Kinley Gibson has taken her 2009/10 LAMP skills to new heights by winning the national title for the elite women's criterium challenge - the final event at 2016 Road Nationals. Kinley is a Juventus member currently riding for Trek Red Truck women's development pro racing team. 

2016 Canadian National Criterium podium with Justine Clift, Kinley Gibson, Ellen Watters

Trek Red Truck teammates Denise Ramsden, Kinley Gibson, Suzanne Hamilton, Gillian Ellsay, Sara Bergen

 

Held in the charming town of Aylmer, Quebec, the race proved to be one of attrition as the pace was fast and relentless. A steady series of Trek Red Truck team attacks launched Kinley into a solid break of two riders 25 minutes into the race.

Both Kinley and Cyclery Opus rider Justine Clift worked on the front for the remainder of the 60 minute race readying themselves for the 3 lap countdown. Meanwhile, Kinley's and Justine's teammates kept the pack at bay.

The final sprint was decisive, with Kinley the new national champion.

Off the front - Kinley Gibson and Justine Clift

Kinley also competed in the ITT (26 km) held in Gatineau Park, and the road race (110 km) which was held in Ottawa. She had U23 podiums in both races and was also a top ten finisher among the elites.

Elite/U23 Women's ITT - Kinley Gibson

Aero on the downhill

Elite/u23 Women's road race - Kinley Gibson on the 10 km circuit

Congratulations on great racing Kinley!

Ross Wilson named to 2016 Rio Paralympic Team!

Ross Wilson may refer to himself as a middle aged man doing the best he can, but don't let his humble demeanour fool you.

Ross is an extremely dedicated and strong cyclist who has been working for the past three years towards his goal of making the Canadian Para Team to Rio for the 2016 Paralympics. 

Ross Wilson ITT

Ross has an engine that starts and just keeps building power. You may have seen him racing on the track - he does love pushing the pace - or out on group rides, but that is only a small component of Ross's training. Coach Cam Jennings tracks and adjusts gym sessions, interval training, watt bike work, long rides, and more - usually work Ross must do on his own. Ross's consistent commitment to his goals helps ensure his success. 

Ross Wilson racing the ITT at 2016 Para Road Nationals.

Ross will be racing on the track in Rio as well as the road. He specializes in the Individual Pursuit (IP) on the track, and has raced the 3 km distance very close to world record time. The talent he exhibits in the IP transfers to the Individual Time Trial (ITT) on the road, and Ross will do both the road race and ITT in Rio.

The 2016 Paralympic Games will be held September 7 - 14th. Get ready for a superb performance from Canadian Team, and Juventus member Ross Wilson!

Juniors race for Team Alberta at Road Nationals!

Juventus juniors Michael Verveda, Devaney Collier, and Abbey McGill had more than final exams to prepare for in June. All were selected for Alberta's team to Junior Road Nationals, and raced the road race, individual time trial (ITT), and criterium.

The race was staged in Ottawa, and made use of beautiful (hilly) Gatineau Park, QB for the ITT, and the quaint town of Aylmer, QB for the crit. Weather was typical for the area: hot and humid. 

Team Alberta goes over the race plan with coach Tanya Dubnicoff.

Michael Verveda focussed and ready for the Junior Men's road race.

The road race course was a 10 km flat circuit that offered a kermess feel. The junior men raced 120 km (86 starters), while the junior women completed 8 laps for 80 km (27 starters).

All three Juventus raced well: Michael was active both on the front, and back to the follow car for supplies, and was 12th in the sprint finish; Devaney rode with the group, made the break in the last lap, and sprinted to 2nd (podium!); Abbey had the tough job of working on her own after falling off the back mid race - giving it her all to avoid being lapped.

Devaney and Abbey stay cool before the road race.

Podium success for Team Alberta and Devaney Collier!

The Junior Men's sprint finish with Michael oh so close!

Team Alberta rested for 2 days and readied for the ITT. The course was up, up, up and then down, down, down - 26 km for the junior men, and 16 km for the junior women. Although neither are the biggest climbing fans, both Devaney and Abbey had great rides against the field of 23 with Devaney in 6th, and Abbey in 13th. Michael was well prepared and gave it his all against the 74 starters in junior men. He finished in 34th.

Checking TT bike against the jig.

Aero and a fast descent.

The picturesque main street of Aylmer, Quebec was an ideal setting for the start/finish of the national criterium challenge.  The course featured a technical back stretch with a long incline to the finish on the front. The junior men raced for 45 minutes + 3 laps, and the junior women 30 minutes + 3 laps.

Abbey working hard in the crit.

The junior women's race came down to a sprint finish for 3rd - 14th, and Devaney managed 4th, narrowly missing the podium. Abbey finished in 12th.

A dense Junior men's field.

The junior men's race was fast and the attrition was quick - either with lapping out or crashing out. Out of 78 starters, 26 would finish.  Michael was not able to finish - but the goods news is that he remains unscathed and all the wiser.

Congratulations to these three Juventus Juniors for representing our club and province so well!

 

Sidney McGill solid at first Jr. World Championships!

Juventus first year junior Sidney McGill spent the latter part of June and a bit of early July in Nova na Morave, Czech Republic, to race for Canada, at the Junior World Cross Country Mountain Bike World Championships. 

Sidney snagged a front row position at the start line, and put together a strong, and sustained effort throughout the extremely technical course.  The sizeable crowd was loud, and appreciative of rider skill - which kept energy levels topped up! Sidney finished as the top Jr. Canadian woman in 21st place.

It is fantastic to gain experience on the world stage - especially as a first year junior. Congratulations on a great race Sidney!

 

 

Juventus checks out the Highlandia Criterium!

The Highlands Community of Edmonton is a historical neighbourhood located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. This year a bit of spice was added to the annual Highlandia Music Festival and Market - with racing of the first Highlandia Criterium!

The Highlandia Crit is bound to become a favourite. It is a fast course, and the roads keep you on your toes. The festival atmosphere invigorates the peloton, and if you manage a break on the front, the cheering is wild. 

A variety of Juventus officials, riders, spectators, and volunteers enjoyed a beautiful afternoon and evening at the Highlandia Crit on Saturday. A few uninvited mosquitoes were also seen and disposed of.

Race Director Shaun Adamson and Bill impressed with the racing.

Abbey off the front and working out the win.

The boys  . . .  also lethal at TL! Mat will take this one in the end.

Strong Juventus finish.

A little strategy with Tracy before the CAT 3 race.

Meredith goes over Highlandia Crit rules.

Juventus will be in control for the race.

The corners are fast and fun.

There are still another 30 minutes of hard effort before the count down laps.

Kinley doing her share on the front.

Michael takes the win with a great solo effort.

Dan recounts his flat off the start . . . and the quick change that got him back in the race second lap.

LAMP Director's Father's Day fun!

Juventus LAMP director Bill Burtnik, is quite the fellow. On Saturday he insured LAMP youth were ready to put in a solid race at the Highlandia Criterium - a great little race in the Highlands Community of Edmonton. A few minutes later he put in his own effort on the course with the CAT 3 men. He also has friends in literally the right places. Next door to the crit, he joined in with friends for a little neighbourhood BBQ party. 

But that was only the weekend prologue . . .

Bill had ideas for Father's Day . . . Sunday morning Bill was up at 5 am to collect his youthful team, and head to Calgary for the School's Out Track Meet at the Glenmore Velodrome.  Juventus showed up on time and ready to race. Skills learned at Track League! and in LAMP, and some solid advice from Bill, proved a winning combination for the boys! The long daylight hours were put to excellent use in a very successful and full day. Well done!

Juventus at Bears Barrage

This past Tuesday saw the Devon Bicycle Association hosting their annual Bears Barrage.  This year it featured the Trailblazers Series Race #5 and the Alberta Summer Games qualifier for Zone 5.   

Juventus riders made numerous podium appearances over the course of the evening.  Congratulations to all of the Sprockids, Cranx, and LAMP riders who made the journey to Devon for some excellent racing.

Photos can be found here: Bears Barrage 2016

Press release for our little indoor project - The Indoor Velodrome!!!

Take a second and click to see the best news for smooooth, safe, exciting cycling in Edmonton!

Sidney McGill selected for Junior XCO MTN World Championships!

The Cross Country Mountain Bike World Championships will be held June 29th - July 3rd in Nove Mesto na Morave in Czech Republic.  

 

There will be competition for Elite, U23, and Junior, men's and women's categories. In total, 28 Canadian athletes have been selected for the team.

Sidney McGill is a first year junior and this will be her first experience racing at a Junior World Championship.

 

Sidney is one of four junior women selected to represent Canada. She will join Emily Handford of BC, Erica Leonard of Ontario, and Sophieanne Samson of Quebec to form Canada's Junior Women's team.

 

Congratulations and good luck!