Juventus at XC Nationals

Thanks to Greg Sowak for a great article along with superb pics!

The sun shone and the dust flew at the Canmore Nordic Centre two weekends ago as Alberta hosted the Canadian National Cross-country (XC) Mountain Bike Championships for the first time since 2011.

Although the spotlight shone most brightly on veteran professional/World Cup athletes like Geoff Kabush, Raphael Gagne, Emily Batty, and 2014 World Champion Catherine Pendrel, our Juventus Expert Juniors and Cadets (U17) all had opportunities to test their mettle against Canada's best!

It was an awesome weekend of riding, racing, and learning.

Batty and Pendrel rode away from the field and battled off the front of the women’s Elite race.  Batty eventually climbed away for the win and repeated as National Champ!

They make it look SO easy!

Our Juventus athletes all delivered huge efforts and awesome performances on a daunting Olympic/World Cup level race course in hot, dry, and dusty conditions.  

Team Alberta’s Sean Germaine and Juventus’ Cody Shimizu lined up with the Elite Men’s U23 field, race faces set and dialed in.

Cody climbed well …

. . . and cleaned the technical sections with poise and precision (don’t let your mom see you doing this, Cody!)

On the Junior Expert women’s side, Laura MacLean and Abbey McGill both put in solid efforts, finishing 9th and 7th respectively.

Laura and Abbey, ready to roll.

‘A’ line or ‘B’ line, take your pick!

Abbey chooses ‘A’.

16-year-old Ryan MacLean was the story of the weekend though, finishing 8th in the Men’s Cadet (U17) National Championship race on Saturday and cruising to victory in the Alberta Cup U17 race on Sunday. Luke Bristow was not far behind, finishing Sunday's 4 lap Alberta Cup event in a very respectable fourth place. Congratulations boys!

Up-and-comer Annie Wyminga Scott continues to place well!  She finished 3rd in Sunday’s U15 Women’s race.

Off the gun, Ryan was smooth and composed . . .

. . . he stayed focused . . .

. . . and most importantly paid attention to his coaches!

By the way, BIG thanks to our awesome Juventus coaches Tracy Shearer and Ken Germaine, who tirelessly worked the pits to keep the kids "gelled", hydrated, and rolling!  And special thanks to Karen Germaine who tolerated and fed a house full of bloody, dusty, smelly mountain bikers for 4 days ... but I guess she's used to that ;)

See you again in 2018, Canmore!

Between their races, our athletes ‘camped’ at the notorious “Get Down” section to study the pros and scope the gnarly crashes.

Juventus spin to success at Calgary Trackfest!

A bunch of good looking racers: Zac, old timer Gail, young'un Lukas, Meika, brave A group racer Chris, newcomer Ryan, and AVRA coach Alex.

Coach Alex provided sage advice, a calming influence, and incredible skills  . . . including building a tent and tarp compound for every Juventi that would rival the most glamorous "glamping" accommodations.

Of note - Meika jumped into racing after next to no training, as she had been prepping for her bar exams, and U17 Chris raced with the super fast A group (including Olympic star Tara Whitten) throwing down several best times in his events.

Gail bowed out of the omnium to focus on completing a smoking hot pursuit (mission accomplished); Zach continued his breakthrough season as a super tough competitor in the A group  (just look at the seasoned and very fast men he beat in the omnium!)

Not in the photo is Peter who continued his decades long streak of making his competitors hurt in the endurance events. Also not pictured are super-Dads Aaron and Ralf who were quick to help everyone in many ways. 

Zach 2nd in the A omnium

Lukas wins the C category omnium

Meika 2nd in the B omnium

Juventus wins big at School's Out Dash!

A small, but powerful troupe of ten Juventus youth journeyed to Calgary on Sunday - Father's Day - for Bicisport's School's Out Dash Track Meet.  It was a very long and busy day!!  The group left Edmonton very early in the morning, and spent the day competing at Calgary's Glenmore Velodrome. 

All racers competed in a host of events for Omnium titles in the males and female age groups.  U13, U15s (Juventus Annie, Lukas, our 2 Samuels, Nic, and Jack), U17s (Juventus Mat, and Chris),  and U19s (Juventus Zac, and Cheyenne) had a full day.

Events included a Flying 200, Scratch Race, Kilo/500 TT, Elimination Race, and Points Race.  Juventus riders adjusted extremely well to Calgary's longer 400 m track (they are used to our own 333 m Argyll Velodrome).

After competition, the team returned to Edmonton - one amazing day, and great use of Daylight Saving Time! Congratulations to all! 

Juventus U15s are in the bunch on the Calgary track . . . ready to go!

Annie wins the W U15 Omnium

Lukas takes the U15 Omnium

Chris on the Omnium podium for U17 men

Cheyenne wins the W U19 Omnium

Zac tops the U19 Omnium podium

CANADA Day Crit Registration!

On Zone 4 here!

TECH Guide here!

Rose Gold for Wozny and Copeland!

On Day 1 of the Masters' National Road Championships, Juventus Club President, Gail Wozny, took the bronze in the Master's Women (over 30 years) ITT.  Our Master's Coach, Bruce Copeland, also raced to third spot on the men's side. Congratulations, and best of luck to all of our Masters competing in Vancouver!

Masters at Road Nats, while the younguns race Hayman Classic -

A number of our Masters are competing at Masters Road Nationals in Vancouver this weekend. They have option to contest an ITT, Road Race, and Criterium.  It has been the focus of training for months!

You can check RR results here, Crit results here, and ITT results here

Meanwhile, we have U15, U17, and U19 Juniors, and LAMP+ riders in Penticton, BC to compete at the Hayman Classic.  This is a big deal - it is a four stage race:

• A mass start hill climb on Friday morning

• A circuit race Friday afternoon

• A crit on Saturday morning (and yum, a banquet in the evening!)

• A very challenging Road Race on Sunday

There will be overall General Classification, and as with any stage race, it will take endurance and tenacity to be competitive. 

Want to know more? Follow them on Instagram: JuventusHayman2017 or Twitter: juvehayman2017

Here is the HAYMAN CLASSIC website for results

To all we say, "Look good, feel good . . . feel good, GO FAST!!"

Everyone is talking about Stieda Classic, but . . .

 . . . we had Sprockids doing some really important riding. For example - there was an adventure to Gnomia!  

And what is the best way to travel to Gnomia . . . ?

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!!

Saturday May 27 - Leduc Road Race

Sunday May 28 - Nisku Crit

REGISTER!

VOLUNTEER!

TECH GUIDE!

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.