Canadians aim for strong performances at junior track worlds

Canada’s Kinley Gibson secured the silver medal in the women’s scratch race on the opening night of junior track world championships in Glasgow, Scotland. The Canadian team is set for success at the event held from from Aug. 7 to 11 at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

The racing started with the men’s team pursuit qualifier in which the Canadian team of Aidan Caves, Eric Johnstone, Marc-Antoine Noel and Guillaume Roussel placed 12th after posting a time of 4:21:344. Teams Australia, New Zealand, Russia and Great Britain moved on to the finals where Australia won with a time of 4:06:182.

The night continued with the women’s scratch race where Colombia’s Jessica Parra earned the world title. Gibson took second place and Denmark’s Amalie Dideriksen third.

“Kinley lined up for the scratch race today with no pressure; her focus is firmly fixed on later this week. She knew the Colombian girl was dangerous and once she’d seen her escape the group without any response, she took her chance and settled in for 10 laps of focused effort,” said Rob Good, a coach with the Canadian team in Scotland. “This result is testimony to her professional approach and all the work that she has put in throughout the season and especially since mid-June, since the Junior track program came together.”

The opening ceremony introduced all of the nations and athletes participating. Cycling Canada Cyclisme sent a strong team of endurance riders that includes Ariane Bonhomme, Gibson, Caves, Johnstone, Noel-who all secured a medals at the 2013 Pan American Championships-and Roussel.

“Attendance at the junior track world championships is seen as a crucial developmental step for emerging international track cyclists. The championships provide the experience of competing in a world benchmark event and allow the athletes the opportunity to gain a true measure against an international field,” said Good.

On day two in the men’s individual pursuit, Caves finished fifth of the qualifying round, posting a time of 3:23.75. Johnstone had the tenth fastest time of the day, with 3:24.881. Australia’s Shaw Zachary won the title in a time of 3:21:122.

Ariane Bonhomme (18, Gatineau, Que.) Endurance

2013 Pan American Championships – 1. Team Pursuit; 4. Individual Pursuit
2013 Canadian Road Championships – 3. Individual Time Trial

2012 Canadian Road Championships – 1. Road Race

Aidan Caves (18, Vancouver) Endurance

2012 Pan American Championships – 3. Omnium

Kinley Gibson (18, Edmonton) Endurance

2013 Pan American Championships – 1. Omnium; 1. Team Pursuit

2013 Canadian Road Championships – 1. Individual Time Trial; 1st Criterium; 3rd Road Race

Eric Johnstone (18, Calgary) Endurance

2013 Pan American Championships – 1. Kilo TT, 2. Individual Pursuit, Omnium

Marc-Antoine Noel (17, Drummondville, Que.) Endurance

2013 Pan American Championships – 1. Scratch Race

Guillaume Roussel (17, Laval, Que.) Endurance