2015 sees record-high attendance of track athletes for the Canadian national track championships

Canada’s top track riders are no doubt noticing that this year, there’s a thicker, more intense field of competition at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre awaiting them. There’s certainly been a fever pitch of competition; with the number of close finishes and bike throws, the evidence of the powerful nature of 2015’s athletes more than abounds.

In simple numbers, that may have to do with the record number of cyclists who have descended on Milton, Ontario for this year’s national track championship competition.

Over the course of all five days of this year’s Canadian track championships, a record-high attendance is being recorded. From all over the country, a total of 222 track cyclists have assembled, representing a range of competitive backgrounds. The velodrome itself, booming with the sound of competing bikes and elated fans, more than testifies to the bar set by this year’s competitors. With many already awarded, riders are convening on the Ontario community just north of Toronto, vying for the coveted red and white jersey worn by the year’s top Canadian rider.

Cycling Canada’s director of development, Mathieu Boucher, speaks highly of 2015’s influx of athletes.

“We have been seeing steady increases over the last few years in our Canadian track cycling championships attendance,” Boucher said. “There is momentum and energy right now with track cycling, notably thanks to our national team and their outstanding international results.” There’s also the positioning of the event on the competitive calendar, of course. With the 2016 Rio Olympics on the horizon, the 2015 Canadian track championships are the last national-level Elite track events before those games kick off — offering Canada’s national team an invaluable preparatory experience.

Details on the weekend’s remaining events in Milton can be found by visiting Cycling Canada online, including schedules and tickets.