CANADIAN TRACK CYCLING SET TO COMPETE AT OPENING WORLD CUP OF 2015 SEASON
Canada’s women’s team pursuit squad posts third fastest qualifying time
(Ottawa, ON – November 07, 2014) Canada’s women’s team pursuit squad posted the third fastest qualifying time and the men’s team pursuit squad broke a new Canadian record as the opening UCI Track World Cup season kicked off in Guadalajara, Mexico on Friday.
The women’s team comprised of Jasmin Glaesser, Stephanie Roorda, Allison Beveridge and Kirsti Lay posted a time of 4:27.214, qualifying for the medal round tomorrow.
The Canadian ladies will face New Zealand in the semi-finals. The winner of the dual will face the Great Britain v. China dual for the gold medal race.
“I’m encouraged by their performance today with a new combination in the starting line-up and we’re excited to take on the Kiwis for a chance to go for gold,” said Craig Griffin, Track Endurance Coach at Cycling Canada.
The Men’s Team Pursuit made its debut at World Cup competition since the program was re-born. The men’s team comprised of Rémi Pelletier-Roy, Aidan Caves, Eric Johnstone and Sean McKinnon posted the 14th fastest time of 4:05.503, a new Canadian record. Only the Top 8 advance to the second round.
In the women’s team sprint, the newly-formed duo of Kate O’Brien and Monique Sullivan. The race marked the World Cup debut for O’Brien, and the return to competition for Sullivan, who has been focusing her efforts on education after finishing sixth at the 2012 Olympic Games in the keirin. The duo posted the 14th qualifying time at 34.552 seconds and did not advance to the second round.
The men’s team sprint qualifying round was also presented on Friday night, and the Canadian team formed by Hugo Barette, Joe Veloce and Evan Carey finished 16 of the qualifying round.
