CANADIAN ATHLETES GAIN CONFIDENCE AT 2024 TISSOT UCI TRACK NATIONS CUP IN MILTON
Milton, ON (April 13, 2024) – Canadian athletes continued to accumulate valuable points towards Olympic qualification on the second day of competition at the Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup on April 13, 2024, in Milton, ON.
Dylan Bibic Within Touching Distance of the Podium
Finishing second in the scratch race, ninth in the tempo race and fourth in the elimination race during his participation in the cumulative omnium event, Bibic, who had won gold in the elimination race on Friday April 12, was aiming for a second podium finish. Heading into the final event of the day, the points race, Bibic was in fourth place with a total of 96 points. Although he was able to collect a further 21 points, it wasn’t enough to join compatriots Ethan Hayter (GBR, 163 points), Kazushige Kuboki (JPN, 150 points) and Benjamin Thomas (FRA, 143 points) on the podium.
“I tried to catch them throughout the race and score points, but they were much fitter than me, hats off to these three riders,” said Bibic. “I’m so close and I know that with the right training and preparation, I can get a medal. I’ve never been as confident of getting a medal as I am now.”
A First Nations Cup Final for Wammes
Nick Wammes excelled in the qualification rounds of the keirin, securing his place in the final for positions 1 to 6. He was able to pocket a fifth position, after a hard-fought battle with the discipline’s biggest names, such as reigning world champion Harrie Lavreysen (NED – Gold), Jeffrey Hoogland (NED – Silver) and Jack Carlin (GBR – Bronze).
“Winning the qualifiers and the semi-final is more than I could have asked for,” said Wammes. “I know the form is coming back, and I wanted to focus on the individual events this weekend, so racing well today gave me confidence. I’ve been lucky enough to compete in six home races since joining the national team and it’s always a privilege to be in front of your home crowd, especially this final week when it’s an Olympic qualifying event, so it’s even more special.”
Also taking part in the keirin, Ryan Dodyk made his mark in qualifying, enabling him to compete in the 7-12 final, where he lost out in fifth place, finishing tenth overall. James Hedgcock was unable to reach the final rounds. Both had won bronze in the team sprint the day before.
Hard Day on the Saddle for Women Athletes
The women were also in action in the individual sprint, although none of them reached the final rounds. Lauriane Genest ended her day early after two consecutive victories by rival Ellesse Andrews (NZL, Silver) in the quarterfinals, giving her fifth place. Reigning Olympic champion Kelsey Mitchell did not have the day she had hoped for, finishing ninth after a defeat in the round of 16. Sarah Orban and Jackie Boyle finished 17th and 21st respectively. Mathilde Gros (FRA, Gold) and Daniela Gaxiola Gonzalez (MEX, Bronze) completed the podium.
Ariane Bonhomme and Lily Plante took part in the Madison race, where they were unable to finish as they were overtaken by the pack on two occasions. Great Britain took gold, followed by France and the USA with silver and bronze.
Cycling Canada thanks Sport Canada for the valuable support provided by the International Single Sport Events (ISSE) – Hosting Program. The ISSE aims to enhance high performance sport development as well as the profile of Canadian sport organizations through the domestic hosting of international single sport events.
Full results can be found here. For more information on the 2024 Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup Milton, visit www.tncmilton.com.
