Inside the Athlete's Village


I know this isn't really cycling related but I thought you might find it interesting. After a final training camp at Apex mountain last week, the mogul team arrived at the village on Saturday. When we landed at Vancouver airport there were volunteers waiting to give out the accreditations, handle all the luggage and drivers to take everyone to the village. It was very smooth.

The village itself is fantastic and because we're the host country we scored the best condos. All overlooking the water, huge rooms, big soaker tubs and rain showers. There are no appliances in the condos, except for mini fridges and a toaster oven. Each country has their own set of condos and they all hang their flags from the balconies. A lot of you probably saw the controversy with the Aussies and their flag, but it seems to be resolved. The dining area has a wide variety of foods and a 24 hour McDonalds, which by the way is always busy. The gym facility is massive and state of the art. Lots of lounge areas for the athletes to relax, play video games and a ton of security.

I was able to have a tour of the medical facilities with the Chief Medical Officer from the Canadian Olympic Committee. Wow, if you get hurt this is the place to do it. They have a full ER trauma room with the ambulances being able to pull up directly to the room. Every medical specialty you could ask for (one Canadian had an emergency root canal done) MRI, C.T. scan, Ultrasound with a radiologist to read the films immediately. Braces, orthotics, eyeglasses. If you need it, it's there. Very impressive.

Each night they introduce a team at the main stage and last night was Canada's night. Sandra Oh from Grey's Anatomy was the emcee, with Stephen Harper, the mayor and a bunch of other dignitaries. It really began to sink in that the games are about to begin.

It's hard not to catch yourself staring at some of the well known athletes. As a fan you really want to talk to them or get an autograph, but it's not the place to do it and I've held back. Shaun White, the US halfpipe snowboarder seems to have the biggest group of followers. 60 minutes did a piece on him a couple of weeks ago and the apparently he makes about $10 million a year.

Everyone on the mogul team (including Anne-Marie's friend P.A.) are doing very well. The women are competing this Saturday and the men on Sunday, with the finals of both events taking place in the evening.

Submitted by: Dave Watt

 

Former Trek Red Truck Rider Signs Pro Contract with Bissell Professional Cycling Team


The Trek Red Truck Racing team presented by Mosaic Homes is pleased to announce the recent signing of former rider Rob Britton to the US based Bissell Pro Cycling Team.

Britton, a native of Victoria, British Columbia caught the attention of team general manager, Glen Mitchell, at this year's Mt. Hood Classic with a stage win and a fifth place finish overall. Director, Eric Wohlberg, who has been tracking Rob’s progression said, “Rob is a selfless, team-oriented rider who has the ability to win when the situation presents itself. Rob’s particular ability to TT and climb will add to our race day arsenal."

Team Director Steve Engh commented, "We are very proud of Rob for achieving his dream of joining the pro cycling ranks, which is a major objective for our program. He deserves it as he has worked tremendously hard to achieve his goals and we enjoyed having him in our lineup for the past 2 years. I know that I speak on behalf of all of his ex team mates in wishing him the best of luck in his continued development as a cyclist and on racing the US Pro circuit next season."  

 

Trek Red Truck Presented by Mosaic Homes Receives 3 Awards at Cycling BC Awards Dinner

The Trek Red Truck Racing team presented by Mosaic Homes was the recipient of three awards at the annual Cycling BC Awards Dinner held in Vancouver on November 20, 2009.

The team was honoured with the Team of the Year Award, Annie Ewart was awarded with the U-17 Female Cyclist of the Year, and Tyler Trace received the Road Male Road Cyclist of the Year.

Team Director Steve Engh commented, "We are very proud to be recognized for the team’s accomplishments last year. We would like to thank Cycling BC for hosting the Awards Dinner and everyone that took the time to vote, and we are already preparing for more success next season with a very promising young group of athletes."  

Thoughts on the Start of a New Season and the End of an Old

The start of another season. Although I am not that old, I look back and wonder where the time has gone. I am proud to say it is my fourth year with TRT, and unfortunately I have said goodbye to all of the riders who were on that squad with me. Although the riders have changed over the years, I feel these four years have provided a foundation for 2010 that all the team sponsors would be proud of.

All of the behind the scenes prep that has tirelessly been prepared for us culminated on Friday the 13th, when the majority of the 2010 Trek Red Truck Racing Team presented by Mosaic Homes, met at Steve Engh's to become acquainted and look towards our plan. An exciting time, we met new team members, received our Trek bikes, everybody got to leave with the customary Powerbar stock, and just as importantly got our up to date Barth Rankings (I may be showing off because I ended the night as number 2).

The following week on the 20th, several members of the team attended Cycling BC's Annual Awards Night. The night served as a capper on the 2009 season, as our results were rewarded with the award as the Best Team of 2009, and Trace picked up the honours as Best BC Male Road Rider. Not to be outdone, our newcomer Annie managed to score the Best U-17 Female Road Cyclist of the Year award. A great night was had by all, and congratulations to all of the awards winners and a big thanks to everyone at Cycling BC for the evening, and all of the volunteers who made and continue to make BC bike racing possible.

The past two weeks we have had a couple of great evenings, giving some recognition of our 2009 success, and provided a source of inspiration for a revamped 2010 TRT squad who will be on the hunt for more glory.

Submitted by: Nathan McDonald