Spring Series & Training Camp

PWN Racing’s spring series training camp in Vancouver, was full of great lessons and hard riding.  The team got to experience training and racing in all weathers over varied terrain. This coupled with an informative evening with Richard Wooles made for a great weekend on and off the bike.

The team kicked off its inaugural training camp in Vancouver from March 6th to 10th, balancing two days of training with two days dedicated to racing spring series.

The team’s stay at Accent Inns provided the perfect base for the intensive four-days. Amidst bike building and gear distribution, there was an air of excitement mixed with determination as everyone prepared for the days ahead.

On Thursday, PNW ventured out of Golden Ears park for some hill climb efforts and team photos against the backdrop of beautiful vistas.  For the Alberta Crew, the open road offered a welcomed respite from the confines of Indoor Training.

That evening was marked by a special get together with Richard Wooles, Cycling coach with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration in the Cycling Community. As riders shared insights and aspirations, it served as a reminder of our collective journey towards excellence, where the team learned about developing themselves into the best possible riders while also assessing their strengths, weaknesses, and goals.

Friday we had a split in the field! While three PNW riders dedicated their day to training at the Burnaby velodrome for the upcoming Track Nationals in March, in Bromont Quebec, our three roadies embarked on a scenic ride towards the North Shore, tackling challenging climbs along the way.

Saturday morning greeted us with overcast skies and a sense of anticipation for the race. The WIX Brown event was scheduled to commence at 11:30 am, covering a distance of 97.5 Km (which turned out to be 104 kilometers) on a 6K circuit. With the adrenaline pumping from the get-go, the objective was clear – full gaz. Despite the predominantly flat course, the presence of challenging crosswinds added an extra layer of complexity to the race. After a grueling 2 hours and 46 minutes, during which some PNW riders faught to hold onto the wheels in the Elite Men’s field, we celebrated the achievements of having two riders; Ben & Monty finishing within the top 15.

On Sunday, we embarked on another round of racing with the Thornhill Circuit Race. This course presented a heightened level of challenge, featuring a notable climb and exhilarating descents reaching speeds exceeding 90 k/h. Covering a total distance of 84 K over 6 laps, with an average speed of 35 k/h, the day unfolded amidst the threat of rain, which fortunately held off until the final few laps. Despite the demanding conditions, there were outstanding performances throughout the day. Ben managed to secure a position in the breakaway and worked to stay there for a solid 7th place finish, Colton chasing from behind with a 13th place finish alongside some standout moments for whole team. Experiencing the intensity of a fast-paced environment early in the season proved invaluable for our team’s growth and cohesion on and off the bike.

As we reflect on the weekend, it becomes evident that it was far more than just a series of cycling events. As we carry the lessons learned and the memories forged with us into the future, we do so with a sense of purpose and a deeper excitement for the journey that lies ahead.