World Masters in Edmonchuck

The sixth edition of the World Master games was held in Edmonton , Alberta between July 22 nd and 31 st. There were over 30,000 athletes competing in over thirty different sports. All three cycling disciplines, road, track and mountain, were represented at the event. There were well over a hundred athletes from all over the world competing during the 5 days of track cycling at the Argyll Velodrome in SE Edmonton . For example there were athletes from Columbia , Mexico , Scotland , Germany , Russia , Australia and the list goes on.

The first couple of days of competition at the track revolved around pursuit qualifiers, finals, and 500m TT’s. Two Victoria placed in the top three in these events. Chris Anstey, of Dr. Walker’s/Travellers Inn (gold in the 2000m pursuit: 55 - 59 and gold in the 500m TT: 55 - 59); and Bob Cameron, of Organic Athlete (bronze in the 3000m pursuit: 40 - 44).

My racing started with the 750m TT on the Wednesday, the third day of competition. There were about twenty 40 to 44 year old athletes competing in this event. I went early in the competition and set the mark to be bet at just over 53 seconds. The time held and I received a gold medal in the 750m TT for athletes aged 40 to 44 years of age. Other Victoria notables were Matt Barlee, of Dr. Walker’s/Travellers Inn, gold in 1000m TT (35 to 39) and Marcus Hadley, of Dr. Walker’s/Travellers Inn, bronze in 1000m TT (35 to 39).

Later that afternoon I along with another 20 or so athletes were to compete in the scratch race. On the second lap of the event, Bob Cameron, of Organic Athlete took a solo flier. The pack kept a steady pace to reel him in. With five or so laps to go, an Edmonton rider jumped and the pack didn’t respond. I along with two other riders eventually responded and along with Bob Cameron tried with no avail to chase down the Edmonton rider. With just over one lap to go I jumped and maintained a sufficient gap to place second in the scratch race. Bob Cameron, of Organic Athlete was close on my wheel and received a bronze for his efforts. Other Victoria notables were Chris Anstey, of Dr. Walker’s/Travellers Inn who won gold in the 55 to 59 year old scratch race.

Thursday morning saw thirty year olds competing in their scratch races. Matt Barlee, of Dr. Walker’s/Travellers Inn placed with a silver medal in that event. Later in the afternoon riders qualified for the match sprints that were going to be held Friday. I qualified second behind an Edmonton rider.

Eight riders in my category moved through to the match sprint rounds. I handily won my ride in the quarter finals which moved me through to the semi-finals. I had to take the next round to three rides as I was relegated in the first ride for advancing my position on the apron even though I won the ride. This result placed me in the gold medal ride with the number one seed, Tim Caulfield, from Edmonton . Tim and I split the first two rides, then, Tim won the third and decisive ride to take the gold medal. Other Victoria notables were Chris Anstey, of Dr. Walker’s/Travellers Inn who won gold in the 55 to 59 year old category for match sprint and Matt Barlee, of Dr. Walker’s/Travellers Inn who won bronze in the 35 to 39 year old category for match sprint.

Results from 2005 World Masters Games, Edmonton , Alberta

40 to 44 year age category:

1 st place – 750m Time Trial

2 nd place – Match Sprint

2 nd place – Scratch Race