Being a cyclist in Canada

For the first time a large group of Canadian riders is taking part in the Jeugdtour Assen. They enjoy staying at the Hondelhoeve in Eext. After five days of racing through rain, sun and wind in the Netherlands, we are checking in with them and ask about their experiences.

“The most important thing they learn here is positioning, positioning and positioning,” says Sandy Rauwerda. Her son Jared is the youngest of the team and rides in category 4. Lucas rides in category 7.

“They ride with 7 or 8 youth riders at home in Ontario. They often have to ride with the bigger boys. Cycling is slightly more popular in Quebec, but ice hockey and football are top sports in Canada. That is why it is sometimes a struggle, especially for the younger ones.”

“In Canada there is less contact,” says junior lady Victoria Slater about the differences. “The roads are wider and there are fewer riders. That’s why we are riding with NCCH in Belgium for a whole month in August. This is where we learn. ”

The NCCH, National Cycling Center Hamilton, has 70 riders from 8 to 23 years old. They do road racing, track cycling, MTB and cyclocross which is getting more and more popular. In the cold winters in Ontario when the roads are covered in snow and race, they train a lot on the indoor velodrome of Hamilton.

“Then we train either on the track or via computer-based training systems such as GoZwift. We have 16 trainers who rotate, ” Sandy continues.

They hope to be in Assen again next year. “We will definitely spread the word at home. They learn so much here. Riding in Europe and certainly in the Netherlands and Belgium doesn’t compare to anything else.”