Tissot UCI World Cup Berlin - Trish's Travels

Tricia Hayton, Registered Physiotherapist

On November 25th,  I was off again with Cycling Canada.  This time to the Tissott UCI World Cup in Berlin, Germany.   Competing in this 3rd world cup of 6 through the season, Canada sent a full team to participate in the endurance and sprint events.   More specifically, for those familiar with racing, the team was participating in Team Pursuit, Omnium, and Madison on the endurance side.   The sprinters would compete in Team Sprint, Kieran and Individual Sprint.    It was a large crew and we were determined to make our mark on the international stage.

Personally, I left with three goals.   I wanted to see some of the Berlin wall and learn more of the history of this fascinating city.  I wanted to spend some time at one of Germany famous Christmas markets.  And finally, following an unfortunate accident in August at an event in Mexico , I wanted an injury free and successful trip for the team…   without a hospital visit.   I am happy to say that I achieved all three. 

The first 2 -3 days of our visit were training days, with each country scheduled with a 90-minute block of track time.   This allows the athletes to become familiar with the track – the corners and the banks.   For the staff it provides time to explore as our commitment to the team is only for a few hours.   I took advantage of this time to run errands and see a little of Berlin.  Brief stops were made at Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery.   The gallery was an accidental find of a kilometer of wall that now plays canvas to over 100 paintings.

The day was topped off with a staff dinner and the Alexander Platz Christmas Market. 

As for the team, they continue to progress to Tokyo 2020.   Both the men’s and women’s teams proudly stood on the podium winning bronze in the Team Pursuit.    Including, taking 2 seconds off the Canadian Record.

Our single racers had top 10 finishes in the Omnium.   Although the sprinters had a more difficult time, personal bests were achieved, and we continue to learn from mistakes and technical errors.

Next up is a 17 day stint in New Zealand, where the team will continue to train and excel in the Track Cycling World.