On Sunday December 13 at a velodrome in Cali, Colombia, three Canadian women pedaled their bicycles for 3000 metres faster than any other competitors to win the Gold Medal at the World Cup Event in that country. The efforts of Stephanie Roorda, Tara Whitten and Laura Brown were enough to dispense with the next best team from the United States and indeed all the rest including major cycling nations like France and Italy.
While races are won and lost every day, this result holds something of a special nature in that it came from a long considered ’second string’ cycling nation. Canada is a huge country geographically and the logistics of developing a winning team are massive when compared to most of those first string nations. Consequently while Canada has much talent, the sheer size of the place (not to mention the unfavourable weather conditions for much of the year) make it a momentous job to raise the performance level.
About two years ago Canada was blessed with arrival of one Richard Wooles, a Welshman who had been working with the UCI in Switzerland before coming across the pond to land on Canada’s west coast.
Although only now just 38 years old, Richard’s cycling credentials are impressive. Starting to race at a young age, he rose through the GB ranks to be one of the better amateurs and before heading to a lengthy racing career in the French cycling world. He would as well, represent his country at such events as the Commonwealth Games and World Championships. Later he worked with the British Federation in rider development.
Richard is precisely what Canada needed. He has become the catalyst to bring the entire cycling program forward. From his years as a hard man in races where its simply one attack after the other (it is often said that top level amateur racing is HARDER than the pros because everyone wants to be seen), to his years in guiding new talent, he is fully cognizant of the detail and ‘no excuses’ mindset required for success.
Richards new home is a country where cycling is massively short of funds both at a Provincial and a National level. Its a double irony that the country must be so huge as well, escalating travel to anywhere. Again, Richard’s belief and passion have brought many people forward to assist with either funding or hands-on assistance. I have now unofficially dubbed him the ‘Sorcerer’. His magic is now being seen.
I’ve been around this game for along time and without doubt Richard is the best man for the job in decades…..if not ever. I for one shall continue my support in whatever way I can muster for him and his program.
He is creating a new Canadian cycling history at every turn….and I suspect it won’t stop here.
Richard chatting up the gals pre-ride.