02.15.08 -Track World Cup - Tara Whitten - Continual Progress On Track

Montreal, February 15 2008 – Edmonton native Tara Whitten finished eighth in the Individual Pursuit race at the Copenhagen Track World Cup. Whitten most recently was a part of the Canadian National cross country ski team, but converted to cycling after her victory in the Individual Pursuit at last summer’s Canadian Track Championships.

“She’s very talented, and this is only the beginning! We’re in an Olympic year, all the best athletes are present at the track today, and she finished eighth, its extraordinary!” enthused coach Éric Van den Eynde, who is with the Canadian team at the competition in Denmark. “Tara needs to work on her starts; where she looses some time. However, once she’s riding, she is definitely an equal to her competitors.”

Dutch cyclist and former Road World Champion Marianne Vos won the Scratch Race; Vancouver, Canada’s Gina Grain took fifteenth in that same race. Grain was tenth following the qualifying rounds, earning her a spot in the final which regrouped twelve riders who had placed first in each of their qualifying races.

“Gina was aggressive enough, but found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. She was in excellent shape and we’ll be putting on a heavier gear for Saturday’s races.” mused coach Van den Eynde.

In Men’s racing, Calgary’s Ryan McKenzie missed out on the Points Race final by a single placing; only the first twelve in each of their qualifying rounds were able to part of the final.

“Ryan was extremely close to qualifying for the final, as he had the same number of points as the rider ranked twelfth, but that rider passed him in the final sprint. Ryan may have ended up thirteenth, however he did have a solid race and looked strong.“ concluded Canadian coach Van den Eynde.

The Track Cycling World Cup in Denmark continues until Sunday.