Draped in provincial colours, grittily facing near impossible odds, the Bow Valley’s Canada Summer Games participants returned home Sunday (Aug. 18) vowing to train harder than ever to reach their goals.
Sara Poidevin and Liah Harvie wrapped up their sixth race in a two-week span, finishing mid-pack in the women’s criterium at the games in Sherbrooke, Que. Poidevin was 11th in the crit, while Harvie finished 19th. Both results were strong for the Bow Valley pair, who were racing against much older competition.
In other games news, in the national basketball tournament Luke Praught established himself as a promising point guard, impressing the opposition with deft shooting skills on a very young Team Alberta.
In cycling, Poidevin grew stronger as the competition wore on, recording a 10th place finish in the road race, while Harvie finished 14th. Harvie, 15, was stronger during the mountain bike races, shocking the field by qualifying in fourth place in the sprint.
Poidevin relished the chance to challenge herself against the best in the country, although she had no expectations going in as to how she’d measure up.
“Overall, I had a really good experience. It was good to race some strong girls from all over,” Poidevin said.
The criterium proved to be her best day, even though she said it was the toughest crit she’s ever raced.
“It was a really hard race. I wasn’t used to such a fast pace. I have a lot of fun in crits, because it’s a fun event and you’re sprinting lots,” Poidevin said.
The course was relatively smooth, with a small bump and false flat at the summit. Poidevin and Harvie did their best to stay with the main group for as long as possible.
Poidevin said she tried to conserve her energy throughout the race, and hold on during the sprints.
“It definitely left me inspired to train hard this winter and improve my results,” Poidevin said.
Canada Games marked the end of her cycling season.
She plans to study kinesiology at the University of Calgary this fall, will train at the oval in the city, and plans to race in the Canadian road nationals next year. For the summer, she’ll intern at the Canmore Nordic Centre, building trails alongside her mountain bike coach Matt Hadley. Rundle Mountain Cycling Club’s Scott Manktelow coached her road riding skills this year.
“It’s a pretty good feeling (to be finished racing). It’s pretty stressful, and it’s nice to have a break.”
