Spring series& Redlands 2022
Hi Everyone!
Finally 2022 brings us back to regular racing for the TaG Cycling Racing Team.
There is no doubt that making the effort to race in Europe last year whilst there was North American racing, has led to a great start and spring opening season. We are building on this with a spring project in Nothern France and a summer project in Belgium.
We were sad to have our Director Sportif,Nigel Ellsay from 2021 leave us, but happy for a great opportunity and major step he made for himself. Nigel has been hired by Cycling Canada as Road Lead for development! He showed so much ability last year with TaG that they scooped him for the National program.
Nigel brought incredible unity and professionalism to the TaG squad. This year, he saw the team through the February training camp in Victoria, where the entire team spent 2 weeks working under his guidance on training, professional development, race drills and developing skills for the upcoming season. This was also where we introduced our new director to the team . Joe Holmes has worked with development squads in Europe for many years as well as top squads in North America. We welcome his experience , knowledge and straight up attitude to the team
Gillian Ellsay , formerly of Rally and National Teams, recently retired in 2021 from the professional race circuit and has come on as assistant and is specifically taking care of the women’s team of 6 riders. Gillian brings incredible assets of knowledge and ability, and complements Joe perfectly in this team management progression.
Following the training camp, the provincial spring series offered some tune up racing prior to heading to California for one of the biggest North American races returning to the calendar, Redlands Classic.
There were plenty of podiums at these local races on the mens side, . Some exciting results came from the women’s team. Second year junior, Mara Rolden, who races Road and MTB, smashed her way into the top level of the cat1/2 racing taking a win on the Thornhill circuit in a tough field. A few more podiums with one racing in the mens cat 1/2 long course at Jeremy’s Roubaix. Mara was selected to race in Europe this May representing Canada in Belgium and Holland on the junior women’s squad. So exciting to see what she is capable of this year!
Next stop, Redlands Bicycle Classic which has been running for 36 years and is one of the North America’s premium events.
As a young group of racers, the TaG mens team showed great strength and poise. All 7 racers contributed significantly to the team effort including finishing 5thplace team on Day 1 .
Thomas Schellenberg has come into his own as a team leader. Flying back from a National Team project at u23 Gent Wevelgem Belgium, TS. was in the action throughout the week. Day 2 being his big pitch with an all race attempt in the breakaway. They unfortunately were caught in the closing minutes but a great ride. New rider, 20 year old former MTBer, Nathan Pruner surprised us by slotting into the long and the technical like it just came naturally..top over all finisher for the team and finishing the last 2km of the road race with a flat on the mountain top finish, still in 20th place. As a debut as a roadie he sure showed some ability.
The team is off for an aggressive month of racing in Northern France starting with Essor Breton May 6-8..
Next Up Essor Breton
Looking forward to seeing were this solid foundation takes them in the big pond this month.
None of this would be possible without the supporters of the team. Thank you so much for making these projects and positive steps possible.
Stay Tuned!
Lesley Tomlinson