In her hometown, Olympic track cycling champion Kelsey Mitchell found her way back to the sport thanks to a new velodrome. Following her participation in bobsled at the Milan Cortina Games in February, the 32-year-old athlete from Sherwood Park, Alberta, is back on the saddle at the recently unveiled Alberta Velodrome located in Edmonton’s Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre, which opened its doors in January.
This facility boasts a 250-meter indoor UCI-sanctioned track, making it one of three in Canada, alongside the velodrome in Milton, Ontario, established for the 2015 Pan American Games. Additionally, the Centre National De Cyclisme in Bromont, Quebec, was finalized in 2022.
After clinching gold in women’s Olympic sprint in Tokyo in 2021, Mitchell, who had no prior cycling experience and was initially scouted through RBC Training Ground, took a break following an eighth-place finish in Paris in 2024 due to burnout. Exploring different sporting avenues, she briefly ventured into speedskating before realizing her strength was better suited for bobsleigh alongside pilot Melissa Lotholz, resulting in a 13th place finish in Cortina, Italy.
Eager to regain balance and a fresh perspective, Mitchell returned to track cycling, emphasizing the appeal of the Edmonton velodrome for providing a conducive environment. The proximity of the hardwood track, just a 30-minute drive from her residence, allows her to maintain a close connection with her family and friends in Sherwood Park.
Post the Winter Olympics, Mitchell underwent a PRP injection to address a longstanding leg issue affecting her power output. Her goal now is to meet the national standard time, with plans to attempt the feat on August 31 for a chance to secure a spot on the Canadian team.
Expressing gratitude for the support received, Mitchell remains focused on earning her place on the national team and potentially competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which would mark her fourth Olympic appearance within seven years. The integration of the Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre with the Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre has also been a significant draw for Mitchell, who appreciates the facility’s role in fostering both elite and recreational athletes.
Enthused by the growth of track cycling and sports in Canada, Mitchell commends the facility’s impact in introducing the public to the sport and fostering interest among newcomers. The presence of multiple velodromes across the country signifies a positive trend in expanding opportunities for athletes and enthusiasts alike.