02.17.08 -Track Cycling - Canadian Track cyclist Martin Gilbert « I think this race was the most calm and intelligent that I’ve ever done »

February 16 2008 – Quebecois cyclist Martin Gilbert had one of his best performances yet in World Cup track cycling Saturday in Copenhagen, taking fifth place in the scratch race.

Fourth in the qualifiying rounds, the athlete from Chateuaguay took fifth place in the finals; « I am very pleased at my results as I had no idea what shape I would be in when I arrived here. » confided Gilbert, who returned from the recent World Cup in China ill and therefore had not participated in the Los Angeles stage of racing this past January. « During the qualifying races I really had no idea how to gauge my performance, so I said to myself that I absolutely had to have a race that was technically perfect. So, whilst racing I made sure not to make an unneccesary moves or waste any energy. I stayed calm and analysed my racing performance which meant that in the end I had enough energy when I needed it. I think this race was the most calm and intelligent that I’ve ever done. » concluded Gilbert.

« Martin hadn’t completed a solo race so far this season, » underlined team Canada coach Éric Van den Eynde. « He had a solid race ~ at the right place at the right time and he made good decisions »

Calgary’s Travis Smith took 13th place in the Keirin. Fourth in the qualifying rounds, Smith took second place in the make-up rounds, which was unfortunately not enough to get him to the finals. « He had a bad race, but he’s not yet at his peak peformance level and is still trying to catch the leaders in the race. » analyzed Van den Eynde.

In women’s racing, Gina Grain, the sole Canadian participant, finished 13th in the Points Race finals. « Her race began quite well, but at a particular moment she began attacking and counter-attacking. At that point she realized how she could have been racing today and made the effort to refocus in order to come 13th in the sprint final. » said coach Van den Eynde.

In the qualifying rounds, Vancouver native Grain finished in second place. « She had a great race, its been a while seen she’s raced that well; she had her racing legs with her. » mused Van den Eynde.

The Track World Cup of cycling ends this Sunday.