From Local Track to World Stage: Burnaby Velodrome Club Youth Rise at Canadian Championships

National titles, personal bests, and two riders selected for Junior World Championships cap a standout performance in Edmonton

EDMONTON, AB – April 2026 – The Burnaby Velodrome Club (BVC) Youth Program delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Canadian Track Championships (U17/Junior), held at the Alberta Velodrome Association in Edmonton, with multiple national titles, podium finishes, and personal best performances across both U17 and Junior categories.

Six athletes represented BVC at this year’s championships: Damian Babul, Grace Edwards, Matthijs Karelse, Jack Kennedy, West Pollock, and Cohen Vigliotti. Competing against the country’s top young riders, the group demonstrated the depth, progression, and culture being built through the club’s youth pathway.

Among the standout performers, Damian Babul captured the national title in the U17 men’s keirin, while also securing silver medals in the elimination race and team sprint, and bronze in the Madison.

In the Junior men’s category, Cohen Vigliotti claimed gold in the keirin, points race and team sprint, along with silver in the team pursuit. Vigliotti also combined with Amos Scott Bouris to win the Junior men’s Madison national title.

Vigliotti’s success reflects the long-term impact of the BVC Youth Program. Having been part of the program for over three years, he has progressed from a developing rider to a national champion and now a Team Canada athlete. Beyond competition, he is also employed part-time at the velodrome, helping supervise track sessions, support coaches, and assist with race night preparation.

“During my time at the Burnaby Velodrome Youth Program, I have benefited greatly,” said Vigliotti. “I have developed skills such as gate starts, race craft, and pacing. These skills helped me win national titles in the keirin, points race, Madison, and team sprint, and qualify for the 2026 Junior World Championships. Without this program, I would not be where I am today. It has helped me become a much better rider, form strong relationships with teammates, and continue working toward my goals.”

West Pollock also delivered one of the most impressive performances of the championships, winning the Junior men’s time trial in a personal best of 1:02.117, while also recording a flying 200m personal best of 10.29 seconds. Pollock secured gold in the team sprint and added silver medals in both the keirin and sprint competition.

The championships also marked an important milestone for Pollock and Vigliotti, who have both been selected to represent Team Canada at the 2026 UCI Junior Track Cycling World Championships in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium, from August 19-23. For Pollock and Vigliotti , this marks their second consecutive year on the Canadian World Championship team. Both riders are in their final year as juniors before progressing into elite-level racing.

In the U17 category, Matthijs Karelse produced a breakthrough performance in his first year at the national level. He earned silver medals in the sprint competition, team sprint, and time trial, while recording a personal best of 11.17 seconds in the flying 200m. One of the fastest times recorded by a first-year U17 rider known to date.

The success of the BVC Youth Program extends beyond medals. The program is designed to support motivated young riders as they develop technical skills, effective training habits, confidence, and race understanding within a structured, athlete-centered environment. Track cycling also provides foundational technical and tactical skills that transfer across cycling disciplines.

Parent Lee Ryan has seen that transfer first-hand.

“The velodrome has been a huge boost for my son’s racing skills,” said Ryan. “The structure and repetition have sharpened his positioning, pacing, and decision-making under pressure. It’s been great to see that composure and confidence carry over into his riding outside the track.”

For many young riders, the program also opens doors beyond competition. Youth Program cyclist Enric said the program helped introduce him to the broader cycling community.

“Being part of the Youth Program at the Burnaby Velodrome Club not only introduced me to cycling as a whole, but also allowed me to develop as a rider, discover new opportunities, and meet people who I now ride, coach, and learn alongside,” said Enric.

These results reflect a broader community effort. From volunteer coaches and race organizers to parents, local cycling clubs, and collaboration with Cycling BC, the program highlights the collective support required to develop young athletes. The principle that “it takes a village” is evident in the continued growth and success of these riders.

The program’s impact also extends into employment and leadership opportunities. Several youth athletes contribute to the day-to-day operations of the velodrome, assisting with track supervision, facility bookings, bike rentals, and weekly race nights during the fall and winter. These roles provide valuable work experience, responsibility, and leadership development.

While the future of the Burnaby Velodrome facility remains uncertain, with the City of Burnaby currently reviewing lease applications, the continued success of its youth programs reinforces the club’s importance within the Canadian cycling and sport landscape. The BVC Youth Program continues to develop not only competitive athletes, but also responsible, engaged young leaders within the community.

With national success and international representation on the horizon, the Burnaby Velodrome Club continues to play a vital role in supporting the next generation of Canadian cyclists, both on and off the track.

Parents interested in introducing their children to track cycling can learn more about available programs and pathways at the Burnaby Velodrome Club. To learn more, visit www.burnabyvelodrome.ca or contact us at [email protected]