A fresh velodrome constructed in her vicinity lured Olympic track cycling champion Kelsey Mitchell back to the sport. Following her participation for Canada in bobsled at the Milan Cortina Games in February, the 32-year-old athlete from Sherwood Park, Alberta, has returned to cycling at the newly opened Alberta Velodrome in Edmonton. The cycling track is housed in the new $153 million Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre, which commenced operations in January. This venue boasts one of three 250-meter indoor UCI-sanctioned tracks in Canada, with the other two located in Milton, Ontario, and Bromont, Quebec.
Mitchell, who clinched women’s Olympic sprint gold in Tokyo in 2021, initially entered the sport four years earlier without owning a bike, thanks to her recruitment via RBC Training Ground. After finishing eighth in Paris in 2024, Mitchell experienced burnout, prompting her to explore speedskating and bobsleigh. However, she ultimately found her way back to track cycling, seeking a better work-life balance and a change of scenery. The Edmonton velodrome now serves as her training ground, where she dedicates three days a week to honing her skills on the hardwood track just a 30-minute drive from her residence in Sherwood Park.
In a bid to secure a spot on the Canadian team and potentially compete in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Mitchell is focused on meeting the national standard time, with plans to attempt qualifying on August 31. She recently underwent a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to address a long-standing issue in her left leg that affected her power output. Despite not yet being part of the national team, Mitchell is determined to attain the necessary standards and embark on her journey towards future Olympic endeavors.
The Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre, which includes the Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre, serves as a hub for both elite and recreational athletes, a feature that resonates with Mitchell. She appreciates the facility’s location in Alberta, its altitude conducive to speed, and its role in introducing track cycling to the public. Mitchell sees the growth of sports in Canada exemplified by the expansion of velodromes across the country, providing opportunities for athletes and enthusiasts alike to engage with the sport.