In her hometown, Olympic track cycling champion Kelsey Mitchell found herself drawn back to the sport by a new velodrome. Following her participation in bobsled for Canada at the Milan Cortina Games in February, the 32-year-old athlete from Sherwood Park, Alberta, has returned to cycling at the recently unveiled Alberta Velodrome in Edmonton. The state-of-the-art cycling track, located within the newly constructed $153 million Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre, commenced operations in January. This velodrome is one of only three 250-meter indoor UCI-sanctioned tracks in Canada, with the Milton velodrome in Ontario serving as the national team’s primary training facility.
Another notable addition to Canada’s cycling infrastructure is the Centre National De Cyclisme in Bromont, Quebec, completed in 2022. Mitchell’s journey in cycling has been marked by significant achievements, with her crowning moment being the capture of the women’s Olympic sprint gold in Tokyo in 2021. Starting her cycling career just four years prior after being scouted through RBC Training Ground, Mitchell’s passion for the sport led her to diversify her athletic pursuits.
Following a period of burnout post the 2024 Paris competition, Mitchell explored speedskating and bobsledding to leverage her leg power effectively. Partnering with pilot Melissa Lotholz from Barrhead, Alberta, Mitchell secured a 13th place finish in women’s bobsleigh at the Cortina Games. Seeking a more balanced environment, Mitchell returned to track cycling, citing the Edmonton velodrome as a key factor in her decision. The convenience of having the hardwood track just 30 minutes away from her home in Sherwood Park allows Mitchell to maintain a close connection with her family and friends.
Post her Winter Olympics endeavor, Mitchell focused on rehabilitating a long-standing leg issue through a PRP injection in April. Her current goal includes meeting the national time standard, with plans to attempt the qualifying time on August 31. As she aims for a spot on the Canadian team bound for Los Angeles in 2028, Mitchell could potentially become a four-time Olympian within a seven-year span. The Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre, which houses the velodrome, has seamlessly integrated with the Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre, offering a space where both elite and recreational athletes can thrive.
Mitchell’s enthusiasm for the new Alberta Velodrome stems from its ability to attract a diverse range of athletes and spectators. The facility’s role in introducing track cycling to the public and fostering a sense of community engagement in sports is a source of inspiration for Mitchell, reflecting positively on the growth and development of sports in Canada. The evolution of velodromes in the country, from a single facility to three fully functional tracks, showcases the expanding opportunities for athletes and enthusiasts alike.