Pedal to the Podium
Ontario’s Track Cycling Talent Identification Program
Are you an athlete looking to try something new?
Pedal to the Podium is a one-of-a-kind talent identification and development program designed to introduce talented young athletes to the exciting world of track cycling at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre (Milton Velodrome).
We are looking for athletes with a background in organized sports (of any kind) aged 14–16 who are interested in transferring their sport skills and abilities and taking on a new challenge.
Whether you are a cross-country runner, swimmer, soccer player, hockey player, football player, or compete in another sport, you might already have the athletic qualities needed to excel in track cycling
What is Pedal to the Podium?
Pedal to the Podium is a new project launched by Ontario Cycling designed to identify young athletes with high athletic potential and provide them with the coaching, training, and racing experience needed to successfully become a track cyclist.
Selected athletes will be provided with everything they need:
- Access to high-quality equipment (helmet, track bike, training gear)
- Personalized coaching from Ontario Provincial Track Coach and multiple time Team Canada Junior World Championship Coach
- Training in the World Class Velodrome (home to Team Canada's track cycling athletes)
- Strength & Conditioning under direction of a strength coach in the Canadian Sport Institute gym (exclusive to high-performance athletes)
The program culminates with athletes having the opportunity to compete at the Ontario Track Cycling Provincial Championships in March.
Who should apply?
We are looking for athletes who:
- Are 14–16 years old (exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Must have experience in organized sport and understand the importance of commitment
- Enjoy competition and challenge
- Are coachable and eager to learn
Athletes from all sports are encouraged to apply.
Why Track Cycling?
Track cycling combines speed, strategy, endurance, and power. It offers opportunities for athletes with a variety of athletic backgrounds and skill sets.
Many successful cyclists began their sporting journeys in other sports before discovering their potential on the bike including Canada’s Olympic Gold Medallist Kelsey Mitchell who transferred into Track Cycling after university where she played varsity soccer.
Ontario is recognized for developing internationally successful track cyclists. Over the past 6 years, Ontario has produced 11 Junior World Championship medallists including 6 World Champions. All of these have been developed training out of the Milton Velodrome and training with Ontario’s Track Academy.
Pedal to the Podium provides a professional and supportive environment where athletes can learn the sport of track cycling, train in high performance facilities, and unlock new opportunities in sport. We have the experience, facilities and the resources to build success cyclists – what we need is more athletes to work with – this is where you are needed.
Endurance-Based Sports (examples, not exclusive)
- Cross Country Running
- Swimming
- Triathlon
- Soccer
- Rowing
- Nordic Skiing
- Speed Skating
Power-Based Sports (examples, not exclusive)
- Sprint Athletics
- Hockey
- Football
- Rugby
- Wrestling
- Lacrosse
- Alpine Skiing
What Will Training Look Like?
Program: November, 2026 – April, 2027
Athletes will be asked to commit to 2-3 training sessions per week (1 on-track; 1 in gym, 1 on-trainer).
Example Schedule (exact days to be determined)
Monday – On-Track Training (bike handling, skills work, race tactics)
Tuesday – On-Bike Trainer Workout (3:30pm – 5:00pm)
Thursday – Track Cycling Education and Strength Training (3:30 -5:00pm)
Training will take place after school hours.
Are You Interested?
Step 1: Complete an “Expression of Interest” by September 30, 2026 (Whether you just want to learn more or can’t wait to get started)
Step 2: Attend an assessment and orientation session on Tuesday October 13 or Tuesday October 20
Step 3: Athletes will be notified of selection into the Pedal to the Podium Program
Step 4: Program start date: Tuesday November 3rd 2026 (this date may be adjusted to best fit with the athlete schedules)