National individual pursuit record holder Darren Matthews and gifted junior rider Liam Lovell will test their mettle against some of the world’s best when they take part in the Bromont Cycling Challenge in Quebec from September 4 to 8.
The two G4S Team Swift cyclists are coming off impressive showings at last week’s track league and hope to turn in personal best efforts in an attempt to boost their international standing.
Matthews, especially, will have added incentive to perform well as the meet serves as the season’s final qualifier to gain points for the upcoming UCI World Cups.
“I’m feeling quite confident on the track and I am in good fitness, but that is all relative because it’s not like I’m currently facing world-class competition right now. I only have the motorcycle to gauge what I’m doing right now,” said Matthews.
“But I have been doing some pretty good times while working with Colin Forde, so I must admit that I do feel comfortable going into this meet.”
Matthews is slated to contest the omnium and points race coming off victories in the Devil-Take-The-Hind-Most, 2 000 metres and 7 500 metres last Wednesday.
Lovell is also heading into the event with some form after the former juvenile multiple national champ won the 1 500 and 3 000 metres in the junior division.
The 16-year-old is currently riding at the Venezuela Grand Prix where he recorded an impressive 11.46 seconds in the senior’s 200-metre time trial and turned in a credible performance in the keirin.
Lovell and Matthews leave for Canada on Tuesday. (JM)
