A brand-new velodrome constructed in her hometown has reignited the passion of Olympic track cycling champion Kelsey Mitchell for the sport. Following her participation in bobsled at the Milan Cortina Games earlier this year, the 32-year-old athlete from Sherwood Park, Alberta, has returned to cycling at the recently opened Alberta Velodrome in Edmonton.
Situated within the new $153 million Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre, the cycling track is one of only three 250-meter indoor UCI-sanctioned tracks in Canada. The other two tracks are located in Milton, Ontario, and Bromont, Quebec.
Mitchell, who clinched the women’s Olympic sprint gold in Tokyo in 2021, was introduced to cycling four years prior through RBC Training Ground despite not owning a bike at the time. Following a challenging performance in Paris in 2024, Mitchell explored other sports like speedskating and bobsleigh before returning to track cycling.
Expressing the significance of the Edmonton velodrome in her comeback, Mitchell emphasized the facility’s proximity to her home in Sherwood Park, allowing her to maintain a better work-life balance. She credits the supportive environment and accessibility of the track for her renewed dedication to the sport.
In preparation for potential inclusion on the Canadian team for the upcoming competitions, Mitchell underwent a PRP injection to address a longstanding leg issue. She is aiming to meet the national standard time requirement by August 31 to secure her place on the team.
If selected for the team representing Canada in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Mitchell would become a four-time Olympian within a span of seven years. Notably, she is among the few athletes who have competed in both Winter and Summer Olympic Games, with her background in bobsleigh contributing to her versatile athletic career.
The Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre, which houses the new velodrome, offers a comprehensive sports facility that integrates with the Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre. Mitchell appreciates the opportunity to train alongside elite and recreational athletes, fostering a supportive and diverse training environment.
Emphasizing the positive impact of the velodrome on the local community, Mitchell highlights the facility’s role in promoting track cycling as a sport accessible to the public. She views the growth of velodromes in Canada as a promising sign for the development of sports in the country, reflecting the increasing interest and participation in cycling.
Overall, Mitchell’s return to track cycling symbolizes a new chapter in her athletic journey, supported by the state-of-the-art facilities and her commitment to excelling in the sport she loves.