08/25/2026
I dedicate this post to my son James, 1998-2024.
What a feeling! My first Track event. I competed in the Individual Pursuit. Got 2nd…there were two of us. 😎🚴
A few thanks:
To my coach Alex Stieda OLY for taking me from running shoes and an old biking kit to pursuit-ready with all the aerodynamics possible! And for continually reminding me to trust the process (sounds familiar).
To all my buds Alberta Velodrome Association that put up with my childlike passion for the Track. I admire each one of you and the inspiration you give me to dig deep.
To all the volunteers, Calgary Bicycle Track League, commissaries, timers, monitors, parents, and all the other important roles I am just learning, a big thank you for your time.
To my hubby Paul Lanteigne and son j_lanteigne for opening every single annoying text message I send and sharing my day at the track. I hope you'll keep nodding "ah-huh" or giving thumbs-up emojis to my cycling gibberish because it makes me so happy.
To my family and friends who encouraged me in the highs and lows of training (it was a lot!) and came out to cheer me on.
To my clients CARMEN LANTEIGNE | Teacher of Joseph Pilates Method, who made accommodations for my training and listened to me talk about how great Joe’s work translates to my aero position. I am still amazed at how my body made such strides in such a short time.
To God, by your grace I found the courage and strength to push through the aches, tears and efforts. I loved every minute of you carrying me!
And lastly, I want to thank Carmen for picking yourself up after the loss of your son, James. In the beginning, you rode so as not to follow him to the grave, and today you ride because it brings YOU joy.
For anyone suffering profound loss, addiction and mental health issues, there only needs to be a mustard seed of hope. Keep the faith; there's always hope. You can do really hard things.
Photo credit: Higuchi Photos, who not only captured the feeling I get flying around the black line but also steadied me in the standing start. Thank you!
