Local cyclist Thomas Hums dominated the Ontario Under-17
level last year, winning the overall Ontario Cup Circuit title.
Now, the driven athlete has made the jump to the junior
level to face older, more savvy riders in an attempt to compete
in the Canadian national championships.
Last season, Hums rolled over the competition at the cadet
level, winning numerous races that forged his status as a rider
to watch.
Hums trains with Battista Muredda, head coach of the Sudbury
Cycling Club.
Muredda sees a bright future for Hums and knows what he's
talking about since he has coached three former Olympian
cyclists (Gary Trevisiol, David Spears and Eric Wohlberg).
"Thomas has plenty of potential for sure," said Muredda. "He
has the abilities and dedication. I haven't seen anyone like
him since the days I had David Spears on the team. I have to
hold Thomas back sometimes because he may over-train. He has
big ambitions and bigger goals. He's not afraid to work to get
to the top."
Hums can't wait to start devouring his older competition,
especially after participating in an exhausting spring Team
Ontario training camp with other juniors and senior riders in
the United States.
"I know I am ready for this season because I'm riding
stronger, in general, than I ever have," said the 16-year-old.
"I am able to ride strong with other juniors at the camp and
even the seniors. In some cases, I'm able to exceed their
performances. My sprinting is exceptional. It's (early) and I
already have good speed. Later, once I start doing more sprint
work outs, I'll have a deadly weapon in my arsenal."
The Team Ontario camp took riders to South Carolina for two
weeks.
There, riders were put through intense training, 20 to 30
hours per week in humid summer-like weather.
There was plenty of mountain training, which included tough
ascensions and fast decensions. Hums used the experience to
assess the competition.
"The training was long...ranging from three to six hours a
day," said the Grade 11 Lockerby student. "We did several
climbs. We rode a lot of switchbacks and hairpin turns. I
gained a lot of experience and confidence while descending in
the mountainous terrain. This will allow me to remain confident
through technical sections of upcoming races. I was also able
to observe my opponents - how they were riding and what talents
they have."
Hums will have a lot going against him at the junior level
and will have to work extra hard to gain ground.
"In the first year of a new age group, there's always an
adjustment period," said Muredda. "Thomas is a ready as he can
be. There's a big difference in the distance he will ride and
the tactics used by more experienced riders. I have no doubt,
physically, he's ready."
Hums is gunning for glory.
"My goals for the year are representing Ontario at the
national championships and place Top-10 in the road race," said
Hums. "I also want to represent Ontario at the Tour d'Abitibi
Race. Winning Ontario Cups and other sanctioned events will be
on my mind. If I receive enough upgrade points (from winning
races) by the end of the year, I'll have the option of racing
as a Senior 1-2 (Elite Men) next season for the Ontario
circuit."
To be in the Tour d'Abitibi, Hums will have to do well at
all Ontario races to impress the provincial coach.
"The Tour d'Abitibi is the most important race for juniors
in North America, if not the world," said Muredda. "All the
best riders come from all over to compete in it. Thomas has a
chance of competing in this event."
Hums climb to the top begins this weekend as he competes in the
Mosport race on April 15, which is the first of eight Ontario
Cup races.
The first three Ontario Cup races are also selection races
for nationals.
"I hope for a strong performance at Mosport and for my performances to improve throughout the season," said Hums.
