BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Sudbury Cycling Club (SCC) member Thomas Hums is dulling a lot
of pencils right now.
The junior cyclist has been working overtime to scratch
completed goals off his 2006 "To do" list at a blinding pace.
Even when bad luck reared its ugly head at the most recent
Ontario Cup circuit race (in Kitchener-Waterloo), Hums overcame
the odds to make the Ontario provincial squad, which stamped
his ticket to Canadians National Cycling Championships in
Quebec City from June 29 to 30.
Making the provincial team and going to nationals were two
major goals for the young rider.
 "I had mechanical problems at my qualifying race," said
Hums. "My shifter broke and I was stuck in a small gear. I
suffered the whole race. I was disappointed because the course
was perfect for me. The Ontario coaches were impressed...I was
the only junior to make the team for nationals. I'm quite proud
of that."
Hums isn't looking to win it all at nationals. He's looking to
perform well and plans to keep it simple and continue at his
own pace and soak up the experience.
"For me to achieve what I want, it will take focus and
determination," said the 16 year old. "I wish to get a decent
result. My performance there will determine whether I make Team
Ontario for the Tour D'Abitibi - one of the biggest races of
the year."
Making the jump from cadet level to junior level has been
punishing and rewarding.
"The hardest part so far was the increased distances," said
Hums. "This year, my races are 85 to 120-kilometres long as
opposed to the 60 to 70-km last season. The speed is higher and
the competition is stiffer. Overall, I am not doing so bad. I
have had consistent results in the Top-Five in the Ontario Cup
races. I can't say I am happy because I don't have much to be
happy for. Hopefully, there will be better things to come in
the future."
Hums is on the right path.
"He's right on target with the training," said SCC head
coach Battista Muredda.
"Even though he had bad luck at the Kitchener-Waterloo race,
he impressed the provincial coaches enough, with his
determination, to make the Ontario team."
There's no questioning Hums' abilities.
"By being picked for the Ontario team, it shows the
provincial coach is noticing his development and effort," said
Muredda.
"This is an adjustment year for Thomas...and he's adjusting
quite nicely. He's always placing in the Top-Five in his races
and that's really good."
Hums will be competing in the time trial, road race and the
criterium race.
"My best talent seems to be sprinting," said Hums. "I can
accelerate fast and I have good top end speed. My power is
coming along. I haven't had a growth spurt yet and once I fill
out a bit more, there will be trouble (for the other riders)."
Regardless of results, Hums is learning more about himself
than ever.
"I've learned how much harder I can push myself and how much
harder I have to work and focus to achieve my long term goals
as a cyclist."
Hums isn't the only SCC rider heading to the nationals.
He will be joined by Rob Rice and Peter Sanowar (both competing in elite men), Jeff Dickson (disabled races) and Amanda Sin (elite women races). Former SCC member and Olympian Eric Wohlberg will also be competing in elite men.
