BY SCOTT HADDOW
Thomas Hums is a blur to most of his
opponents.
Hums, 16, was a force to be reckoned with
this past summer and fall on the Ontario cycling circuit. The
rangy youngster won numerous provincial races and ended up as
the overall Ontario Cup Under-17 champion.
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Thomas Hums will spend his winter
training for tough challenges next season |
"Winning the overall Ontario Cup this year
was a fantastic accomplishment," said Hums. "It means a lot to
me. I am now a provincially carded athlete and
have been selected to the 2006 Team Ontario
(squad). This puts me in a greater position to get noticed
throughout the province and nation."
Hums is going to spend the winter months
following a strict training program, developed by his coach,
Battista Muredda (head coach of the Sudbury
Cycling Club), in order to gain strength and
confidence for a wild ride against stiffer, older competition
next summer and beyond.
"Next year, I plan on attending the Road
National Championships in Quebec City as well as the Tour
d'Abitibi," said Hums. "If my performance at nationals over the
next two years is impressive, I may be able to qualify for the
World Road Championships. So my goals over the next two years
is to have excellent results at the national championships,
hopefully winning within two years and be the junior national
champion, and attend the World Championships."
As he jumps into the mix of older riders,
Hums knows every second of his free time will be devoted to
training.
"To be successful at a higher level is going
to take some sweat, blood and tears," said Hums. "No pain, no
gain. It's going to take commitment. I'm
willing to put the time in. I really want
this."
Muredda is proud of his teenage charge.
"I was happy and impressed with Thomas this
past year," said Muredda. "He had an excellent season. He met
the goals we set out for him."
Hums will have his work cut out for
him.
"Next year will be difficult for him as it
will be an adjustment year," said Muredda. "Everything changes
when you race with the juniors. Race distances will be longer,
in many cases double the distances to what he's used to as a
cadet. The speed will be faster and the tactics are
different
because the junior riders have more
experience."
Despite the daunting task that lies ahead,
Muredda sees Hums achieving more glory.
"Thomas has high potential because he's
dedicated and loves the sport," said Muredda. "He will do
whatever it takes to be successful. It will be tough but he
will do well."
Hums has no problems keeping himself
motivated. "My most memorable moment in 2005 was not winning
races, it's losing them," said Hums. "I beat
myself up a lot when I make mistakes, but
they teach me and help me grow as a cyclist and person."
