Passion for cycling pays off

By Michelle Osmond | July 28, 2014

A School of Human Kinetics and Recreation student has won a major cycling event for the third year in a row.

Jordan Baird placed first in the 2014 Impact Cycling Race -- a two-day event that took place in the Humber Valley region on Newfoundland's west coast at the end of May.

On day one, the second-year student in Memorial's bachelor of physical education program won the 15 kilometre time trial stage in Steady Brook with a time of 22:48, giving him a 23-second lead over the other 50 registered riders. Day two was an 80 kilometre road race in Pasadena, where he finished in the sprint pack with a time of 2:24:13. That gave him a combined two-day time of 2:47:01, as well as an overall event win by 13 seconds.

Mr. Baird has been biking for eight years but didn’t begin cycling competitively until 2009. He started out in the sport while preparing for that year's triathlon event in the Canada Summer Games in Prince Edward Island.

After that, he became more focused on cycling and attended the 2013 Canada Summer Games in Sherbrook, Que.

“Being a full-time student and competing at the national level in the sport of cycling can be very challenging," said Mr. Baird. "As a physical education student, I’ve learned that managing my time effectively is very important for success in both academics and racing.

“Also, I wouldn't be where I am today without the dedication, passion, and all the hard work both my parents have put into my training and racing. My dad is not only my father but also my coach.”

This summer, Mr. Baird plans to concentrate on his studies but he’s still planning on competing in provincial races, including a return to Atlantic and national racing in the under 23 category next season during the semester break. Also, although he won’t be eligible to compete at the next Canada Games in three years, Mr. Baird is currently completing his cycling coaching certification in the hopes of coaching the team.

Mr. Baird’s studies take up a lot of his time, but he still trains five to six days a week, averaging 20 hours.

“I have a true passion for cycling and my studies, which makes it all that much easier to pursue.” 


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