NSC Velodrome racers stood on the highest steps in the sport in 2011. Major awards were won at the national level, a record fell in Blaine and Dan Casper (Grandstay Hotels) donned the rainbow jersey. Here are a few highlights:

New Track Record

Kevin Mansker (Project London 2012) who is currently competing in the Beijing World Cup set a new track record with a time of 10.5 seconds in the flying 200.  Mansker's effort eclipsed the 3-year-old record of decorated Italian sprinter Roberto Chiappa by a narrow .07 seconds.

National Championship Medals

Collegiate National Championships

Colton Barrett (Marian University) - 3 Gold (Team Pursuit, Team Sprint, Team Omnium), 1 Silver (Match Sprint), 1 Bronze (Kilo)

Lisha Herold - 1 Gold (Team Omnium)

Masters National Championships

Dan Casper - 40+ Team Pursuit Silver

Dan Casper - 45-49 Individual Pursuit Silver

Dan Casper - 45-49 Kilo Silver (.3 seconds off the gold medal time)

Derek Virta - 30-34 Individual Pursuit Silver

Pat Whelan - 60-64 Match Sprint Bronze

World Champion: Dan Casper

In October, Casper traveled with Dan Schueller, Mark Stewart and Pat Whelan to his first Masters World Championships in Manchester, UK. After recovering from jet lag, Casper qualified first in the individual pursuit and came from behind in the gold medal ride to win the World Championship in the 45-49 age group.  Casper's time was an impressive 3:35.4 for the 12-lap effort.

Volunteer Efforts and NSC Investment Reinvigorate Track

This fall, a record number of volunteers drilled, pounded and sanded the track into top condition.  Structural work in the back straight and surface wood replacements around the track have given the track a significant new lease on life. The judges' tower was reinforced and refreshed as well.  These improvements have added several years to the velodrome's storied career. A special thanks is due to all the volunteers that committed their time to this effort.

The NSC has also invested in new facilities at the Velodrome. The announcer's booth was demolished and replaced with a substantially expanded new building. The new booth includes extra storage and bike maintenance space. The grandstand got some new footings and spectators will enjoy the new walkway in front of the grandstand. We're grateful to the NSC for their continued support of track racing.