Mandy Marquardt Returns To Competition With 200M TT Win

28 July 2020

Track racing resumed Saturday, July 11, 2020 at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Trexlertown, Penn. The 2020 Ocean Spray Time Trials provided 10 categorized races for elite men and women. Team Novo Nordisk’s Mandy Marquardt took the win in the Women Flying 200m TT Final.

The popular velodrome reopened for training on June 8 and programming on June 15, after closing for many weeks due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. This was the third series of electronic timed races at the T-Town velodrome since reopening.

“It went smoothly,” said Marquardt, who lives in eastern Penn. “I’ve been racing at the velodrome every summer since 2010. I definitely miss racing under the lights, the fun-high energy atmosphere and crowds, but this is the new normal, for now.”

The track operated under tight restrictions. All riders were asked to wear masks in the infield, ride in one-directional traffic patterns and warm-ups were performed outside of the venue. No more than 20 riders were allowed inside the venue at any point. In addition, the sharing of tools and equipment was prohibited.

“It was strange only doing a 200m qualification without racing match sprints,” added Marquardt. “I was happy with my time and effort, considering I’m in a heavy training block right now. I miss that overall competition feeling and the tactical aspect. I miss international racing and travel.

“It’s been great to be able to continue training and kit up to race some time trials! This time has given me the opportunity to train hard and mix in a bit of fun at home, while enjoying summer a bit differently right now.”