PCC Host Successful February Camp

PCC hosted a successful three day training camp last weekend with PCC and UVic Cycling riders participating. Here is a report on the weekend from UVic Cycling.

Last weekend UVic Cycling joined Houshang Amiri of Pacific Cycling Centre (PCC) for their Road Endurance and Education Training Camp. UVic Cycling will be going into their second race season this Spring and Summer, so this training camp was the perfect opportunity to freshen up pack riding skills and set some early-season benchmarks.

On Saturday morning after the team met at PCC’s office at Commonwealth Place, the riders rode to the bottom of Willis Point where they performed their first individual time trial up towards the dump. After regrouping and getting some instructions from Houshang, the team rode to Lands End to complete their second TT. At Lands End the riders left at one-minute intervals and completed a 12km loop. This was a great way to measure the fitness base of riders since it was a longer effort, with most riders finishing the loop around the 20-minute mark.

In the evening, the riders regrouped at Commonwealth to learn more about race day planning. Although seemingly simple, the importance of having your bike, travel plans, nutrition, and clothing set up before race day was emphasized. It was a great chance for the team members who have never raced before to ask any questions they had.

“The info session presented by Houshang will be invaluable leading up to the fast approaching race days,” says Graham Feltham.

 

The focus for day two was on team efforts and pacelines. The riders completed three laps of the Lands End loop working in teams of three. This gave everyone the opportunity to practice rotating through pacelines, communication, and working together to maintain speed. Houshang provided feedback on positioning, smooth transitions, and maintaining consistent effort throughout the rotation.

Feedback from the camp was overwhelmingly positive. Charlie Kassissieh noted: “As someone fairly new to group riding and organized training, Houshang’s structured workouts, clear direction and feedback helped me see improvements in my riding just within the weekend.”

Pippa Kolking appreciated Houshang’s coaching approach: “I really enjoyed how his training is planned so that it benefits all of us, we can all accomplish it together, at all levels. His calm, wise and patient coaching style gives us room to have fun, while simultaneously having productive and challenging training.”

The training camp wrapped up with a debrief where riders could ask final questions and discuss their takeaways from the weekend. For many of the newer members, it was their first experience with structured interval training and team tactics, while returning members appreciated the chance to shake off the winter rust and dial in their early season fitness.

“The two days of riding gave me a great benchmark for how my training is progressing, and how it can progress further into the spring,” adds Graham. “Overall I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to take part and learn from Houshang and the PCC.”

With a strong roster for 2026 and the Spring racing season approaching, this training camp has set a solid foundation for UVic Cycling. The team is looking forward to putting these skills into practice at the Victoria Cycling League, Thrashers Spring Series, and BC Gravel Series, building on the partnership with Pacific Cycling Centre throughout the season.

A big thanks to Gruppo Nutrition for fueling the riders during the camp.

Submitted by Ethan Swain, UVic Cycling