Things really came together very quickly for Sudbury native Thomas Hums as he prepares to make his first ever appearance at the Track Cycling World Championships starting today in the Netherlands.

Of course, when you are used to racing around a track at mind-boggling speeds, dealing with "things happening quickly" is almost second nature. Continuing his training in California, Hums was notified earlier this month by the Canadian Cycling Association of his selection as a replacement rider to Stéphane Cossette for the upcoming Worlds.

He will join Scott Mulder (Vancouver) and Hugo Barrette (Quebec) in forming the Canadian Men's Sprint Team, while multi-sport Olympic medallist Clara Hughes and defending World Champion Tara Whitten highlight the ladies squad that will compete in Apeldoorn.

A Silver medallist at the 2009 Track World Championships, Canadian Zach Bell also enters this upcoming event as a definite contender for the title. Closer to home, Hums had achieved plenty of success, especially on a provincial scale, throughout his youth, but knew full well a change of scenery was likely needed to take it to the next level in cycling.

"I was always a strong sprinter and after discussing my goals with Battista Muredda (head coach - Sudbury Cycling Club), we decided that I should focus on my strength - so I decided to make the switch to track sprinting in 2009" said Hums in recent email correspondance just before leaving for Europe.

With hopes of cracking the national team, Hums forged new partnerships. "I am now being coached by 2 time US Olympian Adam Duvendeck, who is also serving as the Canadian National Team Sprint Coach."

Although the opportunity to participate at the 2011 World Championships came up somewhat unexpectedly, the experience fits nicely into the master-plan with which Hums has been approaching his training both this year and next.

"I am using these championships as a developmental opportunity moving forward, ultimately with the goal of qualifying for the Olympics next summer," said Hums. "I will be looking to set a fast time in my position in the team sprint."

Despite the nervousness that will undoubtedly accompany Hums as he takes to the track for the biggest event of his life, the local rider maintains a very clear-cut vision of the mindset that he will need to race effectively.

"As Adam (Duvendeck) always tells me, focus on the process, not the result," said Hums. "The key to my success will be to just clear my mind and go out there and light it up."