Maybe this isn't the right place to post this question... perhaps this post belongs in Recreational and Family... but I thought that the road racers that hang out in this subforum would best be able to give my son and I some advice.
My 10-year old son has been road biking for about a year, and would like to try some juniors racing. I've done some looking around for races that offer a Juniors class, but can't seem to find any in my area (Indiana).
I noticed that some races have a "citizens" class - are there typically kids in those races? I don't want my son to totally get crushed. He is in good shape for his age, but does not do structured training (I think he's too young for that; am worried about medical problems) and he's kind of slow - but is getting better. He normally rides 4-days a week. Three of the days are 15-25 miles, and we do one longer club ride on Saturday, typically 50-75 miles. We usually use a tandem for rides over 50-miles. Most rides are at a slow, conversational pace. Terrain is hilly.
So I guess my question is two-fold...
1. Where are juniors races held, and how do I sign my son up?
2. Do you think my son will get crushed? Do other juniors racers his age do structured training? If yes, maybe we should wait a year or two.
Thanks for any advice!
UmneyDurak
05-25-07, 11:28 AM
Well around here it usually lists juniors in their own category. So they race against each other. If there is no such thing where you are then you might be out of luck. Try pining local clubs, or bike shops maybe there is junior development teams in the area.
As for the whole crushing business, really depends on the field in your area. As long as he is having fun, and is motivated it really not a big deal to be dropped in first few races. Might even provide extra motivation.
Some juniors have structured training, some don't. Really depends on the parents and how much they are obsessed over it. I have seen some get more worked up about their kid in the race then the kid him/herself. Equipment varies also, I have seen some bikes that cost more then what most adults race on.
Duke of Kent
05-25-07, 11:37 AM
Just about all races offer some sort of junior race. The race organizers won't advertise the race as a junior's event, because that won't bring in any money, but most of them will include a juniors race. You just have to look at the race flyers or race website to see if they are putting on a race for the kids.
I think we're just out of luck when it comes to finding juniors racing within Indiana. IndianaRaceSeries.com mostly lists TTs, and the road races they offer don't have a junior's class. Same with ABR...
I'll try to find a junior development team... I posted in the regional subforum, and hopefully someone there will point me in the right direction.
Ok, I'm sorry. Just down about all the news lately. Good on 'ya for getting your kid involved in what will likely be a healthy sport (so long as he doesn't excel and turn pro).
Ok, I'm sorry. Just down about all the news lately. Good on 'ya for getting your kid involved in what will likely be a healthy sport (so long as he doesn't excel and turn pro).
Ha! I hope my son doesn't find out about the 'dark side' of pro cycling for a while yet.
Right now, he thinks orange flavored, caffinated CarbBoom is a performance enhancing drug :)
bvfrompc
05-25-07, 04:38 PM
I can only say check with the local clubs and ask around at the shops, or move to Colorado, the juniors here have camps, their own series, junior focused clubs, etc etc. I just hope my 5 year old is interested when he gets old enough.
dl613
05-25-07, 08:11 PM
ask your bike shop and check out usacycling.org for local clubs/events. I'm sure they have some junior info sections too. good luck.
urbanknight
05-25-07, 09:10 PM
When I was 13, I had been riding road bikes for about a year when I asked a guy in a bike shop about racing and he happened to have a flyer for the local velodrome. It can't hurt to ask around in bike shops.
There is a velodrome about an hour from you http://www.indyvelo.com/index.html and their mission statement includes "Advancing cycling skills and safety, particularly in youths
Furthering cycling competition at all levels" and "Develop competitive cycling opportunities for cyclists of all ages" Riding velodrome was a blast because the races are shorter (children don't have as much endurance) and your parents/friends can cheer for you from the stands and see the entire race. I also got tons of information on road races for juniors as well as teams for juniors from people at the velodrome.
matthew_deaner
05-26-07, 05:24 AM
There is a velodrome about an hour from you http://www.indyvelo.com/index.html
Thanks, that's a great idea! I'm going to e-mail the velodrome director now. I really appreciate the help!