May 22/12 13:00 pm - Manitoba Cycling Association Introduces Training Crit Races

Posted by Editoress on 05/22/12
 

For the 2012 season, the Manitoba Cycling Association (MCA) is excited to introduce a new Training Criterium Race Series to all racing members.  The new training race format provides a controlled, supervised racing environment to learn and practice criterium racing with coaching guidance.  The training race concept is process focused, rather than outcome orientated, and allows racers of all levels the opportunity to start criterium racing or to practice different strategies and tactics.

The training criterium format is an MCA sanctioned race with two minor changes to the UCI/CCA rules that are fully supported by the CCA:  coaches (“Introduction to Competition Coaching Stream - Trained or Certified” or Level 1+ Road) may ride alongside their athletes; and timed results are not provided nor posted on the MCA website.

These changes allow qualified coaches of athletes of all ages and ability an opportunity to provide continuous and instant correction of advanced pack riding skills and racing tactics.  This is especially effective for new and young athletes who struggle to hang onto the speed of the pack at the same time as trying to learn the skills and tactics. Integrating the concepts of Long Term Athlete Development, the Training Criterium Race Series helps to bridge the gap from learning skills to racing for the podium.

As an added bonus, this format also provides an excellent development opportunity for coaches, race organizers and officials.  By removing the pressure to create minutely accurate results in a public manner, organizers and officials are permitted the freedom to develop knowledge, skills, and race-management techniques.  The goal is to gradually increase the level of participation that parents and friends have in cycling, and to develop competence in managing and officiating top-level races.

The series runs for six Tuesday evenings, spread out from May to early July, at the Formal Gardens in Winnipeg’s picturesque Assiniboine Park.  Check out the Manitoba Cycling Associations website for further pics and details: www.mbcycling.ca.  Or better yet, drop by when you’re in town for an exciting evening of racing!

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