December 29/09 8:24 am - Cycling BC Youth Team Winter Camp: Days 1 and 2 reports

Posted by Editoress on 12/29/09
 

Day 1

Young riders from all over BC were greeted with sunshine and brisk temperatures for an outdoor skills session in Burnaby, BC.  Athletes came from Vancouver Island, Powell River, and even Nelson to brush up on their cycling skills and ride with other Youth Team members.

The session was held on a frosty soccer pitch in where riders honed their bike handling skills in a fun and safe environment.  The hands-down favourite game of the day was the foot down competition where a group of riders must stay within an ever-shrinking riding surface without putting a foot on the ground.  Team members also enjoyed the water bottle drill where you are required to pick up bottles (or a leaf!) from the ground.  Other skills practiced during the session included pushing, leaning, cornering, sprinting, and braking.  By the end of the two hour session every single rider showed vast improvement in one or more areas of bike handling, and everyone was eager to do more!

Day 2 of the Youth Team camp will take place at the Burnaby Velodrome, where riders will have some more fun with an off-bike session in addition to a two hour velodrome riding skills session.
 
Youth Team Riders:
Mike Brinton
Dustin Brons
Aidan Caves
Margaret Copley
Eric Dillon
Louis Dillon
Issabella DiTrocchio
Kristin Drygas
Jordan Duncan
Emma Fingler
Alex Gatien
Josh Hall
Tristan Hughes
Kiefer Livingstone
Maggie Lyster
Anthony Radulovic
Zach Renwick
Adrian Taskanen
Amanda Wakeling

Day 2

A full schedule of drills and games at the Burnaby Velodrome greeted the Youth Team for day 2 of the winter camp.  It was an exciting day as half of the 18 riders in attendance had never been on the lively boards of the velodrome.  To kick off the afternoon the athletes were treated to a dry land session with fun circuit training and a few spirited games of mini soccer.

Next up was a two hour session on the track where many riders took an introductory Learn to Ride lesson and the more experienced riders doing some fast flying efforts and the infamous “whistle drill.”  The session culminated with 3 lap match sprints in small groups.  All apprehension was replaced with ear to ear grins for the new riders as they quickly learned to navigate the 200m wooden track with 48 degree banking.

Day 3 is the final day of the Youth Team Winter Camp, and will be a real treat.  The day starts with an in-class session with special guests (to be announced!), and a second session on the track. 

Courtesy Cycling BC