Thanks to Tim for sending through this report from last week’s Junior Cycle Club Criterium. In his own words. Ed
The first IoW Junior Cycle Club Criterium was a big hit if the numbers attending were an indication.
Over 100 participants between the age of 6 -16 turned up to race round a track that was created in the Isle of Wight College’s car park.
Raising awareness of cycling and racing
The event was organised by the Island’s Junior Cycle Club and was open to all comers as a way to raise awareness of cycling and racing in particular.
The course, which included a fast straight, a chicane and an uphill finish, challenged all comers who turned up whether it was on their own bikes or one borrowed from the organisers for the day.
Sessions were for an hour but many children enjoyed themselves so much they signed back on again to have another hour of fast and frantic riding. All competitors received a cycle drinks bottle as a memento.
Bike handling skills shared
While children waited for their turn to race Gavin Sullivan, who leads the Junior Cycling Club, and fellow coach Steve Forrest, taught children bike handling skills.
Mark Adams, the British Cycling’s Regional Development Manager for the South, provided the expertise for the day. He was overwhelmed by the number of children attending. Mark said, “I do many of these events and I was overwhelmed by the participants enthusiasm, passion and pure competitiveness’ displayed. It was fantastic. – I had so much fun” This type of event is part of British Cycling’s Go Ride programme, which provides a wide variety of activities to raise the profile of cycling to young people
Support of volunteers
Gavin highlighted that the day was made possible by the a wide variety of people giving up their own time; by being marshals, signing people on and working in the pits. Many local companies assisted by providing equipment and expertise.
Steve Dines, a British Cycling Coach based on the Island, went on to say, “We are very keen to encourage younger riders to enjoy the fun of cycling. All the clubs are looking for new members and this is a great way to let parents and children see what cycling is all about.”
Next event 18th March
The next event is a cyclo cross at Robin Hill on 18th March.
For more details about the Junior Cycling Club people should contact Gavin on 07920780624 or [email protected] and the cyclo cross event, Steve Dines on 07704077241 or [email protected]
