Junior-Specific Track Riding Sessions
Juniors (young
men and women under 18 years
of age) may ride the track
for free, and may have free
use of the fixed gear rental
bikes for training. (Note
that the park charges a $6
vehicle entrance fee). Parents/guardians
must sign an annual release
on behalf of minors who use
the track. (See General
Information below.) With
signed release, juniors may
ride the track in any session
that is matched to their
skill level. NCVA volunteer
coaches, riders and parents
run these junior sessions.
There
are two regular programs, with very different
goals and functions for young
cyclists:
* Tuesday
afternoons: Juniors
age 14-18 and Espoirs (seniors
19 - 22)
* Sunday
Entry Level: Juniors age 9-13
Tuesday Junior/Espoirs Development Program
Andrew
Lanier runs the original
Junior Development Track
Program session on Tuesday
afternoons, normally
from 2 pm until dusk,
reserved for ages 14-22.
Historically it has served
for training for juniors
and espoir seniors (18-22)
with emphasis on structured
training and skills development
for higher level competition.
Hellyer Velodrome
gives back to bicycling and
the community with a Junior/Espoirs
Development program. We give
volunteer guidance, training,
and mentorship at the Hellyer
Park Velodrome in San Jose,
California. The program gives
14-22 year old future champions
a safe environment to grow
socially, mentally, physically,
and competitively with the
emphasis on sportsmanship
and respect. Winning is not
the first priority, but how
to win and lose graciously
is.
Hellyer Velodrome
Junior/Espoirs Development
program welcomes all young
men and women REGARDLESS
OF CLUB AFFILIATION. In its
first year, 1998, we won
all the Gold Medals at the
Northern California Junior
State Velodrome Championships!
We have continued to make
champions on the bicycle
and in life.
Currently,
our development session is
every Tuesday at 2 pm until
closing at the Hellyer Park
Velodrome. Call FIRST to
get involved, also CALL TO
CONFIRM that you ARE or ARE
NOT coming!!!! Come on down
to the track and have some
fun!
Thank
You,
Andrew
Lanier
408-921-6971
Sunday Entry Level for Ages 9 - 13
Entry
Level Track Programs for young
men and women are generally
run on Sundays, February
through October. Riders from
complete beginners to competitive
racers are welcome. Sundays
provide an introduction to
track cycling, and typically
include discussion, pacelines,
group riding, skills work,
timed individual efforts,
and mock races. Riders who
are motivated to progress
will have the opportunity
to participate in more advanced
training sessions in preparation
for racing. For a live look,
search Google Video clips
for 2008 Hellyer Junior Track
Championships or Jr. Track
State Championship or Travis
at Hellyer Velodrome, or
Mens 13-14 Points Race Final.
Sunday Intermediate/Advanced:
The Hellyer Park Velodrome Sundays Junior Programs is actively seeking new coaches to help with Juniors, particularly 13-18 years olds. If you are interested in helping coach our Juniors please contact Brian Peterson, Glenn Kubacki or Andrew Lanier.
Sunday Entry Level Ages 9-13: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.:
This session is designed
for 10-12 year old racing
events. Older beginner riders
(up to 14) or riders who
are more comfortable in a
less competitive group are
welcome. 8-10 year olds who
can ride safely, listen to,
and respond to instructions
may be allowed to ride at
the discretion of coaches.
This session introduces youth
riders to the fixed gear
track bike, velodrome and
riding etiquette, and basic
skills and drills in a low-key,
fun environment. More experienced
junior riders and racers
are often on hand to mentor
the young riders. Young riders
need to be tall enough to
fit bikes (inseam 21 inches,
height 56 inches). Contact
Glenn Kubacki 408.257.6787.
top
General Information
Weather:
Sessions will be cancelled if it is raining.
If in doubt about the weather contact Andrew Lanier
for the Tuesday session, 408-921-6971.
Verify
Session: Always check the calendar for each
date, as sometimes junior sessions are superseded by
championships or other weekend events. Some Entry Level
sessions and races are also scheduled on Saturdays.
Things
to Know: A
parent or guardian must
sign an annual release.
Release forms are available
at the track, or can be
downloaded. Riders sign
onto a check-in roster
each session they ride
(parental consent is not
required on the roster).
Riders must wear a bike
helmet at all times while
on the bike. Straps fit
snug under the chin and
it is best to adjust them
before going to the track.
Helmets can be provided.
Only fixed-gear bikes with
no brakes, and drop handlebars
are used. Bicycles are
provided (free) or bring
your own track bike. Arrive
15-20 minutes early for
bikes. We typically provide
and use pedals with toeclips,
or bring your own clipless
cycling pedals and shoes.
Clothing can be cycling
gear, or regular clothing
and shoes for exercise.
Shorts or tights are preferred
and gloves are recommended.
These can be cycling gloves,
but skateboard gear, batting
gloves, or anything that
protects the palms is helpful.
Bring water, snack, sunscreen,
and a jacket (the velodrome
may be chilly). Bring a cooperative
attitude and a willingness
to have fun riding a track
bike!
Contact
The Junior programs are run by Glenn Kubacki of Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club, and Andrew Lanier, Sr. of San Jose Bicycle Club.