“It doesn’t get easier; you just get faster.” Greg Lemond, 3x Tour de France winner
In 2009, Ramblers Juniors have been involved in numerous competitive events: WCNI Centre Track Champs, Wanganui; Open Waikato/Bay of Plenty Centre Track Champs, Taupo; RaboPlus NZ Track Cycling Champs, Invercargill; CHB Junior Tour, Waipukurau; TeA Junior Tour, Te Awamutu; and the CRI Junior Tour, Rotorua. A full report is available on the “Blog” on the Ramblers website with the success and medals well-documented. A less tangible outcome of participation in these events has been the camaraderie, sportsmanship, support and friendships that have evolved and strengthened during the tours, and also the Junior Camps we have held (the most recent Junior Camp was in Rotorua between TeA and CRI).
Juniors involved to date in coaching by our Cycling Development Officer, Ivar Hopman, have not focused solely on outcomes, but also on the process. Just as important as riding a bike well is developing a good attitude to bike-buddies, team-mates, marshals and your support crew. We recognise our juniors are still growing and developing, and the junior coaching plans also take this into account.
What do we expect of juniors in the programme? A good sense of humour and a sense of self-belief – confidence and performance are closely linked. Juniors must be committed to the programme, our CDO can provide a plan and guidance, but ultimately it is up to each individual to dedicate themselves it. Juniors need to be consistent in their training, nutrition, attitude and rest – all vital aspects of improvement in cycling. And lastly, we want our juniors to be enjoying cycling – we only do things well, if we love what we are doing.
One of the purposes of the camps we have held (our first was held last Summer at Waimarama) is to foster friendships and enjoyment while still getting a bit of cycling in. We aim to have 3 camps a year – all based within school holidays. This Spring’s will be based at Pukeora and will help juniors with preparation for the NZ Club Champs. We would also like to acknowledge Peter and Elaine Gavin’s generosity in the financial assistance they are providing towards the junior coaching programme.
So what can you expect for your child?
A training plan in line with their goals
An events calendar
Three-week training schedules
Monthly tests
At away events (such as Club Nationals and junior tours), the CDO will usually to be there to guide, support and mentor the juniors.
Three levels of junior coaching will be available at different monthly costs. If you would like to enrol your child in our coaching programme, or are just interested in finding out more, please contact Helen MacKenzie or Ivar Hopman.
