The Cycling Ulster Youth Commission put a shout on on social media for those riders wishing to take part in the race season this year to express their interest and attend a training and information day in Newry on Sunday 11th February 2024.
Report of the day from Frank Campbell, Road Commission Chair.
19 riders attended the first Youth Training and information day in Newry.
We did have a number of riders cancel with illness in the days leading up to the ride and wish them a speedy recovery.
The riders were divided into two groups as follows:
Group one
Under 16 Boys & Girls
Undertook a 43 miles ride including the Long women’s grave climb just outside Omeath. This group was controlled by group leaders Kevin Mc Cambridge, Matty Taggart, Tommy Evans & guests Dean Harvey & Gareth O’Neil. Barry Monaghan supplied back up and was joined by Michael Black the Cycling Ireland High Performance Development coach.
Group two
Under 14 & U12 Boys and girls
Rode the shorter flatter 30 mile route with the option to turn earlier as it was an out and back route.
This group was lead by Drew Mc Kinley, Colm Watson and Noel Mcloughlin, with a few of the parents going along for the ride. Group back up was supplied by Frank Campbell.
After their spins the riders and parents returned to the Hotel for lunch which was followed by a short talk from Frank Campbell (RC chair) welcoming everyone to what he hoped to be first of a number of training days directed towards the youth roads squads.
He also confirmed that Cycling Ulster would be sending a Boys & Girls team to compete in the Youth Tour of Scotland which will take place in early April. The teams will be managed by Katie Neil & Kevin McCambridge, supported by Frank Campbell. In order to help both squads prepare for this very early season event a number of training days would be arranged, including a joint training day with the Cycling Leinster squad who will also be taking part in the Scottish event. There is also the possibility of the teams who are competing in Scotland racing in a number of the early season races to aid their preparation, the RC are still waiting to have this confirmed.
Michael Black also introduced himself and welcomed the direction Cycling Ulster were taking with a view to producing a performance pathway which included Youth squads and we thank him for taking the time to attend. The RC felt it is important to have an input in the CI HP plan moving forward.
A Question and answer session was held with Matty ,Dean & Kevin taking question from the riders and parents in the room which went really well covering Topics including
- What was their background and how did each one get into cycling.
- The importance of group riding and bike handling skills
- Trying the various disciplines and having fun.
- The importance of nutrition and hydration, fuelling for training & events.
- The importance of education and a balanced school / cycling life.
Frank rounded off the day by asking for questions in relation to the day itself and in relation to the direction the RC were taking. As is expected at these meetings not everyone is prepared to ask question but the RC would be happy to receive questions from anyone who attended the day and your thoughts on how we could improve these events.
Contact Frank Campbell frsports1960@gmail.com
The road commission would like to thank everyone who attended, riders and parents and a big thank you to the senior riders who took the time to help out on the day.
Frank Campbell
Chair
Cycling Ulster Road Commission.
