The National Capital Velo Club Juniors squad seeks to develop promising riders, racing age 10-18, with an emphasis on fun, fitness, teamwork and competition. We seek to achieve personal, squad (Juniors) and team (NCVC) goals.

USA Cycling, Slipstream Sports Honor NCVC Juniors

On December 14, 2007, USA Cycling -- competitive cycling's governing body -- named NCVC Juniors Club of the Year, recognizing our large achievements and commitment to improving youth racing. Read USA Cycling's press release here. NCVC's award was the cover story for the USA Cycling News December 2007 issue. Download article here.

In addition, on November 19, 2007, Slipstream Sports, sponsors of a top pro team, honored NCVC with the "Outstanding Youth Cycling Program" Polka Dot Jersey award. Read the Slipstream press release here.

Read more about NCVC's extraordinary legacy -- Olympians, national champions, and more -- in this 2002 Spokes Magazine article.

2007 Goals

In 2007, we met and exceeded our goals. The goals we started the year with were:

• Compete in every MABRA race, selected out-of-region races, and several national level juniors events.
• Defend the overall Juniors MABRA BAR points lead for both 10-14 and 15-18 year old age cohorts. Individually place first in at least one of these age cohorts, and place the squad with at least two riders in the top five for each of these cohorts. In so doing, we will help NCVC to again win the MABRA Team BAR.
• Position at least two squad members in USCF Senior Category 3, and eight squad members in USCF Senior Category 4, with one squad member advancing to Category 2 by season end.
• Conduct multiple training camps, where participants will work intensely to hone racing and teamwork skills.

2008 Goals

NCVC Junior racers, coaches, leaders and parents met February 10, 2008 to identify individual and squad goals. Given the banner year that was 2007, the squad has high marks to surpass. In general, during 2008, we will aim to continue our winning performance in the mid-Atlantic region, while also working to develop a strong national presence and a credible "on ramp" for post-U19 cycling -- collegiate, Elite, Espoir or professional. We'd like to accomplish the following:

• Compete in every MABRA Juniors race, and gain podium in at least 50% of those races.
• Gain entry to and compete in several major national/international races, including: Sommerville (NJ), Can-Am (NJ), Bear Mountain (NY), Tour L'abitibi (QU/CN), and USCF Nationals (CA).
• Grow the 10-14 squad to more than ten consistent racers, with three or more podium contenders in every race.
• Grow the 15-18 squad so the cohort exhibits in-race coordination, teamwork, and sound strategy developoment and execution.
• Partner U19 riders with Cat 1/2 Elite squad members to race in joint events, and promote U19 skill and athletic improvement.
• Develop riders to attain a half-dozen Cat 4, several Cat 3, and one or two Cat 2 U19 racers by year's end.
• Conduct multiple training camps, where participants work intensely to hone racing and teamwork skills.
• Contribute to the cycling community, promoting youth cycling and charity.
• Provide youth with enhanced acces to high-quality bicycle racing equipment.
• Have fun!

Current Standings

• 10-14 year old MABRA standings (road)
• 15-18 year old MABRA standings (road)
• NCVC's Matt Keiper, ranked top-ten in Junior Expert (mountain bike)

Events on Tap

• MABRA Road Race Schedule (races in the district where we compete)
• MidAtlantic Road Races listed on BikeReg (event registration site)
• MidAtlantic Cyclocross Races
• Mountain Bike Race Schedule
• United States Cycling Federation (rulebook, licenses, info.)

Schedule -- Proposed 2009

Schedule (old 2008)

• 4/26 Tour de Ephrata (PA)
• 5/3 Poolesville Road Race (MD)
• 5/4 Crystal City Classic (VA) -- UCI Pro race; by invitation; great to watch!
• 5/10 Fort Ritchie Classic Criterium (MD)
• 5/11 Bear Mountain RR (NY)
• 5/17-18 Can-Am Challenge (NJ)
• 5/18 Southern MD Criterium (MD) -- for those who can't make Can-Am
• 5/24 Bike Jam/Kelly Cup (MD)
• 5/25 RFK Criterium (DC)
• 5/23-26 Tour of Somerville (NJ)
• 5/31 Murad RR (MD)
• 6/1 CSC Invitational (VA) -- UCI Pro race -- by invitation; great to watch!
• 6/7 Ride Sally Ride (Sterling, VA)
• 6/14 Church Creek Time Trial (Cambridge, MD)
• 6/15 Jason Gundel Classic (DE)
• 6/21-22 Tour of Washington County (MD)
• 6/29 Reston Town Center Criterium (VA)
• 7/12 Mt. Penn Road Race (PA)
• 7/3-6 Fitchburg-Longsjo Classic (MA)
• 7/11-27 Superweek (WI)
• 7/12 Hagerstown Criterium (MD)
• 7/13 NJ/PA Junior Road Race Championship (PA)
• 7/19 Giro di Coppi (MD)
• 7/20 Bunny Hop/Hunny Bop (MD)
• 7/25-29 Tour de l'Abitibi (Quebec) -- by invitation
• 7/27 Tour de Toona (criterium only) (PA)
• 8/6-11 Junior National Championships- Jr. (CA)
• 8/29-9/1 Green Mountain Stage Race (VT)
• 9/14 Turkey Day (MD)
• 9/27 Juniors Day Out (MD)

Activities

Age and Racing Categories: MABRA Juniors road races are held for the 10-14 and 15-18 age groups. (Racing age is determined by the rider's age on December 31 for the year of competition.) In addition, most of our 15-18 year olds race in Senior (adult) Category 2, 3, 4 or 5 races (depending upon individual qualifications). Juniors also participate in MABRA, regional and national cyclocross and NORBA mountain bike races.

Professional Coaching: Juniors who seek to maximize their performance and demonstrate commitment to personal and team improvement are encouraged to enroll in a Hefler Performance Coaching (HPC -- http://www.hpcoaching.com/ ) training program. HPC, headed by exercise physiologist and elite racer Susan Hefler, provides capability measurement, expert coaching, and structured training for dedicated cyclists. HPC's Evan Fader, an elite Category 1 champion, and Pierre Pelletier, former USCF Juniors National coach, drive our 15-18 year-old squad. Experienced members of the team mentor beginning riders. HPC also conducts or assists in a number of training camps and provides regular clinics and workouts for area juniors, many at no cost.

High-Profile Events: NCVC Juniors participate in a number of high-profile, out-of-region events. We encourage all team members to work to join in these events; however, participation may be limited based upon race requirements (e.g., category, ranking), coaching guidance, or logistical constraints.

Training: NCVC provides a broad range of activities to support its Juniors. Except as noted, activities are free. Individual session details (e.g., rain cancellation, time change) are communicated by squad email. Training activities include:

• December 26, 2007 - January 1, 2008 – Winter Training Camp, Tucson, Arizona. Application required; fees paid by participant.
• February/March – Race Training Weekend (date TBD) – Washington, DC, region. Organized by NCVC Category 3 and 4 Juniors, the camp will provide structured training, base mile rides, and training races.
• August 2008 – USCF Nationals Training Camp – Training and course recon held in advance of USCF Junior Road Nationals. Nationals will be held in Orange County, CA, August 7-11, 2008. Training camp application required; fees paid by participant.
• Hains Point Training Laps (May-September, Fridays, 6:00 pm): NCVC conducts Friday night training sessions at Hains Point, a 3.4-mile oval in East Potomac Park (Washington, D.C.). The sessions are focused on skills training for 10-14 year-old racers and new riders. NCVC 15-18 year-old squad members provide coaching, with additional mentoring by NCVC adults and Elite Team members. After laps, we typically retreat to a Mexican restaurant for a relaxed squad dinner.
• Tuesday After-School Basic Workshop (in season, 5:00 PM, from Spokes, Etc., Vienna): From May to September, NCVC Juniors hold a basic training workshop for newer and younger cyclists. Led by Coach Hefler, these provide basic riding and racing skills and light-to-medium duty workouts.
• Tuesday Night Sprints (in season, Tuesdays, 6:15 pm): From May to September, NCVC holds sprint training departing from Spokes, Etc., in Alexandria. Sprints are held over a several mile course on a broad suburban boulevard.
• Wednesday Workouts (March-October, during school year 4:30 pm; in summer, 7:30 am): High-intensity training with HPC coaches (open to area 15-18 year-old juniors, regardless of team; no fee). Hill repeats, sprints, paceline, cornering drills, etc. After school, generally leaving from Spokes/Vienna or Hains Point at 4:30 pm. In summer, generally leaving from Dean and Deluca in Georgetown at 7:30 am.
• Computrainer Indoor Training (November-March, Saturdays, 12:30 pm, and Wednesdays, 4:30 pm): During the off season, juniors maintain and hone their skills by riding indoors on Computrainers at Spokes, Etc., in Vienna. Up to eight Juniors (and parents, if space is available) ride their bikes while wired to a computer system that projects a race course animation, including topography, racer position, wattage, distance and speed. Fee is $15 per session.
• Cabruce Race Skills Training (Saturday mornings, November-February): NCVC Coach Jeff Watts holds regular Saturday morning training sessions from November to February. Sessions are held in Reston, Virginia, and Hains Point, DC.
• Espresso Rides (Sundays, 9:00 am, October-February): During off-season, advanced juniors may join NCVC adults for a rolling 35-50 mile ride through Washington, D.C. and suburban Maryland. Rides include (optional) descents into Great Falls Park and challenging climbs back up. Rides depart at 9:00 am from Dean & Deluca in Georgetown.
• Mountain Bike Camps -- NCVC Junior squad members participate in Calleva Mountain Bike Camps and other Calleva cross-training (e.g., kayaking) during the summer. Fun, recommended. (Not affiliated with NCVC.)

Other

Logistics, Support, and Equipment: NCVC is a non-profit, volunteer organization, and conducting a program like the Juniors requires much work. The squad has been fortunate in many matters, from volunteers who coordinate fundraising (e.g., sale of our sponsor Jittery Joe"s coffee), to parents who leap to provide amazing logistical support, like transporting dozens of bikes and racers to high-profile events, and fetching gels and water bottles for bonking racers. Parents or guardians who support their Junior by taking him/her to events play a critical role, collectively forming an enjoyable "super layer" for NCVC success.

Race Support: NCVC juniors are very proud to be supported by Phoenix Bikes, a cycling mechanic’s workshop for youth in Arlington, Virginia.  Phoenix provides pro-quality race support for NCVC, one of the top teams in the USA.

Junior Gearing: USCF rules require that Juniors ride in a restricted gear ratio to reduce the risk of injury (undue knee and leg-muscle stress). This requirement, which your bicycle shop may not be familiar with, is described in the article found here. In summary, you need a ratio that will pass the roll out test: While in its highest (most difficult) gear, your bike must accomplish one rotation of the pedals in 26 feet or less. The most commonly used ratio is a 52 tooth chainring with a 14-25 cassette. Some other ratios that would pass are a 50x13 and a 45x12. Junior gears may be purchased from Excel Sports; search the Excel site for "Junior".

Communications: An email list server (ncvc-jrs [at] yahoogroups.com) provides the essential DNA for coordinating events and information. We have a Yahoo Groups web page -- http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/ncvc-jrs/ -- that provides a respository for emails and other information. Contact the Juniors Coordinator (juniors@ncvc.net) for information. Additional places to stay tuned include:

• MABRA listserv, which provides email for the mid-Atlantic cycling region at: http://www.mabra.org/getall.php?cid=7&scid=51
• USA Cycling at: http://www.usacycling.org/ -- obtain your cycling license and much racing data (rulebooks, results, etc.) from this site.
• GamJams at: http://www.gamjams.net/ -- a vital, local enthusiast's site.
• Main NCVC email listserv, available to members.

Equipment: Cycling is an expensive sport -- including equipment, to race fees and travel expenses. To defray the cost of event participation, Juniors receive limited funding from NCVC and the squad conducts fundraising activities -- e.g., sale of our sponsor Jittery Joes" coffee and swag. NCVC also conducts a bicycle loaner program, where a limited number of team bikes are available to racers until they outgrow or no longer use the equipment. Bikes and equipment are provided to racers based upon participation, need, fit and availability. NCVC also occasionally receives equipment and clothing donated by members or other parties. The Juniors Coordinator makes equipment allocations. NCVC assumes no liability for equipment use (see Rider Agreement).

Participation: Through the above activities, NCVC offers Juniors a broad range of opportunities to hone cycling skills, improve fitness and strengthen teamwork. Juniors set personal goals and work with the Coordinator or coaches to attain those goals. Some NCVC Juniors compete in Regional and National Championships, work at cycling year-round, ride 100-200 miles per week, enter 40+ races per year, and enlist professional coaches. Other juniors are more casual, joining in occasional squad rides and racing less frequently. Both levels of participation are welcome. In addition, we ask that Juniors join other club members in volunteering to support NCVC activities -- e.g., helping at races we promote and charitable events. Juniors that do not meet volunteer requirements are not eligible for team equipment or race reimbursement.

For information: Contact NCVC Juniors' Coordinator, Jim Wilson at juniors@ncvc.net or (703) 532-0658.

Sponsorship: Jittery Joe's -- a great cycling team and extraordinary java, proudly sponsors NCVC Juniors!