The NHCC Junior Racing Program is aimed at teaching and promoting the sport of road cycling to youth athletes, 10 to 18 years old, by introducing them to the sport and providing them with the opportunity to participate in a safe manner. The program will provide aid and orientation to the juniors' guardians. The program will recognize and respect the differing abilities of the participating juniors and aid in developing junior racers to their full potential to progress to the next level. Through the training, the juniors will develop skills, physical fitness, mental focus, and discipline, as well as learn team tactics and interactions, and develop maturity, character, and self-esteem.
2. Vision Statement
It is the intention to provide a starting point for junior cyclists through the provision of excellent coaching and an excellent facility at the New Hampshire International Speedway. To meet the goals, the program shall provide coaching and a dedicated and experienced support staff to maximize the potential of the participants. Through this staff, NHCC will introduce beginners to the basics of competitive cycling and provide juniors with the ability to progress to programs such as USA Cycling's Junior Development Program. To ensure that the juniors will race in appropriate competitive environments, the attendance of juniors at LAJORS race events shall be encouraged. It is the goal to maintain the LAJORS status of the current USCF sanctioned races organized by the NHCC.
Weekly racing clinics for juniors shall be held that coincide with the regular NHCC Thursday Night training races. The focus of these clinics shall be on developing race skills and physiological conditioning. These clinics will mostly be in the form of a set of group-oriented exercises under the supervision of a coach. Included in each of these sessions will be a competitive element that enables the participants to score points that will be tallied for a day price. At the end of the season a number of awards shall be given based on the impressions of the junior coordinators.
To ease the entry in the sport of cycling, the guardians of junior riders shall be given a comprehensive orientation, be kept well informed, and be encouraged to be involved in the program. Also, it is our intention to encourage local bike stores to support juniors wishing to participate in the program.
Other than teaching racing skills and physical conditioning, essential subjects, such as bike maintenance and nutrition, shall be emphasized in order to maximize both safety and enjoyment of the sport.