CYCLING: Saturday saw the return of Great Yarmouth Cycling Club’s EasyStart Academy — a programme which focuses on coaching young and novice riders the skills to ride safely on the road or in race conditions.
Over 20 riders joined GYCC coaches at the Yarmouth Stadium on Caister Road in North Yarmouth. Many were new to the sport and had never ridden a road-racing bike before.
The programme’s introductory session focused on basic bike-handling skills including positioning, pedaling technique, braking and cornering – all of which are essential for safe riding on the road and in races.
The session culminated in some group riding exercises which aim to improve riders’ technique and increase confidence when cycling in close proximity.
After the EasyStart programme around 25 young and adult novice riders enjoyed 90 minutes of circuit race training, coaching and racing.
GYCC coach, Neil Turner, explained the idea behind the sessions: “Novice and U16 racing is all about short sharp sprint efforts, technical cornering and group riding skill to ensure you save your energy for the final sprint.
“Cycle racing is very much a team sport and the circuit here at the stadium is perfect for coaching these techniques and for novice riders to improve their skills and aerobic ability in preparation of the new season.
“We focus on making the training fun, hard and fast – all the riders love to finish the session with a race!”
Several riders from the Winter EasyStart Academy had a fantastic surprise at Saturday’s session.
GYCC are rewarding young riders with a free club racing jersey as part of welcoming them to team GYCC.
The last session saw eight youngsters collect their race wear: Seth Houlgate, Finlay Holder, Matthew and Rowan Baker, Elle and Ben Turner, Alexander Goff and Jack Colby.
These young riders join a strong U12 and U16 GYCC team training for the start of the youth racing season on April 23 at Woodbridge Town Centre races.
The EasyStart programme continues this weekend, tomorrow Saturday, March 26 and will start at 9.30am for coaching of the junior riders and 10.30am for circuit training where novice adults are able to join in.
Anyone who is interested is reminded that GYCC has a stock of fantastic road bikes and safety equipment which enables enthusiasts to get started in the sport.
In addition to the EasyStart Academy, GYCC are still running their regular club nights at Cliff Park Junior School from 7 to 9pm every Tuesday.
Last week saw a record attendance, with over 40 riders turning up for a workout to the Sufferfest training video whilst socializing with old and new club members.
These sessions are set to continue until Easter when regular meetings will take place in the warmth of the evening sunshine.
To learn more about the EasyStart or Great Yarmouth cycling club please visit: www.greatyarmouthcyclingclub.co.uk
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