Back on track
Kids were zooming around the velodrome last week when the Warragul cycling club started up its summer track program.
The juniors were coached by pro cyclist Brenton Jones, who taught them valuable bike handling skills as some took to the track for the first time.
With the rain holding off, it was all smiles as many young cyclists tested their talents on fixed gear bikes.
“Every nice day you have at the track is a good day, the parents were out supporting their kids and the kids all had smiles on their faces after they rode a couple of laps,” Jones said.
The sessions run every Monday night from 5.30pm, and aim to prepare kids for track races as their skills develop.
A large part of this preparation is learning how to handle a bike without brakes. While this can be a scary prospect for many kids, Jones said it was great to see them become comfortable after riding a track bike for a few laps.
“I was with one girl Alysha and it was her first time on the track, the first few laps she was very nervous and by the end she was riding around at 25km an hour and absolutely loving the track bike,” he said.
And for Jones, it was a great feeling to be involved with a program that he once took part in as a youngster.
For the first time in years, the 29-year-old did not race with a
European team during their cycling season.
“I decided midway through this year that I would stay in Australia and not return to Europe with my team, which seeing them race over there and not race here was hard, just to be here with my family in this environment was the safer choice for me,” he said.
Instead, Jones signed with top Australian team InForm Racing. As road races make their return in time for summer, Jones will resume his career.
“I’ll do as many races as I can when the racing comes back on here in Australia and really support the juniors to try and win as well as to try and win myself,”
At the velodrome, his advice for youngsters was simple. Work hard and have fun.
“If that’s your goal and that’s your dream then just keep working hard at it but have fun,” he said.
The Junior Track Cycling Program is run by the Warragul Cycling Club and Ride Nation, and open to anyone aged 8 to 16 years old.
It’s led by coach Ross Henry with the help of other qualified coaches, and runs until the end of March next year.
The Warragul Cycling Club was able to grow the program this year as the club received funding for new track bikes.
15 kids attended last Monday’s session, and it’s hoped even more will sign up in the coming weeks.
Visit the Warragul Cycling Club Facebook page to register.