Schedule:

• Day: Tuesdays

• Time: 6pm-7.30pm

• Season: September - March

• Age Group: BC categories Youth A, B & Junior

• Bike Types: Road bikes only: bikes must have drop handlebars, gears and a cleat-based foot retention system.

Overview:

This session is designed for youth and junior riders who are racing or want to race road-based disciplines including road races and criteriums. These sessions will be physically demanding; working on race skills and tactics, as well as endurance, strength, speed and conditioning. The session begins with an off-bike Strength & Conditioning block.

To get the most out of these sessions, there are a few things that you can do:

• Be on time and be ready on time for each training block so we don't waste valuable session time.

• Give 100% effort in everything you do. Work hard, and finish each block of training.

• Commit to the S&C block in the understanding that it is important both for cycling performance and also injury prevention.

• Wear the proper clothing. We will train in all weather conditions, so bring warm clothes, suitable for all types of weather, including good gloves, and waterproofs. Accessories like overshoes are extremely helpful when training in bad weather: ask a coach if you do not have access to the right kit - we might be able to help.

• Bring everything you need for the session, including trainers for off bike work, road cycling shoes with cleats in good condition, your helmet, and spares for your bike (inner tube, multi-tool, tyre levers, mini pump).

• Bring good quality bike lights - we may use the unlit inner track at times, and it’s likely you’ll cycle home in the dark.

• Bring a drink in a cycling bottle you will carry on the bike, and snacks to carry in back pockets.

Even though these sessions are on the velodrome, they are road circuit focused sessions, so riders will be expected to:

• Eat and drink on the bike, not wait until breaks.

• Fix your own punctures using your own spares and tools, including using your mini pump.

• Listen to the coach and fully commit to all drills prescribed. 'Get dropped, don't drop out'.

Important Notes:

• This session is for riders who wish to step up their cycling, and we will expect a high level of maturity from all riders taking part. 

• Riders consistently disrupting the session or not committing to the coached activities may be asked not to return to this particular session - this includes riders repeatedly not coming prepared for the S&C block, repeatedly not booking ahead for the session, or repeatedly being late.

• Bike Hire: Not usually available. Riders with need can apply to be a recipient of the Jonathan Gales road bike fund by emailing thea@hernehillveodrome.com

Location:

• Track: Sessions take place on both the main and inner track in a road circuit configuration.

• Meeting Point: Meet in front of the pavilion for the session: be ready with trainers on for the S&C block at 6pm sharp.

Age Brackets for winter development centres are applicable for the 2025 racing season, so:

• Youth B: born 2011, 2012

• Youth A: born 2009, 2010

• Junior: born 2007, 2008