Overview: This session is suitable for any youth rider (8-16) who has completed a track taster. VCL is a local club and run these sessions. They are open to everyone however VCL members will receive a discount code via email that you can use for this session.

Skills sessions are the second step on our track riding pathway and will build your confidence and further develop the skills and fitness needed to participate in our more advanced track sessions. Skills sessions focus on the different group riding, bike handling and observation skills that are used in track cycling.

Riders may advance to the Intermediate Training group when they have gained enough experience on the track, this is also the pathway into youth racing.

Different experience levels are mixed on the track in this session, usually by using the 'top or bottom railing' to denote groups. If you are new to the track/this session, please speak to coaches before the session.

Important: If your child has not ridden a fixed gear track bike on the velodrome before they should book on to the Youth Track Taster session first.

Session Details:

• Age Group: This session is open to people 8-16 years old. Parents must stay on site if their child is under 12.

• Session Duration: 1 hour

• Bike and helmet hire: Bikes and helmets are included in the session cost, although you’re welcome to bring your own. 

• Experience level: Track Taster Required.

Important to know:

• Lycra is not required, although we recommend that you don't wear anything too baggy - layers are recommended, as well as a warm jacket for after. Shoulders must be covered.

• Remember to bring water and a snack.

• Check the weather! We run sessions throughout the winter, so please dress warmly and have waterproofs on hand. In the rare instance that we need to cancel due to snow/ice/high wind, we will endeavour to inform participants via email / social media at least 2hrs before the session, though this is not always possible.

• Gloves: Required

• Helmets: Required

• Hire bikes are available and included in the cost. Trainers are fine to use with these. If you are an experienced cyclist and use a cleat-based foot retention system, you can use this on our bikes, but you will need to bring your own pedals and tools to swap pedals over.

• Please arrive 15 minutes before the session start time to get a bike and get comfortable to ensure that the session can start promptly. If you remember which bike you used in the taster, you’re welcome to head to the containers and collect it yourself - this speeds everything up!

Location:

Meeting Point: Please wait outside the track fence by the seating: your coach will invite you to cross the track when they are ready.