My son is 13 years old. I’ve never experienced organized sports, but I’ve always enjoyed road biking. This year is quite riding. Under my guidance, I am training to challenge 100 mile ride (century ride) on November 1. Since it is small and light, I am relatively good at climbing slopes compared to overall abilities. Bike control is not perfect, but it is improving. At least you can run near my rear wheel when you run together. But I have never been in a situation where I am driven. For example, training for 100-mile rides can prove a long run, but does not include the really hard efforts required in road racing.
He plans to join the local junior racing team in November. But the concern may be that it is much slower than the 10-14 year old junior players in the team. There is no way to measure this. Do you know how to determine if your son is at the same level as the racers of the same age? If possible, I want him to set realistic goals before starting. Thank you.
I help manage the youth team, but it’s not about the United Kingdom.
In my opinion, I think he should be registered. If you don’t actually jump in and try, you don’t have the ability to determine what level he is at compared to the players of the same age. Even if you are short of power at first, if you like the sport, you will surely enjoy it.
Keep track of expectations. The difference between a fast child with one year of racing experience and a fast child with no experience at all is considerable, so you need to be prepared to be overwhelmed at first even if you have talent. The transition from just “running” to “learning the race” is a big leap. However, growth is surprisingly fast - In our team, a 13-year-old newcomer was uneasy about running in close range, but in less than a year it grew to a half-car difference in the national championship. And always remember that each child’s growth rate is different. As the fastest 13-year-olds are caught up in the physical growth of other children, they are sometimes buried in mediocre existence.
First of all, do not stick to the results, and repeatedly tell him how much he has learned and how much he has improved his skills and competitiveness.
Register him. This is the last year that the 13/14 year old competed as a junior. If you are 15/16, it may be easier for adults category 4/5. Because the race to compete in spring is a distance of 1/3 to 1/4 of 100 mile race, long distance running will not be necessary. The majority of junior races are aimed at speed, pedaling techniques, and understanding opponents.
Find the best rider development team in the region. You don’t necessarily have to be a team that sends players to national competitions (it’s not bad either).
A good team environment is like a family. Testosterone addiction and bicycle The bad “team” is like an abusive foster home.
Coach is important. But you’re not a coach. Take a step and give them a program, and you devote yourself to encouragement and funding.
In the first few races you will be shocked by the speed, aggression and simple dangers of junior athletes.
Excellent clubs have systematic programs to learn about paceline etiquette, motorcycle manipulation techniques, and building endurance, power and speed while getting used to competitions.
Rock Creek Vero? The junior program is quite fulfilling, and the children seem to be doing well.
In my observation, the race of that age group, above all, individual effort is questioned. Because there are variations in technical level, physical maturity, confidence, and ability, junior races start as a group, but as soon as the start whistle sounds, they disperse alone or in pairs. The most important part of training at this age is not whether appropriate FTP values and fitness are improved at a certain pace (fitness and skills are improved by just practicing), but that children want to run and enjoy together. Whether it is a bike road, indoors, or whatever, they want to run together.
I have data, I have to get it back. DM.
But… focus on the ability to win races rather than power. Power changes by month.
The main changes occurring at this age are hormones. Grow or not. Do you focus on cycling?
In the Southern California region, competitive 13-year-olds should be able to compete against Category 4 players. There is no need to win, but it should be a level where you can finish in the middle and climb higher.
We were 12-14 years old and spent leisurely. When I was 14-and-a-half years old, I discussed whether to continue the bike and decided to make a full-scale effort based on the results. Some children appear at the age of 12-13, while others take up to 15-16 years old. I don’t think I’m sure until I’m in my late teens.
General guidelines for American athletes competing at the national level:
13-14 years old - Category 4 14 years old - Winner in category 4
14-15 years old - Category 3 15 years old - Winner in category 3
16-17 years old - Category 2 promotion - Winning is more difficult
I recommend that. My 10-year-old son finished his first race season with the local team. Sometimes you get free guidance from professional coaches who belong to the team, but mainly run by parents. Some have racing experience, others have completed 100 mile rides, while others simply enjoy the opportunity to ride outside with their children. We spend a lot of time working on motorcycles, running pacelines, cornering, and simply practicing to stay smooth and comfortable on motorcycles. The progress these children have made in just a few months is remarkable. Moreover, it is wonderful to see the camaraderie and friendly competitive spirit seen among children (fathers too!).
Try it. I think it will be fun. If not, it is not a big problem. Nothing to lose.
Don’t worry about w/kg. Racecraft is more important especially early on.
I am also a parent, so I understand your feelings, but rather than worrying about your child’s abilities, you should focus on your team, leaders and coaches. Talk to them and listen to their opinions and plans. Your intuition as a parent will show you how to proceed. We have seen many examples of children who do not have a genetic advantage growing into excellent racers while enjoying sports by being surrounded by the right people. This is common to all sports. No child needs to be selected first to enjoy team sports.