Junior Racing Guide
When you are starting out in racing, there is a lot to learn. What type of equipment will I need? What will I need to maintain my bike? What type of races are there? What do I do when I get to a race? And what exactly does peloton and other racing terminology mean? This guide will help you get ready to race.
Equipment Guide — Essentials
This is the gear that all cyclists need to have in order to safely participate in the sport.
Helmet
For obvious reasons, every new junior needs a CSPC-certified cycling helmet. Aside from being required by law for children, it is also a requirement to compete in USAC sanctioned events, and to attend NCVC practices. Helmets come in a wide range of prices. The difference in price comes from differences in ventilation, aerodynamics, and retention systems. All helmets, at all prices, protect your head equally if worn properly.
Cycling Shoes
You wouldn’t play soccer with ordinary sneakers, and you can’t race a bike without the right shoes either. Cycling shoes are designed to make pedaling easier and to prevent foot injury. They have very low flexibility, which keeps strain off of developing arches when pedaling and puts more energy into the pedaling motion. Road shoes have little to no walking surface, while MTB and cyclocross shoes have heavy treads for times when you push or carry the bike. NCVC is developing a collection of donated shoes to help keep pace with rapidly growing feet.
Cycling Shorts
They may not be the most fashionable, but they are essential. Cycling shorts contain a padded area called a chamois (commonly pronounced
sham-ee). This pad assists in sitting comfortably, and is also anti-bacterial to prevent hygiene problems. The lycra material clings to skin to keep the chamois in place, and to reduce wind drag on the rider.
Cycling Jersey
Competing for NCVC requires wearing a club jersey. It’s needed to identify team members in races, but it’s also important for technical reasons. Jerseys have back pockets for carrying food, spare clothes, phones, and more on training rides. The materials also wick away sweat and keep riders cool.
Saddle Pack
When training, small mechanical problems occasionally come up. It’s important to have a pack kept behind the seat containing a small multi-tool, a spare tube, and a CO2 inflator or pump. NCVC will teach simple repairs, like fixing a flat tire.
Water Bottles and Cages
Unlike other sports, cycling has no time-outs. Staying hydrated while exercising is important, so a cage and bottle is easily installed for on the go drinking.
Sunscreen
Sun protection is essential in any outdoor activity. Remember that spring and fall sun can burn just as well as the summer.
Helmet
For obvious reasons, every new junior needs a CSPC-certified cycling helmet. Aside from being required by law for children, it is also a requirement to compete in USAC sanctioned events, and to attend NCVC practices. Helmets come in a wide range of prices. The difference in price comes from differences in ventilation, aerodynamics, and retention systems. All helmets, at all prices, protect your head equally if worn properly.
Cycling Shoes
You wouldn’t play soccer with ordinary sneakers, and you can’t race a bike without the right shoes either. Cycling shoes are designed to make pedaling easier and to prevent foot injury. They have very low flexibility, which keeps strain off of developing arches when pedaling and puts more energy into the pedaling motion. Road shoes have little to no walking surface, while MTB and cyclocross shoes have heavy treads for times when you push or carry the bike. NCVC is developing a collection of donated shoes to help keep pace with rapidly growing feet.
Cycling Shorts
They may not be the most fashionable, but they are essential. Cycling shorts contain a padded area called a chamois (commonly pronounced
sham-ee). This pad assists in sitting comfortably, and is also anti-bacterial to prevent hygiene problems. The lycra material clings to skin to keep the chamois in place, and to reduce wind drag on the rider.
Cycling Jersey
Competing for NCVC requires wearing a club jersey. It’s needed to identify team members in races, but it’s also important for technical reasons. Jerseys have back pockets for carrying food, spare clothes, phones, and more on training rides. The materials also wick away sweat and keep riders cool.
Saddle Pack
When training, small mechanical problems occasionally come up. It’s important to have a pack kept behind the seat containing a small multi-tool, a spare tube, and a CO2 inflator or pump. NCVC will teach simple repairs, like fixing a flat tire.
Water Bottles and Cages
Unlike other sports, cycling has no time-outs. Staying hydrated while exercising is important, so a cage and bottle is easily installed for on the go drinking.
Sunscreen
Sun protection is essential in any outdoor activity. Remember that spring and fall sun can burn just as well as the summer.
Equipment Guide — Recommended
Sunglasses
Sunglasses with UV protection do for your eyes what sunscreen does for your skin. On top of that, they offer real protection for your eyes. When riding it is possible for insects, dust, or small road debris to reach eye-level. In the event of an accident, sunglasses provide additional protection. While prices vary by clarity, weight, design, and lens options, even simple and inexpensive glasses are helpful. Ideal glasses have rubberized nose and earpieces to prevent slipping when sweating.
Clipless (Clip-in) Pedals
Pedals that attach to the riders shoe (similar to a ski binding) are not essential when starting out, but no racer would ever choose not to use them. The term clipless comes from when this type of pedal was invented. Previously, riders used a bracket and straps known as toe-clips to secure their feet to the pedals. The advent of clip-in pedals meant the straps weren’t needed, so they were known as clipless. Clipless pedals keep the foot in position, and allow the rider to apply more force with the same effort.
Cycling Gloves
Gloves are not necessary items, but they provide hand protection in the event of a crash and can help ensure a strong grip when hands get sweaty. They come with cut off fingers for warm days, and full finger for off-road, cold, or wet weather.
Sunglasses with UV protection do for your eyes what sunscreen does for your skin. On top of that, they offer real protection for your eyes. When riding it is possible for insects, dust, or small road debris to reach eye-level. In the event of an accident, sunglasses provide additional protection. While prices vary by clarity, weight, design, and lens options, even simple and inexpensive glasses are helpful. Ideal glasses have rubberized nose and earpieces to prevent slipping when sweating.
Clipless (Clip-in) Pedals
Pedals that attach to the riders shoe (similar to a ski binding) are not essential when starting out, but no racer would ever choose not to use them. The term clipless comes from when this type of pedal was invented. Previously, riders used a bracket and straps known as toe-clips to secure their feet to the pedals. The advent of clip-in pedals meant the straps weren’t needed, so they were known as clipless. Clipless pedals keep the foot in position, and allow the rider to apply more force with the same effort.
Cycling Gloves
Gloves are not necessary items, but they provide hand protection in the event of a crash and can help ensure a strong grip when hands get sweaty. They come with cut off fingers for warm days, and full finger for off-road, cold, or wet weather.
Equipment Guide — Optional
Arm/Leg/Knee Warmers
These accessories are slip on covers for cool weather. They are a convenient way to keep warm on cool rides, but simple to remove if the weather warms up. Covering joints is important for juniors. Muscles warm up faster than tendons and ligaments. Covering them while riding under 65 degrees prevents injury, like a baseball pitcher keeping a jacket over his throwing arm. Smaller juniors may have trouble finding leg warmers in their size, so may need to wear tights.
Windbreakers and Vests
The best way to keep warm on cool days is having multiple layers. Windbreakers and wind vests keep cool air from penetrating without weighing the rider down. Unlike running, where you can generate enough body heat to stay warm with little clothing, cycling occurs at higher speeds which pulls heat away from the body. This is great in summer, but not in the cooler months.
Cycling Socks
While not essential, most cyclists prefer cycling specific socks. They have less cushioning than normal socks since the pedaling motion means no impact, so no need for cushioning. Instead, they are well ventilated to help keep your feet cool. As a sponsor, Defeet offers NCVC members a 40% discounts at www.defeet.com. Contact the NCVC Juniors Team Coordinator to learn how to get this discount.
Shoe Covers
Cycling shoes are designed for ventilating in summer conditions. Covers designed for cycling help keep feet warm in cooler conditions. They come in a variety of weights and materials depending on how cool the weather is.
Cycling Caps
The iconic short brimmed caps fit easily under a helmet for keeping warm.
These accessories are slip on covers for cool weather. They are a convenient way to keep warm on cool rides, but simple to remove if the weather warms up. Covering joints is important for juniors. Muscles warm up faster than tendons and ligaments. Covering them while riding under 65 degrees prevents injury, like a baseball pitcher keeping a jacket over his throwing arm. Smaller juniors may have trouble finding leg warmers in their size, so may need to wear tights.
Windbreakers and Vests
The best way to keep warm on cool days is having multiple layers. Windbreakers and wind vests keep cool air from penetrating without weighing the rider down. Unlike running, where you can generate enough body heat to stay warm with little clothing, cycling occurs at higher speeds which pulls heat away from the body. This is great in summer, but not in the cooler months.
Cycling Socks
While not essential, most cyclists prefer cycling specific socks. They have less cushioning than normal socks since the pedaling motion means no impact, so no need for cushioning. Instead, they are well ventilated to help keep your feet cool. As a sponsor, Defeet offers NCVC members a 40% discounts at www.defeet.com. Contact the NCVC Juniors Team Coordinator to learn how to get this discount.
Shoe Covers
Cycling shoes are designed for ventilating in summer conditions. Covers designed for cycling help keep feet warm in cooler conditions. They come in a variety of weights and materials depending on how cool the weather is.
Cycling Caps
The iconic short brimmed caps fit easily under a helmet for keeping warm.
Maintenance
Floor Pump
Tires need to be kept at their recommended pressure when riding, so checking and re-pumping should be done before each ride. Keeping a high pressure prevents pinch flats, a puncture that happens when a pothole or bump creates an air pocket in the tube.
Cleaners and Lubricants
Having a few supplies makes a bike run well. Use bike specific chain lubricants (never WD-40). Cleaning dirt and debris from the frame, rims, and brakes will slow the wearing process and increase the life of your equipment.
Allen Keys (Metric)
Bikes use metric, not standard, parts and almost all use allen heads on bolts.
Tires need to be kept at their recommended pressure when riding, so checking and re-pumping should be done before each ride. Keeping a high pressure prevents pinch flats, a puncture that happens when a pothole or bump creates an air pocket in the tube.
Cleaners and Lubricants
Having a few supplies makes a bike run well. Use bike specific chain lubricants (never WD-40). Cleaning dirt and debris from the frame, rims, and brakes will slow the wearing process and increase the life of your equipment.
Allen Keys (Metric)
Bikes use metric, not standard, parts and almost all use allen heads on bolts.
Types of Races
Road Race
The essence of the sport is the road race. These can be in a circuit of repeated laps, a single long route, or a point-to-point course. Road races tend to have a greater variety in terrain — ranging from long hills, short hills, to flat or any combination thereof. Most road races are not open to junior riders.
Criterium
Also known as a crit, these events are the most common road events because they require smaller courses and allow higher numbers of participants. A criterium course is short; usually around 1 mile, but competitors will do multiple laps. A short course usually means several corners per lap, so strong bike handling skills are essential for success. Most junior criteriums are 15 miles or less.
Circuit Race
This type of event is not technically defined in USA Cycling’s rules, but refers to races that are similar to criteriums. The distances of each lap tend to be a bit longer than in a crit, but the rules of road racing apply. Junior circuit races are often between 15 and 30 miles.
Time Trial
Sometimes called the race of truth, a time trial is a test against the clock over a given course. These are the events where riders use aerodynamic bikes, wheels, and helmets to slip more easily through the wind. For juniors under 16 years old, aero equipment is not permitted so no extra equipment is needed to give these races a try. In a time trial each rider starts at 30-second or one-minute interval. Usually these races are out and back with a turn around at the half-way point. Time trials are often held on roads also open to traffic. It is illegal to draft another rider during a time trial.
Cyclocross
Cyclocross began as the off-season training tradition for European road cyclists. They would race from town to town. To beat the next guy, they would jump fences and stone walls to cut through farms instead of riding longer loops on the road. Today, cyclocross races are on a 1.5–2 mile course with grass, pavement, wooded trails, mud, sand, steep hills and obstacles. Riders do multiple laps on the course. Riders have to dismount, carry the bike over obstacles and remount, push their bikes through mud or sand, and squeak through tight curves. Juniors can ride on specific cyclocross bikes or mountain bikes. Races typically take place in the fall and winter.
The essence of the sport is the road race. These can be in a circuit of repeated laps, a single long route, or a point-to-point course. Road races tend to have a greater variety in terrain — ranging from long hills, short hills, to flat or any combination thereof. Most road races are not open to junior riders.
Criterium
Also known as a crit, these events are the most common road events because they require smaller courses and allow higher numbers of participants. A criterium course is short; usually around 1 mile, but competitors will do multiple laps. A short course usually means several corners per lap, so strong bike handling skills are essential for success. Most junior criteriums are 15 miles or less.
Circuit Race
This type of event is not technically defined in USA Cycling’s rules, but refers to races that are similar to criteriums. The distances of each lap tend to be a bit longer than in a crit, but the rules of road racing apply. Junior circuit races are often between 15 and 30 miles.
Time Trial
Sometimes called the race of truth, a time trial is a test against the clock over a given course. These are the events where riders use aerodynamic bikes, wheels, and helmets to slip more easily through the wind. For juniors under 16 years old, aero equipment is not permitted so no extra equipment is needed to give these races a try. In a time trial each rider starts at 30-second or one-minute interval. Usually these races are out and back with a turn around at the half-way point. Time trials are often held on roads also open to traffic. It is illegal to draft another rider during a time trial.
Cyclocross
Cyclocross began as the off-season training tradition for European road cyclists. They would race from town to town. To beat the next guy, they would jump fences and stone walls to cut through farms instead of riding longer loops on the road. Today, cyclocross races are on a 1.5–2 mile course with grass, pavement, wooded trails, mud, sand, steep hills and obstacles. Riders do multiple laps on the course. Riders have to dismount, carry the bike over obstacles and remount, push their bikes through mud or sand, and squeak through tight curves. Juniors can ride on specific cyclocross bikes or mountain bikes. Races typically take place in the fall and winter.
Arriving on Race Day
Your first race day can be stressful. It may be an unfamiliar environment and most new racers will feel some pre-race anxiety. The best way to deal with this is to plan ahead.
Pack the Night Before
Have everything ready to go the night before. Juniors races are usually early in the day, so it’s one less thing to worry about when you get up. Be sure your bike is ready to go. Have your water bottles filled. Make sure you have your helmet, shoes, uniform, USA Cycling license (unless you plan to buy a day of race license), and any extra gear you may need.
Arrive Early
If your race starts at 9:00 am, being there at 8:30 am may be too late. Allow adequate time for finding registration, attaching your race number, warming up, and getting to the start line 10 minutes before the start time. In general, allow for 90 minutes prior to the start. NCVC juniors will set up at a single location so that the kids may warm up with their teammates and discuss their plans for that race. If you arrive well before the first race of the day, you may be able to pre-ride the course. This will help you know what to expect.
Get a Warm Up
If you have a stationary trainer, bring it to the race. There is not always good space to warm up, and using the course is not allowed when other races are in progress. Many club members are happy to let others borrow their trainers on race day.
Number Placement
Race numbers are attached with safety pins, attaching one correctly is a skill that many riders never master. Here is a guide for how to do it. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask another parent or club member.
Pack the Night Before
Have everything ready to go the night before. Juniors races are usually early in the day, so it’s one less thing to worry about when you get up. Be sure your bike is ready to go. Have your water bottles filled. Make sure you have your helmet, shoes, uniform, USA Cycling license (unless you plan to buy a day of race license), and any extra gear you may need.
Arrive Early
If your race starts at 9:00 am, being there at 8:30 am may be too late. Allow adequate time for finding registration, attaching your race number, warming up, and getting to the start line 10 minutes before the start time. In general, allow for 90 minutes prior to the start. NCVC juniors will set up at a single location so that the kids may warm up with their teammates and discuss their plans for that race. If you arrive well before the first race of the day, you may be able to pre-ride the course. This will help you know what to expect.
Get a Warm Up
If you have a stationary trainer, bring it to the race. There is not always good space to warm up, and using the course is not allowed when other races are in progress. Many club members are happy to let others borrow their trainers on race day.
Number Placement
Race numbers are attached with safety pins, attaching one correctly is a skill that many riders never master. Here is a guide for how to do it. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask another parent or club member.
What Does That Mean?
Cycling has a lot of unique terminology. Here are some of the things that you may hear or see at a race.
Peloton, Pack, or Bunch
This refers to the main group of riders in the race.
Breakaway or Break
A single rider, or small group or riders, ahead of the peloton and leading the race.
Chase Group
A group of riders ahead of the peloton and chasing the lead breakaway, or behind the peleton chasing to regain contact.
Attack
A maneuver to separate a rider from others. Usually this will be a rapid acceleration in order to break away from the peloton.
Sprint
An all out effort at maximum speed. Usually this is reserved for the finish or intermediate prime laps.
Prime Laps, or Primes
Pronounced preem, this is an award given to the first rider across the finish line in a mid-race lap. It is signified by ringing a bell. An official will ring the bell and announce how many places prizes will be awarded to and what the prize is. Primes are awarded regardless of how a rider finishes but they do not contribute to a rider’s final finish position. Primes are not common in junior races.
Free-lap Rule
In a criterium only, a mechanical problem or crash may allow a free-lap. After an incident (such as a flat tire), a rider may report to the pit. When cleared by an official, they will be re-entered into the race without penalty for missing a lap.
Pit
Similar to a pit in car racing. Spare wheels and a mechanic are kept there to get a rider back on course as quickly as possible.
The Bell
A bell ringing signifies a prime lap or the final lap of a race. Often excited spectators will also ring bells along the course, but only a bell rung by an official at the finish line signifies a prime lap or the final lap of a race.
A complete glossary of terms can be found here.
Peloton, Pack, or Bunch
This refers to the main group of riders in the race.
Breakaway or Break
A single rider, or small group or riders, ahead of the peloton and leading the race.
Chase Group
A group of riders ahead of the peloton and chasing the lead breakaway, or behind the peleton chasing to regain contact.
Attack
A maneuver to separate a rider from others. Usually this will be a rapid acceleration in order to break away from the peloton.
Sprint
An all out effort at maximum speed. Usually this is reserved for the finish or intermediate prime laps.
Prime Laps, or Primes
Pronounced preem, this is an award given to the first rider across the finish line in a mid-race lap. It is signified by ringing a bell. An official will ring the bell and announce how many places prizes will be awarded to and what the prize is. Primes are awarded regardless of how a rider finishes but they do not contribute to a rider’s final finish position. Primes are not common in junior races.
Free-lap Rule
In a criterium only, a mechanical problem or crash may allow a free-lap. After an incident (such as a flat tire), a rider may report to the pit. When cleared by an official, they will be re-entered into the race without penalty for missing a lap.
Pit
Similar to a pit in car racing. Spare wheels and a mechanic are kept there to get a rider back on course as quickly as possible.
The Bell
A bell ringing signifies a prime lap or the final lap of a race. Often excited spectators will also ring bells along the course, but only a bell rung by an official at the finish line signifies a prime lap or the final lap of a race.
A complete glossary of terms can be found here.
