With the Olympics coming towards an end and the success of the Great Britain Cycling team still on everyone’s minds, Lyme RC ran their Go-Ride Games event in August, hoping to answer the question of how to get involved in cycling at a local level.
Over 30 young people took to the grass track at Lyme Valley Velo in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The riders were split into three groups based on age and ability and received coaching from British Cycling’s Go-Ride Coach, Louise Day and Lyme Racing Club’s coaches. The coaching session covered the basic skills of riding in a line, looking over shoulders when riding in a group, why this is important for safety on the track and how to progress to the front of the group in a safe manner.
Once the morning of coaching had been completed, the racing then began in earnest, with the coaches providing an explanation of the race, the effort required and the tactics involved. The first race of the morning was a hotly contested, age-based timed lap. This was followed by a Scratch Race for the younger group and a Keirin for the older cyclists, with one of Lyme RC’s young volunteers taking on the role of the derny. The final race of the day for the younger riders was the Handicap Race whilst the older group tackled the gruelling 15 lap Scratch Race.
Norman Bassett, the club coach, took the opportunity prior to the medal ceremony, to explain to both the riders and their parents about the Go-Ride scheme and the various ways they could get involved. The winners were then presented with their medals and other Go-Ride goodies to remind them of their day.
Everyone who took part had a great time and left with a smile on their face. Norman Bassett is hoping that this will not be the only cycling experience for these youngsters.
‘We hope that today will play a small part in continuing the Olympic Legacy and empower the young people who attended to carry on with this great sport’
