The Benefit of Maximizing Opportunities for Junior Riders
Op·por·tu·ni·ty: a good chance for advancement or progress, a favourable juncture of circumstances, a set of conditions to make something possible.
As a director of various cycling teams for the past 25 years, my main focus has always been on providing ample chances for athletes to shine. The more opportunities I created, the more the athletes were exposed to new perspectives, and inevitably, breakout performances followed! The Ignite platform represents my 3rd Junior Road Endurance Cohort which follows this model, and based on this past weekend’s performances, the model is working. With the support of our financial sponsors, the cycling industry and my advisory board, I will continue to use these underpinnings to sustain momentum and continuously expand opportunities for Canadian Junior riders worldwide.
I am immensely grateful for the financial support to provide numerous opportunities for our junior athletes. This direct investment enables riders to progress, both as athletes and individuals in our communities. Recently, we split our supported riders into two squads, taking advantage of two unique opportunities.
Our younger riders were supported with an entry to attend the Future Champions Camp in Victoria, BC, facilitated by renowned Canadian Cycling figure, Ron Hayman. Ron supported our team with the logistics necessary for riders to make the journey from Ontario to the west coast. This experience allowed athletes to work with top level Cycling Canada coaches, to integrate with other juniors from across the country and to participate in some competitive racing activities. Below, one of our young riders expresses gratitude to Ron and the Future Champions Camp staff for making this valuable opportunity possible for Ignite athletes.
“The Future Champions Camp provided an unforgettable experience focused on race tactics and life skills, supported by three exceptional coaches: Richard Wooles, Nigel Ellsay, and Gillian Ellsay. One of the highlights was the opportunity to meet professional cyclist Evan Russel, who shared his personal journey and insights into the world of cycling. Evan even joined us in a thrilling race at the Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit, allowing us to experience the exhilaration of competing on a genuine racetrack.
Furthermore, the camp brought together riders from various sports, emphasizing that the path to success is unique to each individual. Interacting with these athletes broadened our perspective and showed us the diverse routes that can lead to the same destination. The camp's attention to detail extended off the bike as well, with incredible meals prepared by dedicated volunteers. Each dish provided the perfect balance of essential nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, ensuring we had everything we needed to fuel our training and recovery.
Accommodations were organized into small groups of around five individuals, which facilitated deeper connections and allowed us to learn more about one another. Through these interactions, lifelong friendships were formed, and I'm still in contact with some of the people I met at the camp. The success of this entire project was made possible by the generous support of the Ignite Junior Cycling Team's amazing sponsors. Their contributions played a vital role in making the camp affordable and accessible to aspiring cyclists. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors for their invaluable support.”.
- Antoine Bergeron U17
Simultaneously, our 2nd Year U19's traveled to the USA Junior Cup series, an opportunity that will contribute to their development before tackling world-class opposition at the Junior Tour of Ireland in July and The Tour Du Leman in Switzerland in August. While in Georgia, competing in the Elite 1/2 Category for an Omnium-style stage race, our riders faced talented competition and embraced the challenging format of racing. Unique to this event, the organizer used a points system to encourage aggressive forward racing at each stage. Excitingly, Charles Bergeron from Ignite Junior Cycling emerged as the overall Tour of North Georgia winner, after a hard-fought battle with the USA based EF/ONTO squad.
While race projects are always amazing opportunities for riders to achieve, team training camps provide a fantastic environment for athletes to improve their skills, build teamwork, and lay the foundation for long-term success in the sport. The term “Daily Athlete Training Environment” (DATE) can be found in numerous training manuals and I find that it is one of the best concepts for Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD).
Recently we utilized sponsorship funds for our annual 4 Day team training camp based at Horseshoe Resort. Riders completed some valuable group training, rehearsed some important tactical scenarios and heard from local community health professionals who encouraged wellness on/off the bike. One of the key takeaways from the training camp template is the understanding that a consistent and consecutive training environment is essential for optimal performance. It's essential for athletes to realize that each day presents an opportunity to create the best possible training and preparation for themselves. This mindset reinforces the importance of discipline, dedication, and ongoing improvement. Throughout the camp, we provided riders the opportunity to receive input from experts like Dr. Mark Rocca, Davide Frattini, and Vicki Tree Yoga to further enhance the riders' understanding of the balance required to excel in the sport beyond the junior years.
To further enhance our team commitment, we prioritize mentorship opportunities for our Ignite riders to integrate with experienced athletes. Last season, Noah Simms - a former Continental Rider for Floyd’s Pro Cycling - joined us at a UCI Nations Cup event in the Netherlands, providing organizational support and valuable pre-rides with the athletes. Not only did Noah contribute in a logistical capacity but he assumed a coaching role, completing race debriefs to effectively ensure maximal absorption of learnings. More recently, Ethan Sittlington, a member of Toronto Hustle UCI Continental team, joined our team in Georgia, and our Ignite athletes raced alongside him. The presence of experienced riders in the peloton ignites our riders to observe, learn, and replicate, enhancing the depth of their racecraft.
It cannot be overstated how crucial it is to provide young athletes with opportunities to learn, develop and succeed. By maximizing their exposure to various experiences and challenges, we empower them to grow as both athletes and individuals. Every day presents a chance for them to progress, improve, and ultimately achieve their goals. As Ignite Junior Cycling continues to foster an environment of continuous learning and development, we hold firm to our motto, "WIN or LEARN". It is through both victories and setbacks that our athletes gain valuable insights, allowing them to push their limits and become resilient competitors. With ongoing support from sponsors and a commitment to creating these opportunities, we are excited to witness the remarkable journeys of our junior riders as they continue to shine on and off the bike.
