The Benefits of Consistency, Conversion and Culminating
The Junior Tour of Ireland was a success on every level for Ignite as we not only won the overall classification but also had several strong performances on stages. Upon reflection, the foundation of the team’s success was based on three key principles, around which I have often rallied while helping junior cyclists: Consistency, Conversion and Culminating. These are three words that can take on many different meanings, however make a ton of sense when referencing the development of Junior Cycling in Canada.
Kevin Field, from Bridge The Gap, has regularly been a person I seek out for guidance and one who has helped shape my understanding of the need for ‘consistency’ when developing Junior riders. In order for Canadian Junior Road Endurance athletes to progress, they need to be consistent with a variety of racing variables. Riders need to have ‘race starts’ in pelotons with a higher density of competitors who have strong skill sets. Athletes also need to race on longer, diverse and dynamic race courses with both texture and terrain challenges. Finally, our aspiring athletes need to be racing at higher speeds, making decisions with more precision and need to rehearse adapting to unfamiliar race scenarios with effectiveness. One of Ignite’s goals is to consistently expose our athletes to this trio of prerequisites so they can build, and then hone, their skills.
The Junior Tour of Ireland was a 133 rider peloton of mostly European teams. The race comprised six demanding stages, each with its own iconic Irish terrain. The stages reached average speeds between 40 - 50 kph, while the riders battled an often persistent crosswind.
This event challenged us on many levels. I couldn’t be happier with the development of our riders and the performance results we achieved. Hudson Lubbers, who won the overall General Classification at the Junior Tour of Ireland, had a fantastic perspective on racing in Europe for the first time as he understands how important it is for him to consistently compete at the highest level in the sport.
I was thrilled to hear that my Ignite Junior Cycling Team had the sponsorship funding to gain entry into the 49th annual Junior Tour of Ireland. I had my sights set on continuing my junior development by getting over to Europe to finally race against the European talent that I hear other athletes talk about. During the six day stage race, I had aspirations of performing well in the overall general classification (GC), of honing my skills in the bigger/faster peloton and potentially contending the field for a stage win. The race suited me because it was moderately hilly and the courses sinuous and challenging. On Day 2, I seized the opportunity, jumped in a 12 man breakaway and won the stage. This achievement provided a tremendous boost to my confidence, propelling me to elevate my performance throughout the rest of the week. Rain poured much of the week, making the racing challenging and technical, which was unlike anything I experienced in North America as a junior. I managed to survive the tough landscapes and maintain my position in the GC over the next two stages. In the final stage, I needed to gain only 6 seconds to win the GC, so we relied on a tactical team approach to contest the Irish National Team who had the yellow jersey. Thanks to the support of my teammates, from a bunch sprint, I secured second place, acquired a time bonus and ultimately won the race, taking the overall ranking and the leader’s yellow jersey. I couldn’t be happier to have had the opportunity to represent Ignite Junior Cycling and Canada in an iconic European event.
-Hudson Lubbers
After completing race projects, I go through power files and, more importantly, athlete race reports. This more often than not reminds me that conversion, where the accumulation of numerous race experiences translates into exceptional performance. It is a big part of what we do at Ignite. It is crucial to recognize that Canadian Junior riders possess the capability to convert their honed skills into remarkable results when given the opportunity to compete on the world stage.
Prior to stage 1, I outlined to the riders the requirements for conversion: We would be successful when we raced in the front third of the peloton. We would be successful when we animated the race. We would be successful when we controlled the controllables and when we overcame the obstacles.
Ignite staff were dedicated to supporting our athletes in converting their race craft, enabling them to excel in high-level events and ultimately perform at their best individually, as well as a team. This process of conversion comes to fruition when they gain ample exposure to challenging competitions, equipping them to harness their abilities effectively. Not only does conversion embody our approach to racing, but it also underscores the remarkable potential of our young cyclists as they continue to rise to new heights.
Jack Harris, one of our talented first year riders, exemplifies the true essence of converting process into performance. His selection to attend the Ireland project is a testament to his dedication. Jack continues to hone his skills and embrace a growth mindset, constantly seeking opportunities to improve and convert development to performance.
In the Tour of Ireland, my main goals were to win the white jersey, the best young rider award. In Stage 1, I sprinted for a 26th result, securing the same time as the white jersey. Stage 2 saw my legs feeling strong, and I was very competitive amongst other first year riders. Stage 3, I stayed in the top 10 throughout the day. However, a crash on Stage 5 taught me how quickly things can change in a race. Stage 6, despite feeling banged up, I continued my attacks, my counter moves and supported Hudson's overall GC bid for the Yellow. This race has been a valuable experience, and I feel more prepared for upcoming Euro blocks, hoping it will lead to some race victories. P.S. I came very close to winning the White Jersey!
-Jack Harris
Last but not least, I've always believed in a ‘culminating’ approach to developing racers, rather than just throwing them into the deep end with a sink-or-swim mentality. At the Junior level, our team adopts a progressive strategy: we start with club races, introduce training camps then move on to provincial events. Each success builds on the lessons learned, propelling us to the next level. We've raced at Canadian National Championships as well as south of the border. Crossing the Atlantic was yet another milestone. Our journey will culminate with Belgium Kermesse racing, a Switzerland stage race, a high level US stage race, and a UCI Nations Cup event in September. Later this season, two of our riders will also represent Canada in the track World Championships. This thoughtful and gradual approach ensures our riders are well-prepared for the challenges they'll face as they progress in their cycling careers.
Charles Bergeron, a second-year athlete, exemplifies the power of culminating experiences in preparation for the most significant event of his career. His journey began with track racing during the winter months at the Mattamy Cycling Center with the NCIM, complemented by a February training camp in Arizona to boost his aerobic capacity. Following the track season, the Ignite program filled the gap with a full slate of developmental racing in the spring months. South of the border, Charles won the Tour of North Georgia. He then made an impressive challenge for the Canadian National Time Trial title. As the Junior Tour of Ireland approached, Charles was fully prepared to take on a high-level European race. Against a strong peloton, he placed a close second on the first stage and went on to win the overall King of the Mountains Classification. Now, in the culminating format we take to development, we are thrilled to announce that Charles Bergeron will represent Canada at the Road World Championships in Scotland! On August 5th, please keep an eye on our social media as we track Charles’ attempt to make history at the Junior level of cycling.
As always, I hope these small insights into Canadian Junior cycling are insightful and provide some context for the Ignite Junior Cycling Platform. We could never be attempting these lofty goals without the support from community sponsorship. Thanks to all those involved in this project.
