Youth teams are now forming in West Hartford and across Connecticut.
Submitted
The CT Cycling Advancement Program (CCAP), a three-time USA Cycling Center of Excellence program, is forming youth/teen mountain bike teams throughout the state.
The teams will begin practices April 1, weather and trail conditions permitting, and continue for at least 10 weeks, or through mid-June. All teams will provide the opportunity for young riders of all skill levels to flourish in a supportive team-based environment, learn bike handling and racing skills as well as leadership and responsibility, and travel to local and regional cycling events.
Interested girls and boys age 9 to 18 and their parents can learn about the regional teams forming in each community right now and are encouraged to visit the website. CCAP’s mountain bike program give kids of all riding levels access to the sport of cycling.
Young riders will improve their riding skills, flourish in a positive team-based setting, and together explore local trails and regional cycling events. Racing is not required. For more information about joining a team, please contact Monika Stokes via [email protected].
Fees for the spring session are $275 per rider. All registered riders will be part of a coached youth team that meets twice a week for practices, and attends cycling events and races on the weekends. Each registered rider receives a team jersey, a USA Cycling racing license, and lots of encouragement and support from USA Cycling certified coaches.
All CCAP head coaches are licensed via USA Cycling, receive CPR training, are SafeSport certified and background checked. A well-fitting helmet and a mountain bike in good working condition are required.
“Youth mountain biking programs have been sprouting all over the country because they provide a great, safe pathway to cycling as well as local trail systems,” said CCAP’s Executive Director Jed Kornbluh, a West Hartford resident. “Kids in our program are learning team work, make new friends, and gain self-discipline and confidence all while riding their bikes. While racing is not required, those who choose to compete in our local Clif Dirt Cup Series will be genuinely cheered on by their fellow teammates. Racing is lots of fun and no one ever ‘sits on the bench.’ We invite everyone to join us for a Spring-time full of unforgettable adventures!”
2020 CLIF DIRT CUP MTB SERIES RACE CALENDAR
| Date | Day | Event | Location |
| April 5, 2020 | Sunday | Hop Brook MTB Race | Middlebury |
| April 25, 2020 | Saturday | Fat Tire Classic | Farmington |
| May 9, 2020 | Saturday | Hatchery Brook | Berlin |
| June 7, 2019 | Sunday | Belltown Throwdown – Finale | East Hampton |
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