Juniors

Illawarra Cycle Club is pleased to have strong support for the Junior cycling community.

We believe that track cycling provides a safe way for children to gain important skills and fitness which will assist them on bike paths and on the road – as well as the potential for a whole new sport. Our club is fortunate to have the licence to use and manage the Wollongong City Council-owned Velodrome Illawarra in Lindsay Maynes Park on the Princes Highway at Unanderra, a 270 metre oval concrete track with just enough banking at either end to make it interesting, but not so great that it is frightening for our littlest riders.

For children who can already ride a bicycle, learning to ride a dedicated track bike – with a single gear, a fixed wheel and drop handlebars – can be a simple progression. We have a number of accredited coaches who particularly enjoy working with children and our junior coaches do not charge for their services.

We have a number of small club bikes available which suit children aged 6-15 years so they can have a try at the track/skills sessions after school – held on the first Wednesday of the month (4-5.30pm).

An AusCycling ‘Race All Discipline’ membership is required for riders who continue to participate in training sessions.

As children progress and may decide to join the free training /coaching programs we offer, we and the other parents can help source bikes for them to borrow or buy, provide advice on gearing, and welcome them into our summer Wednesday night racing program.

From there, our very active junior group enjoys traveling to compete at carnivals with neighboring clubs including Sydney, Canberra, Wagga, Goulburn, Newcastle and also for country NSW, and even national championships.For details of the Wednesday sessions, contact Kate Williams at kate@illawarracycleclub.org.au

Junior racing and participation is also included as part of our regular Criterium races and club road races. An AusCycling ‘Race All Discipline’ membership is required for any riders participating in these races.

ICC Club Coach Gary Mandy also welcomes juniors to his weekly Tuesday club training session, starting at 5.30pm. For details, email gmandy@bigbond.net.au. Children attending the Tuesday sessions need to have Cycling Australia License and complete a track induction, which can be provided by any of the Club’s Cycling Australia accredited coaches.