Bicycle Racer - A Primer For Parents

 

 

So your child wants to be a bike racer!

Your child will join millions of cycling enthusiasts in a sport that not only is recognized internationally as a healthful recreational activity, but also boasts amateur and professional competitions held throughout the world. "This United States Cycling Federation Parent Handbook will answer some basic questions and give you a good working knowledge of bicycle racing. But this is merely an introduction to this exciting sport.  For additional information, you should contact your USCF District Representative, your Regional Coach or the USCF Headquarters. Their addresses are listed in an insert to this booklet. Suggested reading material can be found in the back of the booklet.

The benefits your child will derive from bicycle racing will last a lifetime. Cycling improves agility and coordination, and to be used to maintain physical fitness throughout life. Your child will learn the (skills necessary for good bicycle handling and racing, managing time, and participating safely in training and competition. our child also will develop good sportsmanship, self-confidence and discipline while enjoying the camaraderie unique to cyclists; many cycling pals become lifelong friends.

Children begin bicycle racing to have fun. The following pages will help you to help them achieve this goal. Not every 'cyclist becomes a world champion, but everyone gains from the cycling experience – including the parents who support the racers. It is important to ask questions of your coaches, officials and fellow parents, for with the right attitude and a good understanding of what is involved, everyone will have the best possible experience in competitive cycling.

USCF Competitor’s License

Athletes who wish to compete in USCF races should obtain a rider’s license. Applications are available through your area’s USCF District Representative, at most bike shops dealing with racing equipment, or by calling the USCF at 719-578-4581.

 

• Having a license entitles you to the following:

• The opportunity to compete in USCF-sanctioned, age-graded races.

• The USCF publication Cycling USA (includes calendar of events, race results and reviews of upcoming major races).

• The “USCF Rules of Bicycle Racing” pamphlet.

• Information on training camps and regional clinics.

• Program support through USCF Club membership.

• Championship events (regional and national.

 

The Governing Body

The United States Cycling Federation is the national governing body for competitive road and track cycling development in the United States – part of the umbrella organization that represents cycling to the United States Olympic Committee and the International Cycling Union, and that, trains and fields the U.S. teams which compete in international competitions, such as the Olympic Games.  The National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA) governs mountain-bike racing, while the National Collegiate Cycling Association (NCCA) oversees collegiate competition.  Affiliated organizations include the International Human Powered Vehicle Association (IHPVA) and the National Bicycle League (NBL), a BMX association.

The Federation serves a national membership that includes people of both sexes, all ages, and every level of ability, from beginners to members of the U.S. National Team.  The USCF organizes development clinics and training camps, trains officials, educates coaches, oversees technical aspects of racing, and maintains bicycle-safety standards.

The licensees elect the USCF Board of Trustees, which sets Federation policies and procedures.  Federation business – coaching, administration, research, event planning and management, race and club organization and media/public relations – is conducted by a paid professional staff.

The USCF supports a network of District Representatives (see the list of District Representatives for the one in your area) that serves 1,100 member clubs and 35,000 licensed riders.  Your DR is your source of race information.  Get to know him or her (they usually can be found at races), and call with any questions.  If your DR doesn’t know the answer, he or she can direct you to someone who does.

The Member Club

The Member Clubs are the foundation of cycling activity in the United States.  They promote events for all racers, from beginners to experts, including training rides, races (including all USCF-sanctioned events) and social activities.

There are many advantages to joining a cycling club.  A well-established club will provide your child with training partners – perhaps even with a qualified coach – and is a good source of information on racing, training, and equipment.  A well-organized club will also have its training activities covered by USCF insurance.

Many cycling clubs include programs for other sports, such as cross-county skiing, speed skating and triathlon.  Young athletes should participate in a variety of sporting activities to avoid “burnout” and stay in shape during the off-season. If there are several clubs in your area, check with a representative of each to determine of each to determine which would be best for your child.

Parental involvement

Here are a Few suggestions for helping your child get the most out of bike racing:

• Encourage your child’s participation and interest in bicycle racing.

• Join a local club (or start one).

• Attend local races.

• Support and praise the racers for the efforts they put into their training and competition.

• Go on bicycle rides together or as a family.

• Help your child set and achieve goals (the No. 1 goal of every cyclist should be to have fun!).  When setting goals, an important maxim to keep in mind is:  “Doing your best is more important than being the best.”

• Immediate goals:  what to do today.

• Short-term goals:  what to do this week or this month.

• Long-term goals:  what to do this year and afterward.  Long-term goals keep the sport fun and ensure that life doesn’t end with victory or defeat every weekend.  Your child can do his or her best and know that, regardless of the results on a certain day, he or she will be getting closer to something much bigger.

• Encourage your child to keep a daily log.  Recording the little victories and daily progress can be a great motivational tool.  Keeping a log will provide valuable self-knowledge for your child, including which activities will help accomplish his or her goals.  Some suggestions for what to include in a daily log include:  morning heart rate; duration and distance of the daily ride; the type of workout (interval, endurance, sprint, tempo); terrain or facility used (hilly road ride, velodrome); how you felt (strong, fast, tired); what you did before the race; how you warmed up; what you had for breakfast.  Many top athletes use intricate log books to record and analyze all aspects of every workout and race.

• Work with your child’s coach.  It helps to know what your child is doing so that you may provide the necessary support, whether it be simple encouragement or actual assistance during training sessions.

• Provide transportation to practice and races.

• Provide well-balanced meals.
   

Shorts and tights
The best type are lightweight stretch shorts that allow ease of leg and hip movement, and have a reinforced crotch of chamois or synthetics to reduce chafing.  They can be any color; however, black is often the color of choice because it hides grease and soil stains.  Full-length tights should be worn in cooler weather (below 60 degrees), and must fit snugly around the lower leg, not interfering with the chain.

Gloves
Gloves (short-fingered for warm weather and long-fingered for cold weather) help absorb road shock and prevent numbness and blisters.  In the event of a fall, gloves will protect the hand from scrapes.  Skilled riders can use gloves to brush away potentially puncturing debris on the tires.
 

Jersey
The name comes from the knitted fabrics once used for cycling tops.  Today the fabrics tend to be synthetic, such as Lycra and polypropylene, which fit snugly to the body, wick away perspiration, help maintain optimum body temperature, wash easily, dry quickly, and are very durable.  Bright colors are recommended for better visibility.

Glasses – They protect the eyes from airborne debris caused by winds or passing cars, and they can also guard against damage from ultraviolet radiation.

 

Racing disciplines

...road events

• Individual road race – These are mass-start events that take place on public roads.  They can be long loops of 5 to 25 miles (circuits) that are ridden for several laps; point-to-point events that begin in one location and end in another; or stage races (a series of races conducted over several days in which the winner is the rider with the lowest overall elapsed time or the most accumulated points).

• Criterium – The most common form of American racing, the criterium is a multilap race held on a closed course, generally an out-and-back route with a single turnaround.  In the team time trial, teammates work together to cover a designated distance as quickly as possible, alternately rotating through the lead position and resting in the draft.

 

…track events

Races are held on a banked velodrome and require a special bike with a single cog fixed wheel.  As in road racing, cyclists can compete against each other or race alone against the clock.

• Mass-start race – A race in which all riders start from the same point at the same time.  The race is run over a specified number of laps ands the riders classified according to the order in which they cross the line on the final lap.

• Match sprint – This two- to the three-lap race matches two to four riders against each other, and the first one to cross the finish lines is the winner.  Riders are seeded based on a time trial of 200 meters.

• Individual pursuit – A race between two riders starting at opposite sides of the track and ending when one rider catches the other or a certain distance covered.  (The Juniors’ distances are 3000 meters for men and 2000 for women)  The rider who catches the other or covers the distance in the shortest time is the winner.

• Points race – A massed rolling start in which sprints for points are held on certain laps, as designated by the organizer, usually every five laps.  In each sprint, the first four riders will normally be awarded points in order of finish as follows: 5 points, 3 points, 2 points, 1 point.  The number of points will usually be doubled on the sprint nearest the midpoint of the race and on the final sprint.

 

…mountain bike events

Mountain bike races are sanctioned by the National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA).  As in road racing, most NORBA events offer Citizen categories for newcomers, but if your child enjoys this type of racing, he or she should obtain a NORBA rider’s license (sorry, but a USCF license isn’t acceptable).  Applications are available at bike shops or by calling NORBA (719/578-4717)

A NORBA license entitles you to the following:

• The opportunity to compete in NORBA-sanctioned, age-graded races.

• The NORBA publication NORBA News (includes calendar of events).

• The NORBA Competition Guide.

• Information on training camps and clinics.

• Championship events.

Like road racing, mountain biking offers a variety of racing disciplines, including:

• Cross Country -These mass-start competitions generally are multilap events held on circuit courses comprising forest roads, field trails, and unpaved dirt or gravel roads (though a minimal amount of pavement appears from time-to-time).  Point-to-point competitions use a course that runs from one point to another.

• Hill Climb – A timed race of sustained climbing that can be either a mass-start or a time-trial event.

• Downhill – An individual time trial of sustained descending in which racers start in timed intervals.

• Dual Slalom – This head-to-head downhill race borrows its name and style from ski racing, forcing cyclists to race against each other on a two-lane downhill course with slalom gates.

• Stage races – As in road racing, these are a series of races conducted over several days in which the winner is the rider with the lowest overall elapsed time or the most accumulated points.

• Observed trials – Events conducted over an obstacle course (parked cars, picnic tables).  Riders attempt to “clean” each section without “dabbing” or putting down a foot or hand.  The winner is the rider with the fewest dabs.

• Ultra-endurance – Any event over 75 miles.

Cyclo-cross events
Cyclo-cross, developed in the 1950’s as an off-season training sport for European road racers, today is a fall and winter sport with its own district, national and world championships.

The multilap races use closed courses, generally a mile or less in length, that blend paved sections with dirt roads, off-road trails and pathways.  Barriers placed throughout the course force the riders to dismount at speed and shoulder their bikes for brief running sections, generally uphill.

The true cyclo-cross bike resembles a lightweight road-racing machine, with narrow 700c wheels and dropped handlebars, but adds a more relaxed geometry, bar-end shifters and the knobby tires and cantilever associated with mountain bikes (mountain bikes also are legal in American cyclo-cross).

Coaches
Every licensed USCF coach has passed a certification exam for coaching at particular level (sport, elite, or expert). Every licensed USCF coach has a Red Cross CPR and Emergency First Aid Certificate. A list of USCF Regional Coaches with phone numbers and states each is responsible for is included.  Please call the appropriate person for coaching questions – including how to become a USCF coach yourself.

Safety

Accidents happen – however, a large percentage can be avoided or rendered less severe by observing the following guidelines:

• Wear a helmet!

• Be visible.

• Ride defensively, and anticipate other’s mistakes.

• Use proper equipment that is well maintained.

• Be predictable.

• Obey all traffic laws.

Racing seasons vary according to geographical location.  In Florida and California, the season begins sooner and ends later than in the northern states.  Racing calendars that list dates, locations and contacts for all races in a particular area for a season are generally published in some sort of a regional cycling newsletter, which is sent to clubs, bike shops and licensed or subscribing riders.  Many race directors also advertise in cycling publications, including Cycling USA, the USCF’s monthly publication; NORBA News, NORBA’s monthly newspaper; and VeloNews, the American racing “bible,” which is published 18 times a year.

In order to race in a USCF-category race, a rider must have and be able to show on a race day a current USCF license.  Some riders prefer to “get their feet wet” in Citizen races, which are more informal and generally shorter than events for licensees.  But it’s wise to enter USCF events as soon as your rider feels comfortable – the racing is usually safer and better, and there are usually more age-category divisions.

Pre-registration (and pre-payment) is appreciated by harried race organizers, most of whom are amateur racers and club members like your child rather than professional event promoters.  It also saves a racer time on race day.  But in most cases, race-day registration is available for an additional charge.  Check the race flyer to be sure.

All racers should consult a checklist for equipment, clothing and supplies while preparing for an event (pack the day or evening before the race, not on race day).  Each rider will eventually develop an individual list of “must have” items, but most will include the following:

• Equipment – Bike, floor pump, basic tools, extra tubes or sewup tires, and water bottles.  As your child becomes more serious about racing, he or she may want to include a lightweight set of racing wheels to be swapped for the heavier training wheels as start of racing approaches (the training wheels can go in to a support vehicle, which follows the racers in case they have a flat or other mechanical problem).

• Clothing – Helmet, sunglasses, jersey, shorts, short-fingered gloves, socks, shoes.  Some riders like a T-shirt underneath the jersey for additional warmth (and protection in the event of a spill).  Depending upon the weather, your racer may need additional clothing, including a long-fingered gloves, a cycling cap and rain gear.  For after the race, riders should bring a complete change of clothing.  Personal hygiene dictates that cycling shorts be worn only when riding, and wet clothing should be removed immediately after a race to prevent chilling.

• Other – Sunscreen, food, cold water and fluid-replacement drinks or mix for after any race (and for during long events).
   

Race Day

A written pre-race schedule, which is developed by working backward from the actual start time and listing everything that must be done before the gun goes off, can be very helpful for the beginner.  It allows the rider to focus on the race and avoid being distracted by panic situations and missed starts.  A schedule should include:

Pre-race:

• Arrive at race site 90 minutes before start time.

• Go to registration table. If pre-registered, pick up numbers and safety pins. Ask where the officials want the numbers pinned.

• If not pre-registered, present license, pay fee, get numbers

• Prepare bike (pump tires, inpect brakes, etc.)

Bathroom stop(s) in designated areas only. Riders relieving themselves inappropriately give the sport and its athletes a bad name – and often prompt complaints that lead to race cancellations.

• Fill water bottles and drink copiously – before, during and after the race.

• Change into race clothing.

• Warm up.

• Arrive at start line five to 10 minutes before the start of the race

• Do your best, observe and learn.

• Post-race

• Change clothes.

• Drink water or fluid-replacement drinks.

• Eat.  Consuming carbohydrates within 15 minutes of an event helps speed recovery.

• Think about the race while waiting for results to be posted.  What did you learn?  How will you race “smarter” next time?  Rehash the event with teammates, your coach and other riders.

• Congratulate yourself for entering and finishing.
  Plan your next race.

Junior Gear Limits

Gear limits, or gear restrictions, have been a source of confusion and frustration for Junior racers and their parents for years.  (For a complete explanation, please refer to “Junior Gear Limits” in the index of “USCF Rules of Bicycle Racing,” which was included with your child’s racing license.)

In essence, gear restrictions for Juniors were established to protect the knees of young athletes who are still at a critical stage of physical development.  The rule keeps them from riding in a difficult gear that could exert undue stress on their knees – at least, in races – by establishing a maximum “roll-out” distance, or how far the bike travels in one complete pedal revolution.  This depends on the size and combination of gears on the bike.  Stated gear combinations, such as 53x14 (chainring/rear cog), are not adequate due to variations in the size and inflation of tires, size of wheels, and bike frame angle.  The only way to determine whether a person has a proscribed rollout is to conduct a rollout:

• Put the bike in its largest gear (biggest chainring/smallest rear cog).  Pick it up, without the rider, and place it on the pavement with one pedal down and that crankarm perpendicular to the ground.
• Mark the spot directly beneath that pedal.
• Measure the distance between the two marks. This distance equals the gear roll-out.

If the bike exceeds the prescribed distance, a coach or mechanic can tell you which gear combination will meet the requirement.

 

Cycling Terms

Attack
Sudden acceleration to elude other riders.

Break, breakaway
A rider or group of riders trying to escape the main pack.

Chase, chase group
Riders trying to catch a breakaway.

Clincher
Tire with a detachable inner tube.

Club, Member Club Member
Group of riders licensed and registered with the USCF.

Criterium
Multilap event on a course one mile or less in length.

Derailleur
Mechanism that moves the chain from gear to another.

District Representative
Controls and administers events in a district.

Drafting
Riding in the slipstream created by another rider or riders.  Drafting enables a rider to ride faster with less effort.

Drop
To ride away from a rider or group, usually in decisive fashion “on the drops,” the lower portion of a road bike’s handlebars.

Dude
You, dude.

Echelon
Formation in which the cyclists angle themselves across the road in order to get the maximum draft in a cross wind.

Field
Main group of riders, also called pack, bunch, or peloton.

Gap
Distance between individuals or groups; as a verb, to open distance between riders or groups.

Jump
Quick acceleration, usually as part of a sprint.

Licensee
Cyclist who has a USCF rider’s license.

Mass start
Any race in which all competitors start at the same time.

Miss-and-out
Type of track race in which the last rider to complete each of the assigned laps is eliminated.  The winner is the last rider on the track.

Paceline
Line of riders who share turns in the lead position.

Pole Line
Innermost line on a velodrome surface, used to measure the length of the track (usually 333.33 meters)

Prime
Pronounced Preem, this is a sprint within a race, for points or prizes.

Sewup
Tire in which the tube is sewn inside the tire, making a single unit that is glued to a wheel’s rim.  Also called a “tubular” or “tub.”

Stage Race
Event involving a series of races over several days.  The winner is determined by lowest overall time or points.

Velodrome
Banked bicycle racing track, wither indoor or outdoor.  They are made of wood or harder surfaces like concrete and can measure in circumference from about 150 meters to 500 meters with the average 333-meter oval the most popular size.

USA Cycling Web Site 
NORBA Rule Book 
USCF Rule Book 
Standard Race Release Form 

 

 

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