YOUTH RACES AND RIDER COACHES

Many clubs have some of their experienced adult riders act as coaches to the youth members. this is a great way to fast -track the skills development for the kids. However, there is an appropriate way to use this.  In some instances, the rider coaches have actually ridden with the youngsters in races. This is a definite "No-no!" In any competition situation, there should not be anyone in the group who is not actually entered in the event. This can materially affect the result and is also a big threat to safety.  The only time when coaches should be actually riding together with their proteges is in a session specifically set up for skills development. For example, if a course has been prepared for a criterium, the youth riders can ride with their coach(es) on the circuit before the racing starts to practice cornering, pace line drills, sprints and breakaway attempts.  During the senior race, rather than chatting or even leaving, they should be on the sidelines with their mentors, watching the experienced riders and discussing what they observe.