Claydon Cycling Club Logo
Claydon Cycling Club Logo
Young cyclists starting a sportive. They are cycling on a grass course.

Youth

We believe in the next generation of cyclists, and we want to help them reach their true potential.

Youth Coaching

In 2024 we had a very successful start to our youth coaching program. We had 27 new riders attend our course and we secured 6 podiums, a first place in the Youth Circuit League and second in the Central Cyclo-cross league.

We are now organising our second year of youth coaching and will be continuing with our 60 minute training sessions every Saturday at 9am at Steeple Claydon Recreational Ground. These sessions will include learning to slalom cycle, hill climb, limbo and other techniques used in Cyclocross, XC Mountain biking and Trial biking.

This is a term-time program. Riders must be between 6 - 17 on the first day of the season. Attendees must be able to cycle already. Whilst it is not a requirement, parents and guardians are encouraged to stay and watch from the pavilion. Cycling, good coffee and hydration goes hand in hand, therefore hot drinks and water are available for spectators and riders.

A season with us is £85. We can accept riders throughout the year, and the price is reduced per term to reflect that. Don't pay now though. Come and try us out and see if you like it. The money goes towards the rental of the grounds and the equipment we buy and build.

We also take part in competition cycling, so when competitions are held on a Saturday, we'll be at those events. If competitions are on Sundays then we hold pre-race training on the Saturday.

NEW Term dates (2024-2025)

TermDatesDiscipline
Term 17th September - 19th OctoberCyclo-cross
Term 29th November - 14th DecemberCyclo-cross
Term 311th January - 8th FebruaryCross-Country Mountain Bike
Term 41st March - 29rd MarchCross-Country Mountain Bike
Term 526th April - 17th MayTrial Bikes and Ramps
Term 67th June - 19th JulyTrial Bikes and Ramps

Disciplines

Cyclo-cross

Cyclo-cross (CX) is an undulating terrain of wet and dry, mud and sand. Usually ridden on bicycles that look like road bicycles, with drop bars, the riders are challenging their skills of speed and balance. As the season progresses you can expect to see riders tackle tougher conditions, with rain and wind being embraced by all.

Cross country mountain biking

Cross country mountain biking (XC MTB) is similar to CX with off-road terrain. What we like the most about XC MTB is that the cycles used are similar to the ones that most adults and young riders own.

Trials and Ramps

After all the mud, and when the ground dries up, we love to show off our track stands, balance and some extra bike magic. The skills involved help to improve riding for the previous two styles of riding. This involves a lot of equipment, and we are always adding to our range. This includes rollers, seesaws, ramps and bridges. Then there's the limbo, our most popular piece of equipment. Our young riders love playing limbo to see how low they can be riding through.

How do we get started?

If you would like to take part, want more information or have questions you would like to ask, please feel free to message us on Facebook, Instagram or email us.

Parental consent forms are required to attend. Click the join now button at the top of the page to access this form. Please read the terms & conditions for taking part in this course.

Being a member of British Cycling gives you public liability insurance, a race licence for entering events and membership discounts from major retailers.

Frequently asked questions

Do you ride in all weathers?

Yes we do. Unless it's a biblical downpour, the weather is below 3 celcius or above 25 celcius, we ride. We would recommend bringing some dry clothing to change into afterwards.

Do I have to pay for the whole year?

Coaching is an annual membership. If you join after the season starts then we offer a lower price for the remainder of the year, but any subsequent seasons will be at the full price. This helps to cover the costs we have to commit to with the land owners, insurance providers and any equipment we purchase

Do we need to buy club kit?

We love to promote the team feeling. Our young riders ask for club kit and we work hard to get the best quality garments from our suppliers. That's why we can offer such good prices. Riders don't have to wear a club kit, but we do ask that any other kit worn is plain and not from another club as this causes confusion, especially at competitive events.

Why do you race?

Just like every other sport, practicing is fun, but we need something to practice for. Competition is super fun and the sportsmanship and experience is amazing, with adults standing on the sidelines clanging their cowbells and applauding every rider.

Can we use any bicycle?

Our training can be done on most children's bikes, but for the best experience we suggest using cyclo-cross specific bikes for cyclo-cross training and race sessions and a good quality mountain bike for the Cross-country and skills seasons. We have a selection of loan bikes we can offer out for short term demonstration, but we ask for them to be returned in as good as or better condition as they were offered to you. Speak to a coach if you'd like to find out more.

Why do you provide free tea & coffee?

As cyclists, we love tea and coffee. Whilst it's too early for cake, we like to encourage parents and guardians to stay and watch, and so we are happy to share the love for some freshly brewed goodness.

Central Cyclo-cross League 2024

We will be taking part in the Central Cyclo-cross league. These races happen in the Central region, and are early starts for youth riders. We have had great feedback from current riders about these events, and we have a team ready to start the upcoming season. Entries are £3 for under 10, £7 for under 16s and £11 for under 18s. Season affiliation is £6 for under 16s and £10 for over 16s. This is a one off payment for the whole season.

Make sure you have a British Cycling profile so you can sign up for the rides. We have been given free British Cycling membership for every rider under 16 (and discounted for 16+ riders) for for their first year. You can sign up here. Discount isn't applied until the last screen so go all the way through to the end to see the final discounted price.

LocationOrganising ClubDate
MK Bowl, Milton KeynesTeamMKSun 15th Sept 2024
Blackpit Brewery, SilverstoneZiggurat RacingSat 21st Sept 2024
Campbell Park, Milton KeynesVelobantsSat 28th Sept 2024
Wheatley Park School, WheatleyBicester MilleniumSun 6th Oct 2024
Gadebridge Park, Hemel HempsteadHHCCSun 13th Oct 2024
Delapre Abbey, NorthamptonNorthants SportSun 20th Oct 2024
Bedfont Lakes, HounslowKingston WheelersSun 27th Oct 2024
MK Bowl, Milton KeynesEquipe VeloSat 2nd Nov 2024
Whipsnade, DunstableLBRCCSun 10th Nov 2024
Glebe Park, CorbyRockingham WheelersSun 17th Nov 2024
TBC Sun 24th Nov 2024
Ashlyns School, BerkhamstedVerulam CCSun 1st Dec 2024