Youth
We believe in the next generation of cyclists, and we want to help them reach their true potential.
Youth Coaching
The 2025-2026 season was a great year for our young riders. In the Central Cyclo-cross League we took a first and a second place overall, backed up by strong results right across the open categories.
2025-2026 season results
- 🥇 Pippa – 1st Overall, Girls Under 10
- 🥈 Evie – 2nd Overall, Girls Under 8
There were also some brilliant performances across the Open categories:
- Oscar – 4th (Open U8)
- Freddie – 5th (Open U8)
- Jack – 5th (Open U10)
- Hugo – 6th (Open U10)
- Barnaby – 6th (Open U12)
- Orryn – 7th (Open U12)
- Poppy – 8th (Girls U12)
- Maximillian – 8th (Open U12)
- Barney – 9th (Open U14)
We are now organising our fourth 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 grass track racing.
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.
Disciplines
Cyclo-cross
Cyclo-cross (CX) combines the best of road and mountain biking on undulating terrain featuring wet and dry sections, mud, and sand. Riders use bicycles that look like road bikes with drop bars, challenging their skills of speed, balance, and bike handling. This exciting discipline includes dismounting and remounting techniques, as riders navigate obstacles and carry their bikes over barriers. As the season progresses, riders tackle increasingly challenging conditions, with rain, wind, and mud being embraced as part of the adventure.
Term dates: 5th September - 12th December 2026
Cross-Country Mountain Biking
Cross country mountain biking (XC MTB) takes our riders onto challenging off-road trails and forest paths. This discipline builds excellent bike handling skills as riders navigate roots, rocks, and varying terrain conditions. XC MTB is particularly accessible because the bikes used are similar to the ones that most adults and young riders already own. Our riders develop climbing techniques, descending confidence, and the ability to read and adapt to changing trail conditions.
Term dates: 9th January - 20th March 2027
Grass Track Racing
Grass track racing takes place on a marked circuit on grass and is one of the most accessible ways into bike racing. Races are short and punchy, so riders learn pacing, cornering at speed, drafting and sprint finishes without needing any specialist equipment. Because everything happens on a closed circuit at the recreation ground, it is a safe environment for young riders to build racecraft and confidence, and most children's bikes are perfectly suitable.
Term dates: 17th April - 17th July 2027
📅 2026-2027 Season Overview
| Term | Dates | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 5th September - 12th December 2026 | Cyclo-cross (CX) |
| Term 2 | 9th January - 20th March 2027 | Cross-Country Mountain Bike (XC MTB) |
| Term 3 | 17th April - 17th July 2027 | Grass Track Racing |
📅 Complete Schedule & Important Information
Get the full details including competition dates, holiday breaks, registration information, and more. Our comprehensive schedule page includes everything you need to know about the 2026-2027 season.
View Full Term Dates & Schedule →Frequently asked questions
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 register interest 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.
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.
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.
