The Alberta Bicycle Association is excited to announce the extension of our newest, most exciting youth racing program - Trailblazers Youth Racing - into the discipline of Cyclocross.

Starting Monday August 25th, the ABA will be offering FREE cyclocross coaching clinics for all youth aged 5 to 16, paired with a regularly scheduled United Cycle Tuesday Night Cross race. This program will be piloted in the Capital Region for 2014, with hopes of extending to other regions of the province in future seasons. All participating youth will have access to a FREE two hour coaching clinic instructed by Shaun Adamson, a local NCCP-certified Cycle-Smart coach & athlete. Free coaching nights will run from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday August 25th and Monday September 8th at Capilano Park in Edmonton. All those participating in the coaching clinics must be ABA General Members at minimum. Following each of the Monday night coaching sessions, athletes will be encouraged to try out a regularly scheduled United Cycle Tuesday Night cross race complete with Trailblazers Youth Racing categories. As with all other Tuesday Night cross events, cost to enter will be $5 (cash, on site) and all non-ABA member youth participants will be required to fill out a single event license on-site. 

August 25-26, 2014
Event Poster
Coaching:
Monday August 25th
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Capilano Park, Edmonton
Cost: FREE
Racing:
Tuesday August 26th
5:15pm sign-on
Capilano Park, Edmonton
Cost: $5 (cash, on-site)

September 8-9, 2014
Event Poster
Coaching:
Monday September 8th
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Capilano Park, Edmonton
Cost: FREE
Racing:
Tuesday September 9th
5:15pm sign-on
Capilano Park, Edmonton
Cost: $5 (cash, on-site)

FAQs

What is cyclocross racing?
Check out a great video explanation at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWY7rRxIs8s

Does my child need a cyclocross bike to participate?
No - participants may use any good working bicycle that may have been used in any of the Trailblazers Youth Racing Mountain Bike Events. All riders should come prepared to the events with a (treaded tire) bicycle in good working condition, proper helmet, footwear appropriate for periods of running & water.

Does my child need to have prior experience in the discipline of cyclocross to attend?
No - the Trailblazers Youth Racing program is meant as a means to introduce youth into racing. With that said, we strongly encourage all participants to take advantage of the August 25 & September 8 coaching clinics to learn the basics before riding in the Tuesday Night cross event. 

Does my child need to have an ABA license to attend?
ALL participants in the free coaching clinics will need to be an ABA General member. This can be done by joining an ABA affiliated club, or by purchasing a Youth General Membership online prior to the course. All non-member youth participating in the Tuesday night cross event may take advantage of a special FREE Trailblazers Youth Racing single event license by filling out a waiver on-site. Reminder: youth may only take advantage of two free single event licenses throughout the course of the season. 

If you have any other questions or concerns regarding the Trailblazers Youth Racing Series, or would like to enquire further about Trailblazers for Cyclocross, contact Josh Peacock - ABA Lead Sport Coordinator - at josh@albertabicycle.ab.ca or (877)646-2453.