Road skills for group riding and racing

LVYCC offers coaching sessions and riding opportunities for 6 to 18 year olds to enjoy cycling, socialise and enjoy the sport. We are part of the British Cycling organisation as an accredited Go-Ride club.

Our road cycling coaching sessions take place most Saturday mornings from 9.45 to 12.00, on the purpose-built circuit at Redbridge Cycling Centre, Forest Road, Hainault, IG6 3HP.

From April to September, we run midweek evening training sessions at Redbridge Cycling Centre. These sessions are aimed at U12, U14 and U16 riders who are training for road races.

The cost for each session is £5. All riders are required to sign on and pay prior to the session. Parents and guardians are required to remain on-site for the duration of the session.

Training sessions will focus on bike handling skills and techniques for riding in a group. Our riders are organised into groups based on their ability and experience. As the riders develop their skills, they can move between the different groups. Every group has at least one British Cycling coach and also has parent helpers.

Riders interested in racing will have opportunities to practice in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. We encourage young riders who want to train for racing and develop and support those who have the ability through to the British Cycling Talent Pathway.

Frequently asked questions

For these our road cycling sessions bikes should have drop handlebars and a range of gears. We have a mixed ability group for younger riders which is suitable for flat bar bikes, however if they want to progress into the race training sessions, they need to ride a bike with drop handlebars. If your child doesn’t have a suitable bike, one can be hired from the club.
Lycra or cycling specific clothing is not essential. Clothing should be comfy, suitable for the activity and not too baggy, to avoid it getting caught in your bike. Trainers are preferable, no open-toed shoes or sandals. All shoelaces must be tucked into shoes to avoid them getting caught in the chain and causing accidents. If you have cycling shoes with cleats (which lock the shoe to the pedal like ski boots lock onto skis) these are also suitable, provided you have compatible pedals. Always bring a waterproof top layer and layers of warm clothes in case of bad weather.
All riders need a cycle helmet in good condition: please bring one with you. If you don’t have one you can borrow one from the Cycling Centre. Helmets must fit properly and fasten under the chin and at the back of the head. Peaks must be removed from helmets for road riding.
Gloves or cycling mitts must be worn at all times when riding. Cycling glasses are recommended especially for off road, as branches can injure eyes.
British Cycling organises training sessions for Youth B (12–14), Youth A (14-16) and Junior (16–18) riders as part of the Talent Development pathway.
Development Centres focus on group training exercises and race drills. LVYCC coaches are involved in delivering these sessions. Winter training starts in October and runs weekly till March at Lee Valley Velopark then transfers to Redbridge Cycling Centre from April through the racing season.
Book via the British Cycling website.
Find out more about the British Cycling Talent Development Pathway.
We recommend you start with local circuit races. The following are the venues where there is regular youth racing - some are midweek rather than at the weekend so not always convenient for travelling.
LVYCC puts on regular races at Redbridge Cycle Centre IG6 3HP
Lee Valley Velopark at Stratford E20 3AB
Hillingdon Cycle circuit at Hayes UB4 0LP
Cyclopark at Gravesend DA11 7NP
Colchester Sports Park CO4 5YX
Herne Hill crit series SE 24 9HE (a more technical course using parts of the velodrome’s banking and tight corners) for more confident skilled riders.

Every child who races under British Cycling regulations must have a Racing licence. If you want to try it out first, you can pay for a day licence from the race organiser. It is always good to start off with a Go Race event as these are designed for novice racers.
To race regularly you will need a British Cycling membership and a race licence. New youth riders get their first licence free. Race memberships expire every December, so a new licence is required every January, regardless of when you joined.
A racing licence can be obtained through British Cycling, free for the first year for youth members of a go-ride club such as LVYCC. The licence runs from 1st Jan to 31st Dec each year.
- Youth A (U16): expires 31st Dec in the year they turn 16
- Youth B (U14): expires 31st Dec in the year they turn 14
- Youth C (U12): expires 31st Dec in the year they turn 12
- Youth D (U10): expires 31st Dec in the year they turn 10
- Youth E (U8): expires 31st Dec in the year they turn 8
There are gear restrictions for racing for all youth categories. This prevents young riders rider from pushing on too hard a gear which can cause injuries. This also helps riders develop a smooth, quick pedaling technique. It also creates a more even playing field within each age category.
Each age group has a gear restriction in the form of a ‘Rollback’ distance. This is the distance covered for one full revolution of the crank, in the bikes highest (fastest) gear. It might sound complicated, but isn't in reality. Ask the coaches and bike shed helpers for advice. There is a roll out line on the kerb by the bike shed for a basic gear check.
Gears must be blocked off for racing, but we encourage riders to train and ride on these gears all the time to get used to them.
Aim to arrive at least an hour before the start to orientate yourselves, get ready, sign on and warm up.
Take a photo of the race licence, so if it's left behind or forgotten there will be a suitable image to use at sign on. Until it arrives, take the British Cycling membership confirmation email instead.
Take food, drink and a change of clothes, cycling clothing, helmet, glasses, track pump, spare inner tubes and a supply of safety pins for your race numbers.
Typically when you get to the race venue you will need to first get your gears checked, then head to the signing-on desk, where you will be given your race number and a transponder (not all races use these) and cable ties. Ask how to pin the number on your jersey and which fork to attach your transponder to.
A full guide to Youth Circuit Racing from British cycling can be found here.