Back To News

Learn to Race Program Ready to Roll

Cycling BC is delivering adult skills development programs to create more welcoming, rewarding, and safer cycling experiences.

Cycling BC is excited to announce the launch of a pilot Adult Skills Development Program over the coming months. The program will consist of several Learn-to-Ride and Learn-to-Race opportunities for adults who want to take their cycling to the next level.

As a pilot program, rider participation will help inform how to develop this material to create more meaningful cycling experiences for everyone in the future.

In alignment with Cycling BC’s 2022-2024 strategic plan, the adult skills development programs will cater to Active for Life (Learn to Ride) and Competitive for Life (Learn to Race) participants.

This February 2022, Cycling BC is piloting the online educational components of two different Learn to Race programs. More Learn to Race and Learn to Ride events for various disciplines and levels will be announced later this spring. But these two pilots are being offered for now.

Learn to Race ROAD21

Learn to Race eRACING

More information about each of these programs can be found at the bottom of the page.

The Learn to Race programs will help riders apply cycling skills in a group setting, perfect for members pursuing their first mass-start event or planning to move up race categories. The learning outcomes of the programs are specifically designed to match the skills and tactics necessary to participate in mass-start events or specific race categories safely.

Each program includes five 1-hour modules delivered on a single day or over numerous days. The online education component of the program includes facilitated online video calls or pre-recorded video resources (currently in development).

Riders who successfully complete these programs may be eligible to receive category upgrade points.

Learn to Race Programs
Program Name Level General Focus Note
ROAD54 7 Pack Etiquette
ROAD43 8 Corner & Sprint
ROAD32 9 Teamwork
ROAD21 10 Caravan Required for upgrade

Note: The numbers beside the program name refers to the current race category/target race category (eg. ROAD54 is for a rider in Cat 5 targeting to move to Cat 4)

Learn to Race ROAD21

Designed for CATEGORY 2 road racers preparing to upgrade and compete in CATEGORY 1, this program includes five 1-hour outdoor modules, preceded by an online educational session. In support of safe competition and to prepare Cycling BC members for the challenges in higher-level racing, this clinic is an upgrade REQUIREMENT and worth 5 of the necessary 30 points to move from Cat 2 to Cat 1.

Here are some more details about the educational component of the Learn to Race ROAD21 pilot.

Date: Thursday, February 3, 2022
Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm
Location: Online (using Telus BUSINESS CONNECT software)

The outdoor in-person component will take place on a Saturday in March 2022 (exact dates TBD) and pending any BC Public Health Order restrictions.

Only riders who complete both the online education session and the outdoor clinic are eligible to receive upgrade points.

Registration: FREE to all current Cycling BC members in Road Cat 1,2,3
Please note that while Cat 3 riders may attend, the learning outcomes are specific and tailored to riders preparing for elite and professional road races (i.e. Cat 2 riders targeting an upgrade to Cat 1)

Topics Covered:

  • Feeding from the car
  • Caravan
  • Echelon
  • Nature Breaks
  • Pack Etiquette
  • Social media and image
  • Race Dynamics, break composition, differences between criteriums and kermesse, race flow/speed during breakaway establish/middle of race/catch break.
  • Participants are welcome to request topics of interest during registration and submit a post-end survey to help us design the learning outcomes and activities during the remainder of the calendar year.

 Learn to Race ROAD21 Program Facilitators:

  • Claire Cameron, Olympian & Teacher
  • Tristen Chernove, Para-Olympic Gold Medalist
  • Ben Chaddock, Cycling BC Head of Coach Development
  • Matt Usborne, Cycling BC Provincial Road Coach

Learn to Race eRACING

Designed for any Cycling BC members who wish to optimize their online racing experience. Our speakers are well-versed in the online racing environment and look forward to sharing their comprehensive tips and insights.

Date: Monday, February 7, 2022
Time:  6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Online (using Telus BUSINESS CONNECT software)

Registration: FREE to all current Cycling BC members

Topics Covered:

  • Technology
  • Setup
  • Warmup
  • Tactics
  • Participants are welcome to request topics of interest during registration and submit a post-end survey to help us design the learning outcomes and activities during the remainder of the calendar year.

Learn to Race eRacing Program Facilitators:

  • Claire Cameron, Olympian & Teacher
  • Tristen Chernove, Para-Olympic Gold Medalist
  • Matt Usborne, Cycling BC Provincial Road Coach