Youth Cycling

mhiggy09

Hi all.
I was wondering if anyone here knew anything about youth cycling, Does anyone know how the races work, Do u need to get a cycling Ireland licence and if u know any other info out would be nice to know.I would probably be in under 14 or 16 category.

wav1

Youth cycle races take place most weekends from late March until late August.
There are 3 x categorys U12 U14 and U16.NEXT YR FOR INSTANCE U16 will be for riders born in 1999 and 2000.Riders depending on their age group race on restricted gears to help develop and protect them.Yes you definitely need a licence and at youth level it would help to be attached to a club.Depending on what part of the country you live in there are clubs who have good youth sections.At that age its as much about enjoyment,development,and bike skills as it is about winning prizes,but theres space there for everyone.
Max racing distances also apply
U16 80KM
U14 30KM
U12 15KM

mhiggy09

Thanks for the info. I would be in under 14 then as I was born in 2001. I live in cavan and have 2 local clubs but don't think any have youth specific sections. Do u know anything more about the gears?

rab!dmonkey

The gear restriction only applies to road racing. The categories for under-18s (in order of descending age) are: junior, youth and juvenile. I think you will be in juvenile next year, no harm to ask the race organisers when entries open.

wav1

mhiggy09 wrote: »

Thanks for the info. I would be in under 14 then as I was born in 2001. I live in cavan and have 2 local clubs but don't think any have youth specific sections. Do u know anything more about the gears?

Gears for U14 are 6.54 metres rollout.which means the bike can travel a maximum of 6.54 metres for 1 complete revolution of the cranks.
It works out at 49 chainring on the front with a 16 sprocket on the back.There are other combinations of sprockets and chainrings which will get you just under the max.Simplest way is to mark out a 6.54 distance on the ground and experiment with different combinations.That can all be sorted before next March.Important thing now is to get fixed up with a club,enjoy riding your bike and hone the bike handling skills,and you'll be half ways there..Good luck to you.

wav1

rab!dmonkey wrote: »

The gear restriction only applies to road racing. The categories for under-18s (in order of descending age) are: junior, youth and juvenile. I think you will be in juvenile next year, no harm to ask the race organisers when entries open.

Any category below 16 yrs old is a youth category.

12 sprocket

mhiggy09 wrote: »

Hi all.
I was wondering if anyone here knew anything about youth cycling, Does anyone know how the races work, Do u need to get a cycling Ireland licence and if u know any other info out would be nice to know.I would probably be in under 14 or 16 category.

Cycling Ireland have a training guide booklet for youth cyclists. If you contact them or call in if in Dublin.. A lot of basic information for parents, coaches and beginner

Seweryn

wav1 wrote: »

Gears for U14 are 6.54 metres rollout.which means the bike can travel a maximum of 6.54 metres for 1 complete revolution of the cranks.

What about the crank arm length regulations, as a matter of interest?

wav1

Seweryn wrote: »

What about the crank arm length regulations, as a matter of interest?

Theres none that I'm aware of...

mhiggy09

My bike has a 52/42 or 40 on the front so would I have to get a new bike if I wanted to compete next year. And if so where would I get a road bike with compatible gears.

wav1

mhiggy09 wrote: »

My bike has a 52/42 or 40 on the front so would I have to get a new bike if I wanted to compete next year. And if so where would I get a road bike with compatible gears.

Wouldn't worry about that for now.Ride the bike you have and enjoy it.Then if you want to upgrade your bke later you can and the gear ratios can be sorted later.