Firstly, let's review what we ask of our junior teammates, consistent to what USA Cycling is looking for in any junior wishing to represent the USA in their European Racing Adventures with the "National Team"
1) good attitude - including willingness to learn from experiences and others; confident, yet humble; not a "know-it-all"; and always appreciative without a sense of entitlement
2) crazy skills - criteriums do not prepare Americans for grand tours, but they can prepare athletes to improve or hold their position in the closing laps of a tight downtown course. How often do you practice your skills?
3) get along - coaches may be with an athlete for a month and everyone needs to get along. This one is easy to practice, go to work on your relationships with your parents, siblings and teammates at home before you go abroad.
4) teamwork - your bike is on the roof rack, your bag is close to the door. Do you offer to help the rest of the "team" unpack?
and,
5) results - thankfully, cycling is filled with really good people, folks that like to help each other and be a part of success. Not every sponsor or supporter cares how you perform, but some do. Give the USA Cycling coaches a reason to select you for their next trip to the World Championships!
Secondly, here's some random ideas to improve the Nationals experience, along with reflections of what already works well for those that might attend in the future...
+ on-line entry, listing of competitors and no forms to sign at # pick-up is just briliant!
- queuing juniors up to one hour before their start, in 40 degree (Madison, WI) or 90 degree (Madison, WI) weather without shade is a great opportunity for a sponsors tent (or ten!)
+ time gaps between events for officials to wrap up one race before another, for competitors to preview a course or for an awards ceremony (see below)
- Track omnium points need to slide with the number of competitors so that the majority still have a shot at the podium (e.g. 50 Jr 15-16s with only the top five places scoring over five events)
+ Jr 15-16 Team Pursuit as a new event! Unfortunately, there were less Jr 17-18 teams than Jr 15-16 teams. I propose combining for one Jr 15-18 team pursuit national championship. The 15-16's may not win but they have years to try again. I'd also propose opening the team sprint to Jr 15-18 as well as the madison to Jr 15-18. For the madison, riders would need to be a category 1, 2 or 3 -and- produce a letter from their upgrade coordinator or track president proclaiming their madison skills for Nationals.
- five year age groups with five national individual national championships at Masters Track Nationals waters down the "National Champion" title. I propose we move to ten year age groups, or go back to five year omnium formats. As well, team events championships ought to be for 40+ and 50+ not 35+, 45+, 55+ and 65+. Let's make this competitive again!
+ award ceremony needs to change. If in the evening then expect no-shows, if after the events then shortly after is best. Criterium award ceremony ought to be staged after the conclusion of the next race, not seven hours later. I missed my crit awards ceremony because I had a funeral to attend the next day. I wish I was there. I meant no disrespect to USA Cycling or my competitors but 7 hours after an event!
Larry Nolan, Team Specialized
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