Q&A with Junior Racers

BY KIERSTIN KLOECKNER

Ask me about my days as a junior racer and

you’ll get a mixed bag for a response. At that time, even though my coaches

were extremely supportive, it was all work and very little play. And although

we were trained to work as a “team,” come race day there was very little

support for each other. It was more like a competition to see who could stand

on the top podium step. It was this mentality which made me leave the race

scene altogether at age 17. 

I have written about newer junior development

teams since then and have highlighted what makes them successful for the kids,

parents and coaches. With that in mind, I wanted to delve a bit deeper into

junior cyclocross racing specifically and talk about why it’s become such a

draw and what the junior racers are thinking and feeling. Attending so many

cross races myself, to cheer on teammates and friends, one team stood out event

after event in how it should be done (for the junior’s sake). Welcome to the

world of Revolution Cycles Cycling Team whose statement is being committed to

fostering an inclusive cycling community and welcoming all abilities and skill

levels. This team is heavily supported by amazing coaches (some of which are

parents of the juniors racing) as well as Revolution Cycles bike shop. They

come in with an “everyone is welcome” attitude...and that goes for folks on

different teams as well. 

Go to any cross race in Wisconsin and you’ll see

them there. Their tent, kits and attitude stand out in the best of ways. If

you’re looking for the cookie cutter racers, move along. But if you move along,

be aware you might be very surprised when one of their racers come flying by

you. Both the adults and juniors on this team are in it for the love of the

sport...and it shows. At many races, you’ll find me cheering for the Rev team

as much as I do for the team I’m a part of. At the podium announcements, you’ll

find a group from all different teams cheering the Rev juniors on since they

are usually found in the top three spots. Everyone seems to like these kids,

and for a good reason...they come to work hard, but with extremely positive

attitudes. Instead of asking the coaches questions, I wanted to go right to the

source and ask two of the juniors some questions to give their perspective.

Meet Lyllie (age 12) and Finn (age 9).

Q: What got you

interested in racing/riding cyclocross?

Lyllie: I went to a CX National Championship

when I was young but I never really knew about cyclocross until some of the

people in my neighborhood said I should try it out.

Finn: Chasing after my sister (who is Lyllie)!

Q: What is one of your

favorite memories while racing or training?

L: One of my favorite memories was at a practice

with my friend when it was my first time back on the bike after I injured

myself in the summer. It was really fun to ride after sitting around for a while.

F: Winning Trek Cup and when I heard that more

of my friends were racing.

Q: Do you clean your on

bikes after events/practice?

L: Usually my dad cleans my bike after races and

practice but sometimes I help clean or repair it. I did get to spend time with

an awesome person building my bike over last summer though!

F: No, my dad usually cleans it but I sometimes

help do some spraying and scrubbing.

Q: What’s your favorite

post race food? 

L: Probably a milkshake, but I wait a little bit

after my race to drink it!

F: Belgian waffles and cliff bars.

Q: Is there a song that

goes through your head while training or racing?

L: No, I don’t think about much while racing

except for what is going on in the race.

F: There isn’t a specific song but the songs

that usually pop up just make me feel fast.

Q: What are your hopes

for the upcoming year with cyclocross?

L: Some hopes I have for the 2020 season are to

work on my endurance and to possibly podium at the Cyclocross Championships in

Chicago. 

F: To do well in the 11/12 category, get faster

and HAVE FUN!

To many seasoned older racers, these answers may

seem extremely simple and to the point. But isn’t that what it’s all about?

Don’t we often, as adults, clutter our minds too much and forget the simple

pleasures of why we began playing on two wheels in the first place? I commend

both Lyllie and Finn for having the courage to make their way to the starting

line and give it their all week after week, and I equally commend their parents

and coaches for keeping it fun so the spark stays lit. Because after all, what

good is getting kids into a sport if they are going to get burnt out and not

want to continue with it into their adult years?