Development

The primary focus of the Taupo MTB Club Junior Development Squad is to give club riders aged in Year 7 – Year 10 an opportunity to: broaden their MTB skills, ability and confidence in mountain biking; and introduce riders to the cross country (XC) and enduro racing environment in a safe and supportive manner. The focus in terms of racing will be to get the riders to a level where they are confident racing in the National Secondary School Championships.

NOTE: riders that are already experienced in XC racing at a national or international level are likely to require a more detailed training and coaching plan to achieve their specific goals. We encourage these athletes to seek one on one coaching assistance from an approved and certified MTB coach.

Riders must:

• Be in Year 7 – Year 10;

• Be a current paid-up member of the Taupo MTB Club;

• Be an active Club member participating in Club events.

All applicants must follow the same selection process.

All applicants are subject to the same attendance requirements for selection. The maximum term for a rider in the Squad is 3 years.

• Applicants will be required to attend a selection session at Craters MTB Park;

• Riders will be selected based on both ability and attitude.

The Squad commences in November and ends March. As the purpose of the squad is to introduce and prepare riders for XC racing, members must register and compete in XC races suitable to their ability with the minimum requirements being:

• Taupo MTB Club Summer Series (January – March)

• Waikato/Bay of Plenty School Champs

• Other recommended races (based on ability) may include:

• MTBNZ North Island Champs (January/February)

• Cycling NZ North Island Secondary School Championships (March)

• MTBNZ National Championships (March)

• Cycling NZ National Secondary School Championship (October)

$200 per rider for the season. (payable to the Taupo MTB Club upon the naming of the Squad)

This cost contributes to the overall cost of running the Development Squad and dedicated coaching sessions by a certified MTB coach. This costs is heavily subsidised by the club.

• Weekly Squad Ride (normally Sundays)

• Wednesday once per month after school clinic

• Minimum of 3 day trips outside of Taupo (ie Tokoroa or Rotorua) to develop skills on varying trail types and terrains (own transport required)

• Event attendance for those members registered to race specific events (often outside of Taupo)

Riders are expected to have a very high level of attendance to all planned team rides and skills sessions;

The Squad will have weekly team rides on Sundays mornings (1 – 2 hours duration). These may increase to twice weekly leading up to an event. Attendance is essential;

Coached skills sessions will be provided monthly focusing on improving riders skills and ability and learning the basics of racing (dates to be advised);

Squad members are expected to consistently work on improving their skills and fitness throughout the season; it is recommended that members ride a minimum of twice a week

Riders are expected to attend and compete in all races on the agenda (except for injury or sickness);

Riders need to acknowledge and appreciate the opportunity they have been given and help out the Taupo MTB Club by mentoring other riders, marshalling at events etc where possible;

Riders will conduct themselves in a professional manner both on and off the bike – before, during and after events. A positive attitude, a healthy competitiveness and good sportsmanship is essential;

If a Squad member finds that they can no longer commit to consistently ride and attend the weekly Squad sessions they will forfeit their position in the Squad to enable another Taupo MTB Club rider the opportunity to join the Team (except for injury or sickness); and

If a Squad member does not attend 3 sessions during the season they will forfeit their position in the Squad to enable another Taupo MTB Club rider the opportunity to join the Team (except for injury or sickness).

Each rider will be given a Team Kit to wear for their registered races

Riders must wear the Team Kit at events and on the podium;

The Kit remains the property of the Taupo MTB Club and is to be cleaned and returned to the Club at the next training squad ride after their event.

The JDS is a Club initiative run by volunteers and as we will be responsible for up to 10 children of varying abilities, we will need parents to take turns riding with the Squad on the weekly sessions. As it is a parent based approach to the JDS, we need commitment from the Parents and Riders. A roster will be developed at the beginning of the season and distributed to parents. This is an essential part of the squad rides, and should insufficient number of parents be available to assist with these weekly rides, session cancelations may be required for health and safety reasons.

Other ways parents can help out is with registration/marshalling at Club events;

Parents will need to ensure their children are able to ride in addition to the weekly Squad sessions to improve their fitness, skills and technique (the aim would be 2 rides per week minimum).

Parents are responsible for providing transport for their child to events and sessions.

Parents are to help with the transport of and set up of the Club tent at events (where applicable).

Parents will need to be available to help with a couple of overnight camps, if we travel to other areas.

The Taupo MTB Club is committed to providing:

A supportive team environment where riders have the opportunity to learn from each other;

A Coach for monthly skills sessions to improve members ability and confidence;

Taupo MTB Club JDS Team Kit for use by members during XC events;

Complimentary entry to Club run events (subject to attendance level).