Juniors and Youth

Youth Programs

Programs for Youth are a key component of the Burnaby Velodrome Club.  The Velodrome offers an ideal venue for young athletes to level up their cycling skills and fitness.  With its year-round, all-weather availability and its 360 sightlines, the track is a safe learning environment away from cars and traffic.  Our friendly and supportive atmosphere offers youth a familiar and consistent ‘home base’ where community thrives.

Young athletes of all levels receive coached instruction and training opportunities at the BVC. From beginners who have never ridden a fixed-gear bicycle before, to advanced athletes preparing for National and International competition, to everything in between – the common denominator is fun! All youth athletes have no-charge access to the BVC’s rental fleet of Felt, Trek, Fuji, and Frog bicycles.  While athletes are encouraged to bring their own helmets if they have them, helmets are available to borrow at no extra charge.  All that is required is basic riding skills; a pair of runners; comfortable shorts or sweat pants; and a positive, can-do attitude.

 
Photography by Filip Funk

Diversity, Accessibility, & Inclusion

All of this fun flows through our desire to provide the most progressive & accessible youth track cycling program in Canada.  Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, BVC directors approved a policy formalizing the support for programming and funding to support Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) who are underrepresented in our cycling community. This policy required the BVC to actively pursue participation for youth that is representative of the communities we serve. As such, the BVC seeks to identify and remove barriers that limit the participation of racialized and marginalized communities. To this end, we provide no-cost programming to BIPOC youth. Our BIPOC Policy Statement can be found here.

2023 Fall Schedule

September Youth Learn to Ride the Track/Mixed Ability Workout
Wednesday Sept 6, 13, 20
5:00-6:30 PM
Sunday Sept 10, 17, 24
9:00-10:30 AM

Wednesdays 5:00-6:30PM Performance Youth Training
September 27 – December 13
Coaches Tim Sherstobitoff & Steph Roorda
The BVC Performance Youth Program is designed for athletes 13-18 years old looking to learn and improve their race specific skills and fitness in order to compete at local, Provincial, and National level events. This program puts an emphasis on the skills required to confidently compete in bunch races, team pursuit, match sprinting, keirins, and madison. Athletes are expected to have a strong work ethic, show up with a positive attitude, and be keen to push themselves to do their best in each effort. Each session will have a set structure of drills and workouts that focus on skill and fitness development. Sessions will include slow speed drills, group efforts, motorpacing, individual efforts, infield drills, skill analysis and race discussions. Sessions will be split into two training groups based on age, skill level, fitness, and maturity.

Thursdays 4:30-6:00PM Beginner/Intermediate
Sept 14 – Dec 14
Coach Ben Chaddock
This session welcomes riders who have never ridden the track as well as more experienced riders looking to develop their skills and fitness

Fridays 5:00-6:00PM Intermediate/Advanced – Race focus
Sept 29 – Dec 16
Coach Julian Base
This session is geared towards young athletes who are interested in racing. Race skills & tactics will be taught and fitness developed

Youth Pricing

Youth Try the Track – 3 sessions – $55

Youth Membership
Access to all ability-appropriate youth programming at coach discretion.  Access to open track where ability-appropriate and accompanied on track by parent/guardian/coach.  Includes bi-weekly Youth Friday Night Racing at no extra charge. Race fees apply to youth racing in Adult categories.
Fall Season – Sept-Dec – $300
Winter Season – Jan-Apr – $300
Buy a Fall & Winter Pass and summer track access is included

Youth BIPOC
Free 10 week pass
After 10 weeks, access requires paid membership or discretionary donation

Youth members & BIPOC youth can race Friday Night Youth Races for free!

Private bookings for youth receive a 50% discount, more info here.

Photography by Filip Funk