Beginning Racer Program
The Ann Arbor Spring Training Series has long offered instruction for newer racers in the basics of group riding and racing. While the format has changed over the years, the goal has always been to create a fun, friendly experience so people can enjoy cycling and racing more. Today we call it the Beginning Racer Program (BRP).
The Beginning Racer Program is a race clinic held each of the Spring Training Series that includes instruction, drills, practice race, and discussion led by licensed coaches and experienced racers. Each session applies core group riding skills and concepts to a different aspect of group riding, building upon the past weeks’ work. Novice racers earn USA cycling upgrade points for completing each clinic, race, and debrief. The program was originally designed for new racers but is open to any level of racer, plus it is valuable for non-racers who are simply interested in group riding or building their cycling skills.
We recommend that riders participate in as many weeks of the program as possible since these skills build on each other and help create the broad foundation for safe and fast group riding and racing. But riders are welcome to attend as many weeks as works for them.
The weekly topics include:
Basic Pack Skills – Protecting Your Front Wheel
Cornering – Choosing and Holding Your Line
Pack Awareness & Movement
Sprinting in a Group
Weekly schedule overview:
60 minutes – clinic (on- and off-bike instruction and drills)
10 minutes – post-clinic discussion & questions
30 minutes – practice race
10 minutes – post-race discussion & questions