Hop On with Velo NB: Ready to Race
Introducing Youth to the Joy of Racing
What is it?
Hop On with Velo NB: Ready to Race is a youth development program designed for young riders aged 9–14 who want to explore the exciting world of mountain bike, road, or cyclocross racing. These 1–2 hour sessions take place the day before select Velo NB race events and are the perfect way to gain skills, confidence, and familiarity with racing.
Why Join?
Youth participants will:
- Learn discipline-specific bike handling and race strategies
- Ride or walk the actual race course with experienced coaches
- Build confidence for their first race
- Ask questions and connect with other new riders
- Join an optional post-race debrief the next day to reflect and grow
What to Expect?
Each session includes:
- Welcome and warm-up
- Skill-building drills (e.g., braking, cornering, starts, pacing, handling technical zones)
- Guided course pre-ride
- Tips on what to expect on race day
- Q&A and wrap-up
- Post-race debrief session
Who Is It For?
- Youth aged 9-14 with basic bike skills
- First-time racers or new racers
- Families and communities curious about getting into bike racing
What to Bring?
- A functioning bike appropriate to the discipline (MTB, road, or cyclocross)
- A properly fitted helmet (mandatory)
- Closed-toe shoes (cycling shoes or runners)
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Snacks
- Weather-appropriate clothing (sun, rain, or cool temps)
- A positive, open attitude-no experience needed!
Where & When:
Sessions are held on-site at select Velo NB event venues, the day before the race, and use the official course whenever possible.
How to Register:
Registration is required. Sign up directly through the race event’s registration page on the Velo NB Website. Look for the ‘Hop On with Velo NB: Ready to Race’ Section listed as an add-on.
Our first Ready to Race Session is at the Caraquet XCO on Saturday the 26th. We’ll be starting at 2:00 at Club plein air de Caraquet.
You can register on the event registration page here.