The other night, as I couldn’t sleep, I found my self skimming Facebook only to come across an article by VeloNews titled, “Concern grows over future pipeline of young US riders”. The article discusses how over the last decade there has been a steady decrease in the number of young riders coming from the US in the World Tour. The decline of major racing events in the US, along with the pandemic, took a major toll on the development of young riders.
In the article, the sports director of Human Powered Health, Jonas Carney, states that the pool of talented riders is going to dry up in the US unless major races and programs step up to fill that void. Human Powered Health is the leading cycling development entity in the US with claims to developing riders such as Sepp Kuss and Chad Haga. However, Human Powered Health cannot develop top notch youth riders if there are not any youth riders the develop.
In order for the US to continue provide world class cyclists, we have to introduce the next generation to cycling. The responsibility ultimately comes down to amateur cycling teams and cycling event companies like Orbital Racing. Our goal has always been to create family friendly events but this comes with a dual purpose. Many young cyclists from the US have stated that the reason they became a professional cyclists was because their father or grandfather took them to bicycle races and events. Just as we attend other sporting events like baseball and football, our children develop a passion for those sports and hope to one day play professionally. This has to be the same for the sport of cycling.
As a cycling event management company, we believe it is our responsibility to introduce the next generation to cycling. We are excited to announce the creation of our Orbital Junior League.
The inaugural year of our junior league will begin by introducing the youth to cycling principles and concepts such as riding in the peloton and drafting. Participants will receive:
- Free USA Cycling membership
- Orbital Junior League swag
- Free participation in Orbital Racing events (depending on level)
Participants will also get to ride with professional and/or semi-professional riders on specially curated group rides and receive coaching/lessons from experienced riders.
Our goal is to help provide the next generation with opportunities to develop their skills and passion for cycling. If you are interested in having your youth participate, please contact us at info@orbitalcycleracing.com.
We are hoping to prevent charging fees for this inaugural year, therefore if you’d like to sponsor the Orbital Junior League, please fill out the following sponsorship form and email it to info@orbitalcycleracing.com.
To read the full article in VeloNews: Concern grows over future pipeline of young US riders