VC Jubilee Prize Presentations Report (21st March 2007) for 2006
Presentation evening on 21st March 2007 - presented by Sally Page, kindly supported by Ian Mitchell (Petes dad)
who gave us an overview of Petes pathway and hopeful future, and Gary Shipp Brighton and Hoves Schools Bike It Officer
and the work he is involved in and in partnership with VCJubilee, and Roy Page British Cycling Regional Manager
who gave as in insight into the Tour de France that starts in London
this year.
Report
Another successful and eventful 2006! VC Jubilee as the youth development section of Brighton Excelsior CC is only made possible by the kind donation of time volunteers make to the club, we have to thank them for their commitment to become coaches or support the club and pass on their experience and enjoyment of cycling to the young riders and to put something back into the sport that has provided them so much enjoyment. Thanks to BECC also for providing young people with some great opportunities and fun.
This evening gives us the opportunity to recognise the young riders that have achieved results in races, improved their ability, but also to congratulate those that continue to just take part. They show enthusiasm, have fun, learn from others and improve their skills both on and off the road and give commitment to the club and all its activities, they show respect to those that help them, thus proving they are true sportspeople - well done and thank you to all of you. One member in particular who again continues to inspire us all is Peter Mitchell who not only was selected for the BC National Youth Sprint Squad and selected for the Olympic Development programme, but achieved the highest honour of National Youth Sprint Champion (check out the size of the cup!). This is at one end of what VCJ is all about, and the possibilities that are available to those that want and can go far, and fast! Pete is the one that has put the effort in and deserves this recognition, our best wishes and support continues to go with him. We also have Charlie Beeny who this year is winner of the U16 Sussex cyclo-cross series, and achieved many other high ranking results in MTB cross country. We’re sure there are many more achievements for Charlie to come, his goals and ambitions have been well thought through, having entered his first of many National MTB events this year.
Accreditations: Go-Ride/Clubmark
We continue to use the National Governing Body of cycling, “British Cycling” Go-Ride framework as it focuses our club activities. We will always be proud and able to say that we were the first cycling club in Britain to achieve Clubmark status in 2004, this is a cross-sport recognition of sports clubs that are committed to providing a safe, effective and child friendly environment. Both of these schemes identify implementation of sound, safe and effective club structure and good working practices for its young members and there is a high standard of qualified coaching and support. Thanks go to Roy Page for his continued guidance from his British Cycling club development perspective.
Coaches/Volunteers
With many thanks to Shelley Charlton - Club Welfare Office/accounts/emergency contact, Roy Page, Ian Essex, Stewart Hunter, Sally Page – coaches, Dave Gerrey Chairman and coach, Jen Frankish, Deryck Arnold, Nigel Barnes, Ian Mitchell – friends/parents, for providing fantastic support and encouragement to the riding and club activities, we’d like to thank them all for their commitment. BECC members also support racing activities which again is much appreciated for the technical experience, especially Keith Balcombe and Mike Murray. Sally Page continues to be club contact (amongst a lot of other things!) and if you have any queries, offers of support, etc please contact Sally.
Go-Ride Open Day BECC/VC Jubilee
On Saturday 8th July BECC and VC Jubilee cycling clubs held our Open Day to coincide with the fund raising efforts for VCJ rider Matt Howard who was planning a trip of a lifetime to Peru to take part in a BSES environmental research trip in ornithology and field ecology. Events included taking part on the iMagic virtual reality trainers, coconut shy and skills course. Many thanks to those that supported the day. However, unfortunately Matt couldn’t make it (or the trip) as the night before the event, whilst celebrating his leaving party he had an accident and broke his ankle. Luckily, now much recovered, Matt plans to join an adventure this year to the Yukon Territory, we hope he comes back and tells us all about this amazing opportunity.
Membership
Numbers were up during 2006 (36 paid up members at the end of December) compared to end of 2005 (25 members), especially near the end of 2006 due to some joint activities with Brighton and Hoves Bike It Officer, Gary Shipp who has been working in schools in the Portslade area, promoting our club and activities, we’ll be working with Gary a lot more during 2007, as this partnership seems to be very successful. Having our own kit certainly turns some heads when we are out for a ride, so we are getting noticed, wear them with pride. We have a small selection of racing shirts for riders to borrow, anyone wanting to buy their own, please contact Sally Page.
Grants
This year we didn’t apply for any grants, however we still did get income from supplying coaches to support British Cycling at various events. It is obvious that this is an important part of the club as it enables us to provide more for the young riders, coaches, activities, trips, equipment, racing etc. It is unfortunately often hard to write lengthy applications. During 2007 we will do better…
Affiliations/Partnerships
We continue to be affiliated to the following bodies/organisations: British Cycling (BC), British Schools Cycling Association (BSCA), London Cyclo-Cross Association (LCCA) and Sussex Sports Partnership. We also have affiliation under BECC for Cycling Time Trials. We still have school club links with Glebe Middle and Rudgwick Schools.
Coaching activities
At our Saturday sessions with more members and coaches this year, we have more often been able to split into 2 groups of ability, with some sessions run as skills based, and others usually incorporating older/faster members into training and riding sessions. To compliment our Saturday sessions based at the AOAC, we have also had the opportunity to visit other venues, such as the excellent Bedgebury Forest, Surrey Hills, Thetford Forest, Calshot and Newport indoor Velodromes on a number of occasions. This additional experience gives the rider such a rush and improves bike handling and skills. Some of the most successful and enjoyable trips are to any British Cycling led activities, a new one to us this year was Bicycle Polo at Herne Hill. Additionally, joint weekend activities with other GoRide clubs. We joined Team Darenth at the AOAC for rock climbing, low ropes course and raft building. And Preston Park YCC at Calshot for cycling and rock climbing, and at Mildenhall Cycle Rally, Norfolk.
We attended so many other events and/or races last year there’s too many to mention but please look at our website for some photos and news reports. We just about have covered every cycling discipline, from bicycle polo, MTB cross country, cyclo-cross, road races, track, time trials and cycle speedway. But also other sports and social activities like rock climbing, raft building, etc. Showing that VC Jubilee has a lot to offer and committed to giving its members an all round cycling experience and opportunities for personal development, you never know, we might find some more world class competitors in our club for future Olympics…
Social
Wednesday evening member numbers remained steady through the winter social club nights, with improved structure and scheduled activities. Activities included: bouldering on the climbing wall, pool, football, table tennis, bike maintenance, animation workshop, orienteering, virtual reality iMagic racing, circus skills, first aid course, bingo, board games etc. Also other visits to watch top level cycling events at the infamous Good Friday meeting at Herne Hill, Manchester Velodrome, town Centre racing at Crawley, pro-cycling team launch events all provided an insight into elite and pro level racing.
Racing
Our members have attended numerous events this year and our prize presentation indicates the successes of all our riders. New to some this year were 2-day stage races, duathlon, time trialling and mountain bike cross country and cyclo cross. This year we had a record number of VCJ riders active at Preston Park Track - we had over 13 riders during 2006 regularly attend. In addition, Hove Park Road Racing circuit provides a traffic free environment to learn the tactics and techniques of this discipline. Limited time trialling opportunities (for those 12+) were also attended and some great times in the BECC Jubilee 3.5m course and 10m Come and Try It. In the mountain bike and cyclo cross events we had two main riders Charlie Beeney who did amazingly well in these events, and Ben Miller who has had to step up to the Junior age category and increased his training to race against adults.
Incidents/Accidents
None!
Planning for 2007
This year we start by reviewing our club and its activities to ensure we are doing what we should and what the members would like. Please complete the annual review questionnaire, which in turn will feed into out next Club Development Plan, (the previous 3 year one has just expired) this will help us identify where we are, but also what opportunities we have. It could include: more structured VCJ young persons committee, more funding/grant applications, more specific coaching sessions, more trips, more racing. Let us know what you want and what you think we should be doing… But also please help us to identify what you/your parents/friends can help us with, to make the club even better. We rely on volunteers to make any of this happen, more volunteers we have - the more we can do.
Looking at the Calendar of cycling activities that are available (now on the website: www.vcjubilee.co.uk look under News) there is so much to do, but there are not necessarily enough coaches to support every activity, although we will try. Increased emphasis this year we hope will be more young people racing at local and national events – all our riders have good skills and ability, it is hoped that they will want to do more competition, and feel the additional benefits and enjoyment that this will give.
Please remember we look forward to hearing your comments on the activities we run at the club, and of course volunteer support, so we can do more! If you are interested in volunteering or coaching, please get in touch with Sally Page.
Dec
VCJ Club Christmas Party! is on Wednesday 20th Dec - all welcome, at the AOAC 7pm – 8.30pm games (please bring any that you’d like to play), prizes, snacks, drinks etc.
Last Saturday Fancy Dress ride is on Saturday 23rd Dec – please dress to impress and don’t forget about your bike!
Christmas !! – hope you have a great time, and that you get the gloves (full fingers), rain coats, warm jackets, clear glasses, that are so useful for cycling at this time of year J , but please don’t eat all the pies!
Go-Ride Cyclo-Cross Interclub team event Saturday 27th Dec – Go-Ride Bexley are promoting this special element at the Gemini CC race, we’ve paid entry for VCJ so hopefully some of you will attend for the chance to win the Go-Ride club trophy. This event is part of the London League cyclo-cross series, with a “special element”. Its being held at Foots Cray Meadows - Footscray Outdoor Activity Centre, Footscray, Sidcup, Kent - about 6 miles S/W of the Dartford tunnel on the Kent side. Points are awarded for: under 10’s, under 12’s, Youth under 14, Youth and Juniors; anyone born 1990 onwards. Start is at 11.30am. Good Luck.
New Years Day 10m TT Monday 1st Jan 2007 – if you’re over 12 (and mad enough!), you can join in the 10m Time Trial run by Brighton Excelsior CC from Steyning to Shoreham and back. Parking by Wiston Pond, starts at 11am. Signed Parental consent required at the event.
MTB Rides/skills resume Saturday 6th Jan 2007 – normal club MTB/skills sessions resume at the AOAC from 10-12noon. Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather – gloves are very important, as are jackets, hopefully Santa brings some! In 2007 we plan to work more closely with PPYCC doing some joint activities. So keep an eye on you’re emails and the calendar on the website under “News”.
Club nights resume Wednesday 10th Jan 2007 – this first evening back we will continue our I-Magic virtual reality league racing, can anyone catch Ben Millers time? From 7-8.30pm on Wednesdays, for 30p per night. Hopefully we will be joined by PPYCC club members for some more competition!! Recent Wednesday fun activities have included rock climbing, animation workshop, bike maintenance, circuit training, etc. And we hope to continue these and other activities, (including a First Aid course) so please come and join in, again they’ll be listed in the Calendar.
British Cyclings winter coaching sessions £5/day:
13&14-Jan 9:30am-3pm Herne Hill, London Cyclo-Cross 10 - 16 years
20&21-Jan 9:30am-3pm Bedgbury Forest, Cranbrook Mountain Biking 11-16 years
10&11-Feb 9:30am-3pm Bedgbury Forest, Cranbrook Mountain Biking 11-16 years
19-23-Feb 9am - 12:30pm Calshot Activities Centre, Nr Southampton Track 10 - 16 years
10&11-Mar 9:30am-3pm Bedgbury Forest, Cranbrook Mountain Biking 11-16 years
See BC website under “Go-Ride and Young People”
Myself and Roy will be away from 24th Dec until Jan 14th so please call Dave on 01273 889691 or Shelley on 07794 603675 if you have any queries.
Many thanks to the riders for making the club what it is, and enjoyable for our volunteer coaches, many thanks must go to them for their commitment, and for all the parental support shown to us through the year, we really appreciate it, and the club benefits greatly. Please help us by encouraging more young people/friends to join the club.
Special mention must go to Charlie Beeny and his commitment to training (further coaching from Dan Bennett) this year which is proving worthwhile in his recent results in MTB and cyclo-cross events. He’s going to enter his first National level CX competition in January 2007, and we wish him the best of luck, we know he can do well in this, his next step up.
Also Peter Mitchell is settling into his Olympic Development Programme having recently had induction, and an appearance at Manchester Velodrome. He already has to get used to signing autographs! Pete is amazing, we’ll continue to support him as much as we can on his most incredible journey.
Nov
BECC Cylco-Cross - Sunday 19th November, Stanmer Park, Brighton
PPYCC Cyclo-Cross – Sunday 10th December, Stanmer Park, Brighton
There are two cyclo-cross events [a bit like mountain bike races but shorter] coming up in Stanmer Park. One is on Sunday 19th November promoted by BECC and the other on Sunday 10th December promoted by PPYCC.
The events will both have races for the under 10s at 11.00, the under 12s at 11.15 and the under 16s at 12.00 to be followed by an adult race at 13.00. The races are free to enter for those under 12 and only last about 10 - 15 minutes for the two youngest age groups and 30 minutes for the under 16s. We would be very pleased to see you there, there’s no pressure to race. I think with all your skills you will all do really well anyway, or if you want to just treat it as fun and have a go, see how you get on.
The races need no prior entry and although of short duration they are still definitely tiring. Riders need a helmet, bike (MTB is fine) and clothes appropriate for the weather. Gloves are often useful, for the race itself racing riders will not need lots of clothes, however unless it is very mild avoid shorts and just being in a t-shirt whilst racing. The signing on is near the sport’s pavilion on the left immediately after entering Stanmer Park from the main entrance.
We’re also hoping that many parents and supporters will be there to help at the event, by marshalling, serving teas, coffee’s snacks, litter pick up, prizes, especially at the BECC event this Sunday – so if you can offer your time, this would be great, wrap up warm.
Don’t forget that on Saturday 9th December we plan to go to Stanmer Park for our Saturday morning session, if you need transport let us know soon so we can arrange for everyone to get there.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Manchester Velodrome – “Revolution” - 18th November
Some great news - Pete Mitchell has been selected for the Olympic Development Programme, he now represents "GREAT BRITAIN" as a junior rider :-) a very proud family just let me know.
Pete started riding at VCJubilee, and has gone on to race local and nationally, and is currently the Youth National Sprint Champion. Its been a rapid 4 year rise to success, and we wish him well in the future.
His first appearance for Great Britain will be at "Revolution 14" in Manchester on 18th November, details from the link below, where he'll be racing against teams from Holland, Germany and France.
Revolution 14
Myself and Roy were planning on going to this event as it had such a good line up of riders anyway, however this has just made it an excellent line up, and well worth the trip. Anyone interested in going please get in touch with us so we can share transport, and get cheaper family tickets...
Adult £10
Children £5
Family (2 adults + 2 children) £22
Doors open at 5.30pm, racing starts at 7pm - so it will be a very late night, but worth it.
We could travel up mid morning, and perhaps go to the Trafford Centre for some Christmas Shopping first?!
Let me know soon if you want to go and/or would like a lift or are willing to drive.
Oct
Multi-activity day with Team Darenth Youth Cycling Club
Saturday 21st October 2006
Team Darenth youth cycling club (from Dartford) will be joining us on our Saturday ride, as they are staying at the AOAC for some multi activities for the weekend, which we've been invited to join in on the Saturday.
So if you want to... after cycling 10-12 you can join in:
Low Ropes course at the back of the centre from 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Rock climbing 6-8pm
Please let me know if you're interested in attending any of these sessions. You can either turn up for each of them if you live locally, or stay the day at the centre, if you do that you'll need lunch and snacks for the day, and it would be a good idea to have a change of clothes and shoes if you get wet at anytime.
You should also have approx £10 with you incase we have to pay anything towards the other sessions.
All members, of all ages are invited to take part, and if any parents etc want to come and watch or take part too, you'll be more than welcome.
Sunday 22nd October
On Sunday, for the over 12's you could also take part in the BECC hill climb up Steyning Bostal, costs £2, and starts at 11am, get there for 10.30am. Also for those interested, there will be a BECC club road ride (30-40 miles) afterwards you could join in. If you don't take part you could come and join in encouraging the riders up the hill in true Tour of France style, using chalk on the road to write riders names etc... There is a parking bay near the top which is where it gets really steep and the riders can do with the extra encouragement. Or theres the Deers Leap (East Grinstead) cyclo cross race from 11am.
Bicycle Polo - Coaching Activity – Herne Hill Stadium
Saturday 28th October 2006
Just for a change and something quite different… we’d like to take a group of members up to Herne Hill Stadium to have a go at “Bicycle Polo”, we can use bikes that are there, so only cycling kit, helmets, snacks, drinks, waterproof, change of clothes, and £5 for the coaching are required for the day – this will be instead of our normal Saturday morning ride/session at the AOAC.
We’ll get to learn the skills required (hopefully without putting any mallets through the spokes!), and take part in some mini games. We’ll also get to ride around the MTB/Cyclo-cross area at the stadium.
Please let me know in advance if you want to join in so we can arrange transport. This will probably be by cars (Sal, Roy and Dave) from the Adur Centre leaving at 10am, and returning at 7pm-ish – we will call when we intended to leave.
See the BC article about our session:
Go-Ride polo
Sept
Sat 16th Sept – NO CYCLING @ AOAC due to the airshow – but we can go to Bedgebury Forest – MTB’ing, South East British Cycling coach is running a coaching session 10-12noon. Visit - www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk. Bedgebury is located on the B2079 from Goudhurst and is signposted from the A21 before reaching Flimwell, near Tunbridge Wells.
Sun 17th Sept – Bedgebury Forest Tesco Bike Active/Everyday Cycling event – fun cycling activities as well as a 20km approx mass ride. This particular day we won’t be at the AOAC due to the air show so this is a great excuse to go to the Forest for the day, all members and families welcome. British Cycling are also looking for volunteers to help on the day with eg: registration, good bag distribution, drinks station manning, marshalling, litter pick up, so please let me know if you can come and help.
Sun 8 Oct – VCJ and VC Etoile promoting #1 Cyclo Cross series at Lancing Leisure Centre 12noon - CANCELLED
Sat 21/Sun 22nd Oct - joint activity with Team Darenth CC at AOAC – cycling, climbing, raft building etc
If you are interested in any of these events, or want further info, please contact me, details below.
Check out the VC Jubilee calendar on the website for links to events, other races and registration forms. There’s more MTB and cyclo-cross races just starting at this time of year…
Wednesday evening club nights re-start
Wednesday 27th September 7-8.30pm 30p
As usual over the winter months, after the racing season has slowed down, we start meeting again on Wednesday evenings at the Adur Centre, in Shoreham for our club nights, from 7-8.30pm, the first one is next week on the 27th, so come along we'll be upstairs. Each night please remember to bring 30p subs to cover small bits of equipment and refreshments.
You're all welcome to attend, this year we hope to have an extended programme where you can learn new skills but also just enjoy being together as a club. Some of the programme activities planned up till Christmas include: team building activities (the first one next week, which are great fun), bike maintenance, keep fit, games, bouldering on the climbing wall, i-Magic virtual reality racing league, table tennis, poole, videos, animation workshop, map reading, etc...
So we have some specific sessions planned, approx 2 a month, the other 2 weeks are there for you to make up your own entertainment with the equipment at the centre, or bring your own, so if you want to put something on, or ask a friend/parent to come and show us all something, then please let us know, so we can schedule it in.
To see the latest 2006 calendar download it from the VCJ website, on the News page: http://www.vcjubilee.co.uk/news.html
You'll also see from the calendar that we are trying to broaden our cycling experiences by visiting new places on Saturdays, so please be prepared for these events, and let us know if you need transport to them in advance, we rather you'd be there, so its no problem arranging this with some of the coaches or other riders, or if you are able to offer transport. This is also the start of the cyclo cross racing season and there are a number of Sussex events which we hope some of you will want to enter, as well as further afield, there are some great off road courses, let us know if you want any more information, or again transport.
If you have anything you want to run or any other comments about what the club is up to, or what you want to do, then please let me know.
Aug
Still so much cycling to do this summer …
Wed 16th Aug – Final Preston Park track series L.
Thurs 17th Aug – Bedgebury Forest Open Day, Kent – MTB’ing, use of new skills area and loads of other events, see the Pinetum. Visit - www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk. Bedgebury is located on the B2079 from Goudhurst and is signposted from the A21 before reaching Flimwell, near Tunbridge Wells.
Fri 18th Aug – second to last Hove Park series event
Sat 19th/Sun 20th Aug – “Sport 2006” at Groombridge Place - come and try 30+ different sports in this fantastic setting. Discount tickets are available, free if you help Sal and Roy to do cycling skills at the event. Visit: www.sport2006.co.uk. Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm. 4 miles south west of Tunbridge Wells on the B2110, just off the A264 Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead Road, TN3 9QG
Sun 20th Aug – BECC club picnic/BBQ at The Star Inn, Steyning, from 12noon all members and families welcome, bring your own food.
Fri 25th – Mon 28th Aug – August Bank holiday – Mildenhall Cycle Rally, Norfolk, club family camping/caravan weekend, with bikes of course, visit: www.mildenhallrally.org.uk
Sat 26th – ** NO CYCLING AT AOAC **
Tues 29th Aug – Tour of Britian starts – keep a look out on TV, or visit London for the final stage on Sunday 3rd Sept. Visit: www.tourofbritain.com . Youth A’s and Juniors can enter road race event in London on Sunday 3rd. There is also a skills demonstration which young riders can take part in on Saturday at Cantebury and Sunday in London – let Sally know if you’re interested.
Fri 1st / Sat 2nd Sept – PPYCC 2-day stage race, Friday at Hove Park 6pm, Saturday at Preston Park 9.30am, for u8 to u16. This event is a circuit race at Hove Park on Friday evening, followed by a two race event on Saturday morning at Preston Park Cycle Track all on road bikes. Big prizes.
Sat 2nd Sept – ** NO CYCLING AT AOAC ** due to stage race at Preston Park
Sun 10th Sept - Cycle Mid Sussex, 26m or 40m routes around Mid Sussex roads, starts at the Triangle in Burgess Hill 10am, young riders must be accompanied, visit www.midsussex.gov.uk
Sat 16th Sept – Shoreham Air show – we will be arranging to meet “somewhere else”, no cycling at AOAC
Sun 17th Sept – Bedgebury Forest Tesco Bike Active/Everyday Cycling event – fun cycling activities as well as a 20km approx mass ride. This particular day we won’t be at the AOAC due to the air show so this is a great excuse to go to the Forest for the day, all members and families welcome. British Cycling are also looking for volunteers to help on the day with eg: registration, good bag distribution, drinks station manning, marshalling, litter pick up, so please let me know if you can come and help.
Sun 8 Oct – VCJ and VC Etoile promoting #1 Cyclo Cross series at Lancing Leisure Centre 12noon
Sat 21/Sun 22nd Oct - joint activity with Team Darenth CC at AOAC – cycling, climbing, raft building
If you are interested in any of these events, or want further info, please contact me, details below.
Check out the VC Jubilee calendar on the website for links to events, other races and registration forms. There’s more MTB and cyclo-cross races just starting at this time of year…
See BCs website on our day at Bedgebury
Newsletters - view Autum 2006 for SE report
July
21st July 2006 So much cycling to do this summer …
Fri 28th Jul – 12noon – 4pm at Newport Velodrome – track coaching session, if you want to go and need a lift contact Sally 01273 843859 as soon as possible, we’ll be leaving at 8am-ish, cost £20ish
Thurs 17th Aug – Bedgebury Forest Open Day, Kent – MTB’ing, use of new skills area, see the Pinetum. Visit -
www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk. Bedgebury is located on the B2079 from Goudhurst and is signposted from the A21 before reaching Flimwell, near Tunbridge Wells.
Sat 19th/Sun 20th Aug – “Sport 2006” at Groombridge Place - come and try 30+ different sports in this fantastic setting. Discount tickets are available, free if you help Sal and Roy to do cycling skills at the event. Visit: www.sport2006.co.uk. Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm. 4 miles south west of Tunbridge Wells on the B2110, just off the A264 Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead Road, TN3 9QG
Sun 20th Aug – BECC club picnic/BBQ at The Star Inn, Steyning, from 12noon all members and families welcome, bring your own food.
Fri 25th – Mon 28th Aug – August Bank holiday –
Mildenhall Cycle Rally, Norfolk, club family camping/caravan weekend, with bikes of course, visit: www.mildenhallrally.org.uk
Tues 29th Aug – Tour of Britian starts – keep a look out on TV, or visit London for the final stage on Sunday 3rd Sept. Visit: www.tourofbritain.com
Fri 1st / Sat 2nd Sept – PPYCC 2-day stage race, Friday at Hove Park, Saturday at Preston Park, for u12/u14/u16. This event is a circuit race at Hove Park on Friday evening, followed by a two race event on Saturday morning at Preston Park Cycle Track. The two events are a one lap time trial and a points race (all on road bikes)
Summer holiday cycling coaching schemes – BC South East Region Summer Scheme
more British Cycling coaching sessions in various cycling disciplines, get yourselves booked on these excellent events, perhaps try something new.
Sun 17th Sept – Bedgebury Forest Tesco Bike Active/Everyday Cycling event – fun cycling activities as well as a 20km approx mass ride. This particular day we won’t be at the AOAC due to the air show so this is a great excuse to go to the Forest for the day, all members and families welcome. British Cycling are also looking for volunteers to help on the day with eg: registration, good bag distribution, drinks station manning, marshalling, litter pick up, so please let me know if you can come and help.
Don’t forget – Wednesdays at Preston Park 7pm, last one 16th August, and alternate Fridays at Hove Park 6.30pm 21/7, 4/8, 18/08, 1/9. Sally Page
Another joint club Go-Ride/"Fun"draising/Open Day on Saturday 8th July 2006, heres the
programme
See the news posting about the Open Day on the British Cyclings website
May
08th May 2005 A couple of reminders and info about up and coming events …
Sunday 14th May – at Preston Park Track is the South Youth Omnium from 10am-4pm, currently Alastair,
Peter and Matt are taking part from VC Jubilee, (as they are the only ones with track bikes), however
it would be good to see anyone over there during the day to support them. Youth riders from all over
the South will be taking part in this 4 part series event, this is part 3. The last one is at Reading
on 24th June.
Also on Sunday 14th May is a MTB XC event at Deers Leap in East Grinstead starting at 10.30am for youths.
This is the 2nd out of 5 in the Southern XC Series. Charlie will be entering this event, and hopefully some
others.
Saturday 20th May we have a slight change to our usual Saturday morning sessions, in that we will still
meet at the AOAC from 10am, however we are riding to Bramber Castle to support Ben and Daniels school
(Shoreham College) cycling fundraising event, we are to run skills sessions and riding at the castle,
ie – we WON’T be returning to Shoreham, so please arrange to be picked up from Bramber Castle at the
usual time.
Sunday 21st May – again 2 events – one MTB XC at Deepcut, Surrey from 9.30am. And a Road Race at
Goodwood (Youths 11am & Juniors 9am TBC), these are supporting events to the main adult South East
Road Race championships – so something to watch afterwards.
Wednesday 7th June – Crawley Town Centre Race – a little way off, but those planning on racing in
Youth A category need to get their entry form off before 17th May. They are also putting on special
Go-Race activities on the evening too, so those younger that 16 can enter on the night. It will also
be an excellent to watch the elite and pro-riders racing later.
Tuesday 13th June – BECC Come and Try It time trial 7pm – for over 12s only there is a 3.5m event
(accompanied by an adult) – for those that have done an individual Time Trial already you can do
the 10m event. This is also being promoted as a Sponsored Event for Matt Howard and his research
trip to Peru in July 2006, so please help Matt and get sponsored, see the BECC Website for more
info www.brightonexcelsior.co.uk .
Saturday 24th June – GHS District Time Trial 5.12m – for over 12s only. This is the local qualifying
event in Lewes for London South area. Closing date 9th June.
August Bank Holiday – keep it free, we hope to visit the Mildenhall cycling rally in Norfolk.
If you are interested in any of these events, or want further info, please contact me, details below.
Check out the VC Jubilee calendar on the website for links to events and registration forms.
Good luck to all those that are racing.
Don’t forget – Wednesdays at Preston Park 6.30pm, and alternate Fridays at Hove Park 6pm.
April Newsletter
Easter weekend plans for VC Jubilee
Good Friday – visit Herne Hill Velodrome to watch Pete Mitchell, international and other GB pro riders race in this prestigious and historic event – see: www.goodfridaymeeting.org.uk . Heats start at 11am, main events at 1pm and finishes around 6pm. Tickets are £6 children (11-16yrs under 10 free with paying adult), £12 adults, £30 super saver family (2 adults plus one or more children). Transport arrangements still to be finalised…
Easter Saturday – Mike Leonard from BECC has offered to take a group of advanced MTB’ers to the Surrey Hills at Holmbury St Mary. Meeting at the AOAC for 9am back late afternoon. Need to bring snacks, drinks, suitable clothing etc.
If you are interested in either of these – please let Sally know ASAP: 01273 843859 or email: salandroy@supanet.com
**
Don’t forget Hove Park starts on Fri 28th April, and there is an Enduro MTB challenege at Gorrick on Sun 30th April. The first Preston Park track meet is on 3rd May – see VC Jubilee’s calendar on the website for more details, from the News link.
March Newsletter
VC Jubilee Prize evening and Barlcays Spaces for Sport presentation/BECC AGM - 15th March 2006
PRESS RELEASE - BARCLAYS KIT BOOST FOR VC JUBILEE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CYCLING CLUB PRESENTED TO COINCIDE WITH ANNUAL
YOUTH PRIZE PRESENTATION
Barclays has come to the aid of VC Jubilee by donating a complete set of coaching kit and equipment to its local
youth development cycling club. The award to VC Jubilee has been made as part of the £30m grassroots sports programme,
Barclays Spaces for Sports.
The donation is one of 1,200 packs being awarded each year to ensure teams across the UK will benefit from the three
year scheme.
VC Jubilee has been running (or cycling!) since 1998, it is a British Cycling (NGB) registered “Go-Ride” club and has
achieved Sport England’s “Clubmark” accreditation. The youth development section is for children aged 9-18yrs, they
can then go as adults into Brighton Excelsior cycling club. Club activities include qualified coaching sessions on
skills, bike handling, mountain biking, road, track, other cycling disciplines and many members enter local or
national races.
Club Contact and Coach Sally Page, said “our club has often found it hard to support our volunteer coaches, this
excellent coaching pack from Barclays enables us to improve our sessions and will really help us develop our club
and activities for its members further”.
The kit which was kindly presented by local Shoreham-by-Sea Barclays Branch Bank Manager Mr Mark Wiggett, to
coincide with the clubs annual prize giving on Wednesday 15th March 2006.
Nic Gault, Barclays Sponsorship Director said, “Barclays are delighted to be supporting VC Jubilee and hope this
coaching kit will encourage their interest in sport and lead them to greater success!”
Barclays Spaces for Sports, a partnership between Barclays, Football Foundation and Groundwork, will create
sustainable sports sites and provide coaching kit and equipment to communities in most need of help across the UK.
Sally Page also said, “The other presentations made on the evening gave us the opportunity to recognise the
young riders that have achieved results in races, improved their ability, but also to congratulate those that
continue to just take part. They show enthusiasm, have fun, learn from others and improve their skills both on
and off the road and give commitment to the club and all its activities, show respect to those that help them,
thus proving they are true sportspeople - well done and thank you to all of you. One member in particular who
this year has gone over and above all our ambitions is Peter Mitchell who has been selected for the BC National
Youth Sprint Squad and a potential for the Olympic Development programme. This really emulates what VCJ is all
about, and the possibilities that are available to those that want and can go far, and fast! Pete is the one
that has put the effort in and deserves this recognition, our best wishes and support continues to go with him.
Another successful and eventful 2005. VC Jubilee as the youth development section of Brighton Excelsior CC is
only made possible by the kind donation of time volunteers make to the club. Many thanks to all those who are
providing young people with some great opportunities and fun.”
See our press release on British Cyclings website:
Kit Boost for VC Jubilee
Attendees at the meeting were shown the clubs promotional DVD which is being used within schools to highlight
the clubs activities. Daniel Gerrey (16 yrs) then gave a enthralling presentation on his experiences as a
VC Jubilee member, please see below for his speech. Further information is also provided below on Peter Mitchell
(16 yrs) who is now a member of the National Youth Sprint Squad, followed by club contact details.
The 2005 VC Jubilee winners are:
SCRL VC Jubilee Under 10’s Cup - RYAN GOSLING
SCRL VC Jubilee Under 12’s Cup - TOM GRANT
SCRL VC Jubilee Under 14’s Cup - CHARLIE BEENY
SCRL VC Jubilee Girls Cup - REBECCA GOSLING
SCRL VC Jubilee Under 16’s Cup - BEN MILLER
SCRL VC Jubilee Under 18’s Cup - PETER MITCHELL
VC Jubilee CX/MTB Trophy - CHARLIE BEENY
VC Jubilee Challenge Heat Cup - RYAN GOSLING
Most improved Calshot Track Rider - SEAN CUNNINGHAM
VC Jubilee Most Crash-Tastic Award - PETER MITCHELL
VC Jubilee Longest Club Member - MATT HOWARD
VC Jubilee Volunteer Award - BEN GERREY
BECC Most Dedicated VC Jubilee Rider Cup - DANIEL GERREY
BECC Best Juvenile - ALASTAIR CARTER
BECC Track Cup - PETER MITCHELL
Time Trial CTC Award Certificates - BEN DOBBIN, REBECCA GOSLING, PETER MITCHELL, ALASTAIR CARTER
See the members 2005 racing positions in local, regional and national events:
2005 race positions
Presentation by Daniel Gerrey (16yrs) – about his experiences of being a VC Jubilee member
What do I get from being a member of VC Jubilee?
Well I guess that means apart from the many cuts, bruises and scratches, my dad having to mend my bike every
week, and the chance to wear really funny looking clothes.
One way of looking at it is – what if VC Jubilee didn’t exist?
I might go riding with my friends, but not many of them are interested. I might have gone cycling all over
the downs, but would have probably found an excuse not to. I might even have gradually become more confident
on a bike than I was before, but this is unlikely as I would not have had the opportunities to push my limits.
And I certainly would not have been as adventurous as I am now and wouldn’t have tried many of the things I have
done.
But it does exist, so I have been riding with friends, and I have cycled across the downs, and I have become
more confident on a bike. And because its here and it’s organised, I go cycling most Saturdays.
Because it’s a group, we encourage each other. This means I do things I wouldn’t have done before, go places
I wouldn’t have gone before, and push limits that I wouldn’t have pushed before on my own.
Due to the fact that it’s a Go-Ride club, I get coaching and training in everything related to cycling, even
the basics, which are equally important as anything else. I may not be the most elegant of riders, as those
who have seen the DVD will know, but, I do now at least know to keep my feet on the pedals when going down steps.
Thanks Sally, that’s what I call coaching!!!
I actually started at VC Jubilee in 2000 and over the past 6 years have experienced many great trips out with
VC Jubilee.
The club covers many different disciplines, the one I enjoy most being mountain biking. Over the past 6 years,
I have seen parts of the Downs that many local people don’t even know exist.
VC Jubilee also do Cross country, cyclo-cross, and downhill. I personally don’t do this competitively, although
other people from the club do, and generally get very good results.
We also go track racing, both outdoors, at Preston park, and indoors, at places such as Calshot. From somebody
who really enjoys going on all the big rides at theme parks, I couldn’t believe the adrenaline rush I got at Calshot.
Riding in a close bunch on a track that banks that steeply really does give you a buzz. (By the way, today is the
day that Stealth is opened to the public at Thorpe Park! No prizes for guessing where I’ll be on Sunday! It won’t
be on the downs.)
In a school assembly a while ago, the teacher had a speedway motorcyclist ride down the hall stopping at the end,
and then started talking about the sport, highlighting the fact that the bike had no brakes. When I told him about
the track bikes we use, he couldn’t believe it. Not only do they have no brakes, but they have no gears and a fixed
wheel.
Another discipline of cycling which we get to experience at VC Jubilee is road racing. I have only taken part in
one area of road racing, and that is a time trial along Steyning Bypass. If you can cycle through the traffic there,
you can cycle anywhere.
One facility which is offered by the club is Virtual Cycling, an activity which is fun, whilst also being extremely
useful. You can record your times and race against yourself, or against other people’s times, on a virtual velodrome.
Or, if you’re not in a competitive mood, you can simply go for a ride in the virtual countryside.
The club caters for all interests and levels of skill, from Pete making the UK team to people like me who just enjoy
cycling with a group and having fun. Thanks to VC Jubilee, I get to do things that many other children of my age
would never get the opportunity to do.
As well as mountain bike rides on the Downs, we also have sessions of skills training. Several aspects of cycling
are covered in these sessions and they are extremely good fun.
There is a large amount of support from the coaches and the volunteers and I would really like to thank all of them
for the time they give up. I know that I am speaking for all of the members.
However – I am sure nobody will mind me mentioning one person in particular. I have it on good authority that she is
the only volunteer at the club, the rest are too scared to say “No” to her. A bit like me “volunteering” to do this
speech tonight! But without her, the club almost certainly would not run. On behalf of all of the members of
VC Jubilee, I would like to present Sally with this gift.
Just to sum up, VC Jubilee means different things to different people. To some, it’s about becoming the best cyclist
they can and beating the rest. For others, it’s about beating their personal bests. For me, it’s about going cycling
with friends, and having a great time.
More about Peter Mitchell (16 yrs) – National youth sprint squad:
VC Jubilee Cycling Club is a Go-Ride Clubmark accredited club which puts its young riders at the centre of the
development process - an approaching that is paying off in a big way with the club's latest young hopeful, Peter
Mitchell, who is from Upper Beeding in West Sussex.
Peter had always enjoyed cycling since he was very young but his serious interest began in the 2002, when at 12
when he joined VC Jubilee Cycling Club and participated in the club's Saturday morning mountain bike rides over
the South Downs and skill sessions from its HQ based at Adur Outdoor Activities Centre in Shoreham-by-Sea. The
cycling club coaches saw a natural talent and encouraged him to race at the Preston Park track meetings held
during the summer months. He started racing during summer 2003 and finished the year 2nd in the under 14 category.
Summer 2004 was Peter's first full season and he rode at Preston Park finishing the year winning the under 14
category and, amid riders up to 2 years older, winning the club Roy Humphrey Memorial Trophy awarded to the
outstanding juvenile rider of the year. During 2004 he also rode in 4 rounds of the National Youth Circuit Series,
finishing in 8th position for his age group. This series is run at venues all over the country with the best 5
results from 8 events counting. With only 4 events entered his final position of 8th is an achievement he is proud
of. Peter also competed in a number of other national ranking events finishing the year with 44 BCF ranking points,
which put him as the 8th ranked rider in the BCF national rankings for his age category.
Towards the end of the summer of 2004 Peter began to ride in the adult category, competing in a number of category
3 and 4 senior events and, on more than one occasion, finished in the top 10 of a field of approximately 50.
During the winter of 2004 he rode in the London Cyclo-Cross League. This consists of 13 rounds with the best 7
results counting for the final positions. Peter finished the season in 4th place in the under 16 category. As a
result of his efforts, in December 2004, Peter was awarded a place on the Talent Team, taking one of 10 places
offered following a selection process that started by testing 3,000 riders in the East and South East regions.
During 2005 he rode the Preston Park Track Cycling league, riding in the senior category and finishing the season
in 2nd place. He also rode the National Youth Circuit series as a first year under 16 finishing in 11th position
and the National Track Omnium Series, also as a first year under 16, finishing in 12th position.
Notwithstanding Peter's obvious natural talent, his success is due, in no small part, to the nurturing and supportive
environment of VC Jubilee, which provides a perfect introduction into all types of cycling. The first cycling club to
achieve Go-Ride Clubmark status, VC Jubilee know a thing or two about how to engage young riders and offer them the
very best opportunities to train, compete or just plain ride their bikes. For more information on VC Jubilee, go to
www.vcjubilee.co.uk.
Peter has now successfully secured his place in British Cycling’s National Youth Sprint Squad, after coming through
the Talent Team and is training hard and performing well to proceed through to the Olympic Development Programme.
See Peter's rider profile on the British Cycling website:
Pete Mitchell Rider Profile.
Notes to the Editors: Barclays Spaces for Sports
Barclays Spares for Sports is a three year, £30million community programme, which will create sustainable sports sites
across the UK in areas without such facilities. Combined with the Premiership sponsorship, the investment makes Barclays
one of the biggest supporters of sport in the UK.
Together with partners Football Foundation and Groundwork, the scheme will provide seven flagship sports sites every
12 months. 50 smaller sites, from basketball courts to grass pitches, will also be developed. In addition 1,200 sets
of sports coaching kit and equipment will be distributed per year.
For further information see www.barclays.co.uk/spacesforsports/
For a coaching kit and equipment pack application form ring 0800 027 4221 or email: enquiries@spacesforsports.org.uk
January Newsletter
Its membership renewal time again, please ensure you have the latest membership form for your parents/guardians
to complete so we have up to date contact details and information about you. The form is also available from the
website: http://www.vcjubilee.co.uk/VCJ_Application_for_Membership.doc
On Wednesday 22nd Feb at 7.30pm our closest Pro cycling team is having a launch in Lewes, we'll get to meet some
of the cyclists, mechanics and soigneurs. This is a great opportunity to meet close up some continental and UK
established and up and coming riders. I appreciate its on a school night but would like to know who would want
to come, as we could leave the AOAC at 7pm (usual club start time) and probably return by 9-9.30pm. Roy and I
will be able to take some club members, and hopefully Dave. If you are interested please let me know, if your
parents want to come too or take you please let me know as we have to RSVP.
BECC have invited VC Jubilee families to attend their annual club dinner/presentation which is on Saturday 25th
February at Beeding and Bramber Village Hall from 7pm, it will be a Barn Dance and Fish and Chip supper plus
veggie options, and a great raffle. Cost £12 each.
The next Calshot track session is on the Sunday 26th Feb from 9.30-12.30, so a start from the AOAC at 7am is
planned. If you'd like to attend this session please let me know.
Then the final track session at Newport is on Sunday 5th March from 11am-2pm. It can be done in a day but is
quite tiring to travel, ride and travel back, so I've been considering the possibility of travelling Friday
night or Saturday morning so that we can go Mountain Biking in Aafon Forest on the Saturday, hopefully staying
in a hostel or caravans, or at the last resort a tent! Heres the place I'm thinking of:
http://www.glyncorrwgponds.com/index.htm. Any parents are
obviously welcome to come too, especially as we'll have to sort out transport of MTBs and some track bikes for the
weekend. Hopefully some BECC members will be joining us too.
BECC are having their AGM on the 15th March (from 8pm) so we will proceed this with the VC Jubilee annual club prize
and presentation evening from 7-8pm, so please feel free to bring all the family and support the young riders achievements.
Please let me know if you are interested in attending these events. Thanks.
Sally Page
See other news: [2001] | [2002] | [2003] | [2004] | [2005]
