Geelong Cycling Club Junior Road Racing Cycling Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Junior Road Cycling program?
The Geelong Cycling Club Junior Road Cycling Program is a fun, supportive and inclusive cycling program for young riders aged 7 to 16. The program focuses on developing confidence, skills and a lifelong love of cycling in a safe and encouraging environment, while helping children build fitness and enjoy riding with others.
When and where is the Junior Road Cycling program?
The Junior Road Cycling program runs every Monday during school terms from 4.30pm to 5.30pm at the Belmont Criterium Track, located next to the Barwon Valley Activity Centre.
What is a criterium track?
A criterium track is a short, closed circuit purpose-built for cycling. It features a smooth, sealed surface with gentle corners and no traffic, pedestrians or intersections, making it an ideal environment for junior cycling coaching and skill development.
The Belmont Criterium Track is approximately 2.2 km per lap.
Does my child need to be an experienced cyclist to take part?
No. Beginners are welcome. Basic bike handling skills, such as riding confidently, braking and steering are helpful, and riders will be grouped according to their age and ability wherever possible.
What type of bike does my child need to have?
A mountain bike or hybrid bike with gears is perfectly suitable for getting started. If your child decides they would like to progress to a road bike, the club has a small fleet of loan bikes available for new riders to use.
We also regularly have members selling bikes that children have outgrown, and we’re happy to help families find a suitable bike when the time comes.
Does my child need to be a club member to participate?
Yes. For insurance purposes, all participants must hold either:
- A 4-Week Free Trial Membership through AusCycling;
- Be an existing junior member of the Geelong Cycling Club (or another AusCycling affiliated club).
Membership is managed through AusCycling, the national governing body for cycling in Australia.
The free trial membership can be sourced via the AusCycling website.
After the four-week trial, riders will require a Full Annual License ($175 per year as of May 2026), available via the AusCycling website.
What is the cost of the Junior Road Cycling program?
There is no charge while junior riders are participating the 4-Week Free Trial Membership.
Once they transition to a Full Annual Licence, the program fee is $100 per school term, which equates to approximately $10 per session.
For riders joining part-way through a term, fees can be adjusted on a pro rata basis to reflect the remaining sessions.
How do I pay for the Junior Road Cycling program?
Program fees are paid through the club’s online race entry platform, EntryBoss.
What does my child need to bring to a session?
Please bring:
- A bike that is in good working order
- Australian Standards approved helmet (mandatory)
- Water bottle
- Suitable cycling clothing or comfortable sportswear
- Closed-toe shoes
- A positive attitude!
What skills will be covered?
Training sessions may include:
- Bike handling
- Cornering and braking
- Group riding etiquette
- Gear changing
- Cadence and fitness drills
- Safety awareness
- Confidence building
Is it safe?
Yes. All junior sessions are delivered under the supervision of accredited AusCycling coaches and follow national participation and safety guidelines.
Do parents need to stay?
We encourage parents and carers to stay and become part of our club community.
Our clubrooms are open during training, giving you a comfortable place to watch the session, meet other families and enjoy tea or coffee while your child rides.
Can parents participate?
We recognise that beginners sometimes need a little extra encouragement from their parents to get started, and we fully support that.
Parents are also welcome to ride on the track during the training session, provided they do so safely and hold a current Working with Children Check.
What happens if it rains?
We are fortunate to have access to our clubrooms on site.
When weather conditions make riding unsafe, sessions move indoors where participants learn basic bike maintenance skills and take part in age-appropriate strength and conditioning activities designed to develop cycling-specific fitness.
Will my child be expected to race in events?
No. Racing is completely optional.
While our coaching prepares riders for competition, there is no expectation that juniors will race. Many children attend simply for fitness, fun, confidence and skill development.
For those who are interested, there are opportunities to participate in road races and other events with guidance and support from our experienced coaches and club members.
What are the benefits of junior cycling?
Junior cycling offers many lifelong benefits, including:
- Improved fitness
- Greater confidence
- Discipline and resilience
- Friendships and teamwork
- Road and cycle safety awareness
- Healthy lifestyle habits
- Fun and adventure
How can I ask more questions?
If you’d like to learn more about the Geelong Cycling Club Junior Road Cycling Program, please contact our Junior Coordinator at: juniors@geelongcycling.com.