Programs

CYCLOCROSS PROGRAM

Cyclocross (cross) is a cross between road racing and mountain biking. Competitors race laps around a course featuring a variety of surfaces (pavement, grass, sand, gravel, dirt, etc.) while negotiating a number of obstacles that may require them to dismount and remount their bicycle.

The BYC program accepts kids age 8 to 18 who are already proficient riding a bicycle. Coaches teach kids the skills needed to race cross. Each athlete racing in cross is required to have a USA Cycling License and encouraged to use a cyclocross bike. The Rookie Bike Loaner Program is available to first year athletes to help lower barriers of entry for new racers and their parents. Other equipment needed includes a helmet and sneakers or clipless shoes and pedals.

The athletes race in age categories starting with racing age 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, up to and including U-19. Racing age is the athletes age as of December 1 of the following year.

Getting ready for the season is a must! Coaches encourage its athletes to ride as much as possible – most of the BYC athletes should be riding and training outside of normal BYC practices. This is especially important for the older riders (13-14 and U19) who ride their bikes year round.

BYC hosts a mandatory rookie camp for all new BYC riders. This runs over three days from approximately 9 to 12:00 pm in July. Regular practices start after rookie camp and run through CX season. Practices are held in two locations – Catonsville and Oregon Ridge. The CX race season starts in September and runs through the beginning of December.

BYC utilizes SquadFusion for its communication platform. Detailed race and practice schedules as well as volunteer opportunities are available to all registered athletes and their parents.

ROAD PROGRAM

Road racing is held on paved roads. Road racing is the most popular form of bicycle racing in terms of the number of competitors, events, and spectators. There are five main road disciplines: time trial, criterium, circuit race, road race, and track. BYC also participates in gravel races.

Coaches teach athletes road safety, first and foremost, as well as race rules, tactics, and teamwork. Like cross, conditioning is a must. Practices include long group rides throughout the season.

To be eligible for the BYC Road Team, an athlete must have been on the BYC Cyclocross Team, raced in the previous season, and be 11 years of age. (Note: 9-10 riders can be a part of the Road Team, but must have a parent / guardian on all group rides.)

The Road Team will be split into three practice squads based on experience and coaches’ discretion. All team members much have a valid USAC license. Athletes can use a cyclocross or road bike and must have road tires. Other equipment needed includes a helmet, clipless shoes and pedals, rear blinker light, and sunglasses or clear safety glasses. Advanced squads will need a tool kit, spare tube, and bike computer.

BYC utilizes SquadFusion for its communication platform. Detailed race and practice schedules as well as volunteer opportunities are available to all registered athletes and their parents.

For more information, contact us or view our FAQ.