We’re continuing our look at what we found to be the more memorable moments from the 2016 Cyclocross National Championships. These people and events struck us as having a real impact on the week’s racing. You can see all of our memorable moments here. Today, we’re looking back to the future at the youngest Junior races.
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There was of course no shortage of junior racing at the 2016 Cyclocross National Championship. From the non-championship under 8 “race” to the Junior 9-10 and 11-12 championship events, there were kids everywhere at the Biltmore Estate.
Sure, it was the National Championships, and there was a fair share of soccer moms and dads with more-than-enthusiastic encouragement, but it was heartening to see so many youngsters taking such an interest in the cyclocross, bikes and riding in general. And it was great to see families in tow, some kids with racing parents, some with friends and teammates.
Some of the parents of the youngest champions didn’t event race cyclocross, but told Cyclocross Magazine they were considering starting next season because their daughters or sons were so hooked. Think about that for a second.
While every racer over 13 rode the entire 2016 championship course, Junior racers aged 9-12 rode a slightly modified version of the track that every other competitor tackled, that still included many of the course’s most challenging features.
The competition in the Junior races was as fierce as it was in the Masters and Elite competitions. And many of the young racers rode bikes that any master would be happy to spend a season on.
But the post-interviews were perhaps a bit better. Certainly more endearing as youngsters answered questions, some clearly trying to hide their shyness, others trying to sound like the pros they may some day be.
For the littlest riders, there was a short, separate course from what the rest of the week’s competitors rode that featured two small barriers and plenty of tight turns and mud. The youngest pushed their balance bikes around the course and tried to find the fastest way between the tape:
Racing is finding the fastest route between the tape, some say. Kid Cross Race, 2016 Cyclocross National Championships. © Cyclocross Magazine
While the older kids had an opportunity to race a few heats and get several doses of mud. Some even showed why they might be the next Nys:
The Next Nys? An U9 racer practices his hopping skills. Kid Cross Race, 2016 Cyclocross National Championships. © Cyclocross Magazine
And for all involved, there was the necessary clean up afterwards:
What’s great about the Junior racing seen at Nationals and at many local scenes each season is that it brings friends and families together around an outdoor activity. Healthy activity and competition for youngsters and the young-at-heart, hopefully instills a life-long love of the sport.
Based on the smiles we saw in Asheville, we’d venture to say the future of the sport is in good hands.
2016 Cyclocross Nationals Kid Cross Photo Gallery:
True cyclocross conditions for even the youngest. Kid Cross Race, 2016 Cyclocross National Championships. © Cyclocross Magazine
