Where do I start?

The Vikings Novice Program is now in its 5th year!

The Novice Program is celebrating its fifth year and the Vikings Cycling Club would like to thank Simon Dwyer and Lyndsey Vivian for starting and leading this program back in 2006. Due to this program and others like it provided by the Club, many Canberra cyclists have had an excellent introduction to road cycling. Special mention should also go to the Bilby’s Tri Club, John Armstrong and the V-mobile Squad who have all contributed and continue to do so today.

So in the spirit of continued success in the support of the growing Canberra cycling community, I’d like to invite registrations for the Vikings Cylcing Club 2010 Novice Program. This year’s program will be better than ever but be quick as there’s only 45 spots available. Please read on for more information but if you have any questions feel free to contact the program coordinator Mike Christopherson to get involved!

Novice program

Who's it for?

The Novice Program is for men, women and older teenagers who want to race in the Summer Criterium Series at Stromlo Forest Park (Wednesday evenings) and who have an interest in road cycling in general. You don't need to start with any great level of fitness or skill but it does help if you’re reasonably comfortable on your bike (eg. not too wobbly). The Vikings Cycling Club puts its emphasis on friendly competition, participation and responsibility, and participants are expected to assume these values.

This program is held each Spring leading into the Summer Criterium racing season. Over 7 weeks we'll take you through bike road safety, bunch riding, bike handling skills, race tactics, team training, stretching and nutrition - when you’re finished, you'll have all the skills needed to tackle a bike race and ride safely on Canberra roads.

Further details are available on the Novice Program including Registration information.

The club runs a bunch ride for Novice Cyclists on Friday mornings leaving from the ANU at 6am during the warmer months after the start of the Novice Program.

After the program

At the completion of the program you'll be equipped with all the social contacts, knowledge and skills to enter into any club racing events. However, we don't leave you there if you want more. In fact the Novice Program is just the first step in our pathway into road cycling, which can take you as far as you’re interested in going.

During the program we'll form some Criterium teams for those who are interested. In 2008 we formed the Valhalla cycling teams from women’s C to B grades and from Men’s E to C grades. The team finished overall first in the competition! There are also regular local road races on the weekends, and SuperCrits held on Mondays and Thursday evenings. Plenty of racing to do!

If you're still feeling keen after the Criterium season we'll also be running a 10 week training program for the 2011 Canberra Tour race usually held in May. This was also very popular last year and ended up having a great level of participation in 2010, with almost the whole Valhalla team involved.

The final step, for those that have decided that both cycling and the Vikings Club are for them, is to get involved in one of the club squads. The squads demonstrate the club philosophy of good sportsmanship, friendly competition and participation, rather than focussing on results. The squads benefit from ongoing coaching and support, assisting each member in achieving their personal and team goals as well as participation in club, state and national events.

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