There are different ways to start competitively racing.
If you are interested in racing and becoming a part of Team Ontario follow the steps below.

Start at the Entry Level
A rider can become part of a Club and learn from the experience they have to offer a new member including learn to ride and race clinics.  Taking part in these clinics will provide a clear understanding of the sport and it will give the knowledge that is needed to grow as a rider.

The rider can also stay as an independent rider and participate in the many regional and weekly events that are hosted throughout the year.  BMX specific riders can join a local track and participate in their weekly events.

Provincial Level Competition
Once a rider has been competing in entry level events and has seen success they should move up to the provincial series of events for Road and Mountain Bike known as the Ontario Cup Series.  In BMX riders have the option to move up in proficiency from Novie to Intermediate or Expert.

At this level a rider should consider joining a club/team and start looking for his or her first coach. Often, this can be done in one step, as many clubs have certified coaches.

A list of qualified coaches around the province is available from the OCA website or by calling 416.426.7416.

Team Ontario
If a rider has been competing in the provincial race series and has been doing well they should consider meeting the criteria for Team Ontario in their chosen discipline.

In order to meet the criteria athletes must perform well at the Provincial Race series, National Championships or Eastern National Series depending on discipline.

If the athlete meets the criteria they will be considered and invited by the OCA High Performance Committee to be a part of Team Ontario.

Carded Athletes
These athletes met the carding criteria and those who were selected to be part of the carding program.  These athletes main focus will be National Championships and Canada Summer Games.  Athletes may be added or deleted from this program depending on eligibility and compliance with the Athlete Agreement.

For BMX athletes their focus will be on Eastern Nationals, National Championships and UCI International races held in Canada.
 

Non-Carded Athletes

This list of athletes includes athletes who were carded in the previous year and who the HP Committee and BMX HP Committee feel will benefit from taking part in OCA projects.  These athletes main focus will be National competitions, projects and OCA development camps.  Athletes may be added or deleted from this pool depending on results throughout the season and project objectives.

For BMX athletes their focus will be on provincial competitions, OCA projects and development camps.

Athletes may be added or deleted from this list depending on results throughout the season and project objectives.
 

Team Ontario athletes will be the first group of athletes considered for upcoming OCA projects.  If a team cannot be compiled from these athletes the coach of the project and the committee will consider other athletes not in the program.

Athletes who are not a part of the Team Ontario program can express interest in a particular project by contacting the Manager, High Performance at racing@ontariocycling.org or 416.426.7401.  If the athlete meets the criteria they will be considered for the project.