Youth Racing
In this section:
- Ontario Youth Cup
-Gear Retrictions



Riders who have any questions in regards to youth racing (Road, MTB, Cyclo-Cross, BMX, Track, etc) can email their questions to events@ontariocycling.org. 

Ontario Youth Cup Road Series

2007 Recap

The inaugural season of the Ontario Youth Cup Road Series was a major success. Over 130 youth aged 10-16 competed in the series, for many it was their first race ever. The series was driven by enthusiastic club members who wanted to introduce the fun and competitive world of road cycling to another generation. Special mentions go to the following;  Newmarket Eagles Cycling Club for organizing the inaugural race, the Peterborough Cycling Club for scoring the most Youth Club Challenge points and to the Maple Leaf Cycling Club for hosting a round and bringing a strong contingent out to the races. The season was capped off with the exciting Tour of University and the George Terry Cup.

Regulations

Age                 Open to youth aged 10 – 16 as of Dec. 31, 2008. 

* Age and boy/girl categories may be combined depending on field size.

** The distances are suggested and may be adapted to individual courses.


Licencing - The participants shall be members of an affiliated cycling club or possess an OCA citizen permit.  One day permits may be available at some events.

Series Format - Two levels of youth races.

Youth Cup – One day stand alone stage race for Youth. Features a time trial and a road race, the winner will be based on a combined general classification result. These races will be awarded maximum overall series points.

                        Youth Series – Youth series races will be included with other races open to all age categories.

Overall Series Points Per Race

Club Challenge Points - Points earned by youth racers count towards the OCA Club Challenge. Clubs wishing to be the top road team in Ontario are strongly recommended to encourage youth racing.

Equipment - The wearing of an approved helmet is mandatory.  Cycling gloves are strongly recommended.  The participants are encouraged to ride on a road-racing bicycle however other suitable bicycles may be utilized.  No aero bars are permitted.  All equipment must be in good repair, have adequate tires and operating brakes. Water bottle and cage is also strongly recommended.

Gearing - Although gear restrictions apply to regional and Ontario Cup races, no restrictions are in place for Ontario Youth Series races. This is an introductory series and is designed to allow young riders a chance to try road racing without the need for modifying the standard gearing on most bicycles. Once young riders have the desire for higher levels of competition then gear restrictions will be in effect at those competitions. Please scroll down for more information about gear restrictions. 

 
Finale - The series will end Saturday, September 27^th with the 2^nd Annual Tour of University Heights. Winners will have their names engraved on the George Terry Cup. Series points will be doubled.

Youth Road Racing Schedule
Consult race flyers and technical guide for more details.
More dates to be added.

April 20th - The Ultralink Calabogie Classic OCup presented by Cyclelogik (Youth Series)
May 31 - Malvern Bicycle Classic (Youth Cup)
June 7 - Milford 200
June 14 -Tour of Speed - Newmarket (Youth Cup)
July 1 - CHIN Picnic (Youth Series)
August 24 - Windsor (Youth Cup)
September 27 - Tour of University Heights - (Youth Cup Finals)

Click Here for a video of the 2007 Tour of Speed

Gear Restrictions for Riders Under 19 Years of Age
Applies to Regional and Ontario Cup U19 Categories


The international governing body for cycling is the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).The UCI rules are the basis for the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) Rule Book (http://www.canadian-cycling.com/e2/rulebook/index.htm). The UCI has specific limits on the gears used by young riders in road events. The main reasons for restricted gearing are to prevent injury and to encourage development of good pedalling technique (although this is subject to great debate!).

In 2004 the OCA will be enforcing gear restrictions for young riders at all OCA sanctioned races. For the Junior (U19) category the restrictions will be as defined by the UCI.For all other riders (cadets (U17), U15, U13, U19 riders racing Senior etc) the U19 gear restrictions will be applied.This means that bikes for all riders under 19 year of age riders will be checked before and after every race to insure that they are not using illegal gears. Please note that the OCA strongly advises that all young riders chose their gearing with care.

What are the restrictions?
Directly from the CCA Rule Book:

2.2.024 For Junior Men and Junior Women, the authorized maximum chain gear ratio is 7.93 metres.

What does this mean?
When the bike is in the largest gear (big ring on the front, smallest gear on the back) it must travel less then 7.93 m when the pedals are turned exactly one full circle.This is tested by doing what is called a “roll-out”.At the race, the commissaire will shift your bike into the largest gear available (biggest front, smallest back), and then roll it backwards watching one pedal.When the pedal goes around exactly one time, the distance will be marked.If it is more than 7.93 meters the bike will be illegal, and you will not be able to ride.At the end of the race the same check will be done, and if your bike fails, you will be disqualified.

So how do I comply?
The best way to insure that you bike will pass the test is to make sure that your “big ring” has 52 teeth, and that your smallest rear gear is 14 teeth.This combination is by far the most commonly used and will be very convenient if you need help with a flat or require other mechanical support during a race. These are standard parts that are readily available from your local bike shop, and should be provided at no extra cost on a new bike.

The other way to pass the test is to “block out” some of the gears on the back.If you have a 52 tooth "big ring" on the front you must block off all gears smaller that 14 on the back.If you have a 53 tooth "big ring" you must block off all gears smaller than 15. The best way to do this is to adjust the limit screw on your rear derailleur to prevent the use of the smaller gears.Some commisaires may also require you to make the illegal gears unusable by wrapping them with tape and/or cable ties. Remember that your bike will be checked after the race – if the adjustments slip during the race, or if you get a spare wheel that has different gearing you could be disqualified.

Special Note for Younger Riders
The CCA Rule Book states that gear restrictions may be applied to younger riders as follows:

These restrictions will not be enforced in Ontario in 2004.Riders entering races in other provinces may find that these restrictions are enforced there.This is especially true for cadets (U17) who travel to Quebec for major races as part of OCA development projects.If you plan to race outside of Ontario make sure you find out if gear restrictions are enforced, and that you have the correct equipment on your bike.

What if I have permission to ride in Senior 1/2 races?
Some very advanced juniors are given permission to ride in senior 1/2 races to enhance their development through exposure to better competition.When competing in national or international level races like the Canadian or World Championships, or le Tour de l'Abitibi, junior gear restrictions will apply, regardless of the level of competition.The OCA has decided that juniors must ride with restricted gears at all times, even if they are riding in a senior 1/2 race.