NW Devo camp rolls next week
FOREST GROVE — The USA Cycling Northwest Development Camp will celebrate its third run this year when attendees from all over the Northwest and beyond converge on Pacific University in Forest Grove for six days of training and instruction.
Campers and coaches enjoyed an easy ride in the sun on the final day of camp last year. Photo courtesy of Jim Anderson.
The camp, which runs July 24-29, offers young, yet experienced cyclists ages 14-22 an opportunity to meet peers, learn from experienced coaches, develop technical skills and have an opportunity for potential talent identification.
“This camp is designed to give riders a chance to improve skills, learn new training techniques and jump to that next level of competitive cycling,” said camp manager Jim Anderson. “Riders attending this camp have a fantastic opportunity to learn from the best coaches, staff and advisers in the Northwest.”
In just its third year, the Oregon camp is attracting riders from across the country and has grown to be one of the largest of USA Cycling’s regional development Camps. Anderson said the 2011 camp will have 38 riders representing five states, including Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho and Pennsylvania. The camp started with 15 participants in 2009 and grew by 11 to 26 last year. This year the camp has added another 12 riders.
The camp will provide opportunities for younger riders to learn the fundamentals of bike racing. Basic bike and training skills, nutrition, basic bike mechanics and nutrition will be among the instruction topics. There will be several presentations that will give the riders a well-rounded view of bicycle racing, such as racing as a junior internationally, track racing and other disciplines of the sport. As with any cycling camp, there will be plenty of riding scheduled around the Washington County area.
Some of the most experienced coaches in the United States, including professional coaches who specialize in working with younger athletes and in giving them the skills and confidence to become great riders, will oversee the participants.
A selection of riders from all camps will also be nominated by the USA Cycling coaching staff and junior program manager to attend the USA Cycling National Development Camp. These camps are a way for riders to begin progressing through the USA Cycling Development Program. Oregon riders who have participated in similar camps in the last few years have gone on to represent the United States in world championship events and international junior events in Europe and Canada. Some have gone on race professionally.
