Cycling Ireland ‘Coach of the Year’ award winner, Paddy Doran visited Castleisland over the weekend to provide a workshop to the members of newly formed Kerry Youth Cycling Initiative.
He was greeted by an array of multi-coloured jerseys and representatives from the different clubs throughout the county.
New friendships were formed as male and female cyclists took part in speed drills and skill courses. The Kerry Youth Cycling Initiative (KYCI) was formed when five Kerry clubs came together to develop underage cycling in the county.
There are approximately 20 cycling clubs spread throughout Kerry. However, a lot of these clubs have very few underage riders and some none at all.
“It has been noted through research and consultation that these young people do not have team mates of their own age to train with.
As a result they find that they are at a disadvantage when it comes to competitive cycling and this is leading to many young people joining clubs outside the county,” according the initiative spokesperson, Helen Barrett.
“KYCI is aimed towards all young people from the age of ten to 16 and living in Kerry. The initiative aims to help young people to develop their cycling skills, to provide opportunities for them to progress in cycling within the county and to support the development of under-age cycling throughout Kerry clubs,” said Helen.
“We are aiming to provide opportunities for young people who are marginalized due to their location. We want to support them to realize their true potential. To promote social, educational and physical development of young people throughout Kerry, through the provision of a cycling skills programme.
KYCI believes that this program will help young people to develop healthier lifestyles and promote positive mental health and build self-esteem and counteract childhood obesity,” she stressed.
The Kerry Youth Cycling Initiative is organising a ‘Day Out’ and it’s on July 6th.
It’s being billed as the First Summer Outing and it’s a Mountain Biking break in Ballyhoura trail. This is a network with 98 km of trails including forest roads, climbs, tight, twisting, single tracks with loads of challenges and ups and downs.
“This is all for €25 and if you are interested we need numbers ASAP as it must be booked. Please contact your club official or any of the following numbers: Dick McElligott, Kingdom C.C. at 087 63 70 738 ; Donie Kelleher, Sliabh Luachra C.C. at 087 75 01 012; Mark Murphy, Killarney C.C. at 087 41 23 196; Michéal O’Shea, Killorglin C.C. at 087 27 92 514; Tom Barrett, Team iBike at 087 27 43 631,” Helen concluded.
The refreshments for Saturday’s workshop were kindly sponsored by the Castleisland based Garvey’s SuperValu and ALDI Supermarket.
About Paddy Doran
Paddy Doran has consistently been the most successful Irish cycling coach over the last thirty years. He has vast experience as a successful coach, competitor and masseur. He specialises in helping athletes to peak just in time for major events. He has trained successful male and female international and professional cyclists, a number of An Post Ras Winners, Masters World Track Champions and medallists. He studied cycling coaching from the masters of sport in the former East Germany as well as completing many other courses related to coaching. Paddy is a tutor for Cycling Ireland’s coach education programme. He has won the Coaching Ireland ‘Tutor of the Year,’ award and the Cycling Ireland ‘Coach of the Year’ award.
See also: http://www.peakendurancecoaching.com/about.html
