Olympians hand down cycling knowledge to Okanagan youth

| August 23, 2016 in Kelowna

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Olympians and professional cyclists are helping grow the passion for road biking among Okanagan youth.

The Axel Merckx Youth Development Foundation and the Red Devils Cycling Academy will be hosting a three-day camp this weekend.

"The day begins with bikers breaking into three different groups based on ability," explained  Brandon Archer, head coach and co-founder of the Red Devils.  "There are two to three coaches per group and they'll teach the cyclists appropriate skills based on their age and ability."

The three-day camp is spearheaded by Kurt Inness, Director, Talent Development for Canadian Sport Institute. He's an Olympic athlete and a six-time Canadian cycling champion.

Axel Merckx of Kelowna, an Olympic bronze medalist in 2004 who competed in eight Tours de France, will also be coaching the boys and girls.

More than 55 cyclists are signed up the for weekend camp, which features training, races and coaching from the professionals.

Other coaches include Evan Guthrie of Peachland, a professional mountain biker and Jordan Shane a current road-cycling professional.

"When I grew up there were no cell phones. I grew up riding my bike and being outside all the time,” explained Archer.

“I'm really passionate about this because I still love riding my bike. But I want to make sure we get as many kids as possible on their bikes. They could be potential Olympians. This gives them a pathway to that goal."

In addition to the camp deepening their love for cycling, Archer says the instructors this weekend are excellent role models for the youth.

Archer added that next year the Red Devils Cycling Academy will be bigger and better. The coaches will be targeting a few youth races in the province and one in Washington. He’s expecting to have 60 cyclists in the program next year, compared to 39 this year.

The Youth Cycling Series for 2016 will take place Friday through Sunday. Cyclists are asked to register based on their age:

Cyclists wanting to attend must be between 10 and 17 years old and must own their own bike.

For more information on the youth cycling series or to register your child, click here.

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