Super Squadra

On January 10th, 16th, and 17th the Super Squadra cycling team, sponsored by Bicycle Sport Shop, will host a cycling clinics for beginner and advanced cyclists. Below are five frequently asked questions about the clinics. For a downloadable version of the 2010 Super Squadra Clincis flyer, a link to the online registration, as well as team contact information, please click on the links to the right.

Question: Who are these clinics geared toward?

David Wenger: As a junior who trashed a beautiful Schwinn Paramount during my first season of racing because I didn’t know how to take the initial corner of a criterium, I can personally attest to the benefits of a professionally run cycling clinic. Riding is fun. Racing requires skill—and at 190 heartbeats per minute, a large amount of concentration.

We are offering the 2010 Super Squadra Cycling Clinics for young cyclists who envision themselves racing at the collegiate, Under-23, even professional levels of the sport, as well as cyclists of all levels and ages striving to achieve their personal best, whether that’s entering your first race, winning the local group ride, or wearing a national championship jersey. Of course, both male and female cyclists are welcomed.

Question: Should I sign up for the beginner clinic or the advanced clinic?

Chad Haga: The beginner skills clinic on January 10th is for cyclists who are relatively new to racing, or don’t race yet, but have an interest in the basics of bike racing technique.

The advanced clinic will be held the following Sunday, January 17th, and is intended for racers who feel comfortable in a pack of cyclists, but want to learn the necessary techniques to separate themselves from the field. Both skills clinics are $80 individually.

The tactics seminar will be held on Sunday, January 10th at Bicycle Sport Shop (central) following the beginner skills clinic. It is open to cyclists of all levels—beginner and advanced skills clinic attendees alike. It is $40, or $110 total when packaged with one of the skills clinics.

Question: How will these clinics benefit me as a road cyclist and racer?

Phil Wikoff: The participants of 2010 Super Squadra Cycling Clinics will gain insight into every facet of road cycling and racing—from diet and nutrition to handling skills and team tactics. Saturday’s January 16th SAG (support and gear) ride on the quiet country roads outside of Austin, will give clinic attendees the opportunity to converse casually with Super Squadra team members and fellow clinic attendees while putting in essential winter base miles. The group will ride in a pro-style, two-by-two paceline with the safety and convenience of a follow vehicle. Distances varying from two to five hours will cater to cyclists of differing ability levels.

During the closed course skills session at the Driveway racetrack, clinic attendees will put real world racing skills. On a safe, yet dynamic course, riders will receive individual instruction on race skills such as proper bike handling, efficient pack riding, timing attacks, and sprinting form. Each and every clinic participant will leave with the confidence to ride and race in any situation.

The seminar will offer clinic attendees a chance to learn both basic and advanced cycling tactics geared specifically to Texas racing. Clinic members can anticipate both informational lectures (like how to properly prepare for a key event) and entertaining stories (such as when proper preparation leads to a national championship).

Question: What’s purpose of the 2010 Super Squadra Cycling Clinics?

Ian Dille: The purpose of the Super Squadra Scouting Cycling Clinics are to strengthen the cycling community as a whole—to help develop good cyclists into great cyclists. We look forward to familiarizing ourselves with clinic participants, learning their strengths and weaknesses and offering them valuable feedback.

Question: What if I can’t attend all of the 2010 Super Squadra Cycling Clinic activities?

Steven Wheeler: Super Squadra Skills Clinic participants may attend all or any individual activities. Of course, we highly encourage full participation.

Question: What can junior cyclists learn from the Super Squadra Skills Clinic?

Alan Ting: The opportunity to race with teammates who have experience at the professional level of the sport helped me develop into a more rounded rider. I realized that racing is about more than fitness and sheer athletic ability. It’s about teamwork, from properly executing a lead out train to helping chase down a break-a-way. I let go of my individual desire to win every race to put together a winning combination for the team.