Development Squad - for New People!

The Development Squad caters for those who are very keen to learn how to get into racing with no prior experience. Many people in 2009 took part in their first ever road races under CUCC, and really enjoyed the experience. If you want to go out for a more casual ride, this is the group with which to go.

Key Aims

Safety.

Learning to ride safely is a central objective for the Dev Squad. Road riding can be a dangerous activity without any tuition - especially on the busy roads into and out of Cambridge. Riding in a group means there is even more to concentrate on, so learning to ride in a way that minimises danger is a priority!

Developing race skills.

Being able to cycle competitively in a road race requires the ability to ride well in a group. For example, you will be taught how to ride smoothly "through and off" (wait and see!), as would be required of you in a breakaway. Once you're used to riding in a group, you'll be much more relaxed in races, and able to concentrate on what is happening from a more tactical point of view.

Fitness.

Fitness becomes more of a concern after you've been selected to ride with the second team. However, by regularly turning up and taking part in these sessions, you will increase your fitness massively, without even realizing it. People new to the sport can make huge gains very quickly. For the first month or two of riding, most of your improvements are neuromuscular - as you learn to recruit more of the muscle fibres you already have, you'll dramatically decrease fatigue and increase your power.

What do I do now to get onto this team?

If you're interested, email the men's or women's captain respectively to get yourself put on the mailing list to find out info about rides. Feel free to ask any questions you may have about kit, what to wear, what to bring etc.