A gloomy morning did not keep Cadence Youth Cycling athletes from competing in their final race of the Spring Season. The sun came out and dried the course making it safe for our youth athletes to race their hearts out.
This annual criterium race takes place near Memorial Hall in West Fairmount Park. Athletes are divided into Cat A, B, and C, with A being our most experienced racers and C being our newer athletes.
KIPP DuBois Senior De’sean Long (left) placed first in the Cat A race
Mastery Pickett Senior Marlina Hardy (right) placed 1st in the Women’s Race and came in 2nd overall. Marleana is also the PA State Champion in her age category.
In addition to the race, we made exciting announcements, including athletes with perfect attendance for the entire season, four seniors who earned college scholarships (more on this next week), and the 23 youth who made it onto this year’s All Star Team. CYC’s All Star team is sponsored by Health Partners Plans, QCW Cycling, and Capital One.
Cycling is providing youth with a new opportunity to push themselves, work in teams, and exceed expectations. Here are a few reflections from CYC athletes on Saturday’s race:
Will from Saul High School says, “I didn’t think I was going to do well. I ended up seeing that I could do it, but did that when I outdid my expectations and actually got up to the B-level of racing by winning.”
Gigi from Neighborhood Bike Works says, ”The beginning of our race was speedy and crowded…I liked the feeling and the rush!”
Qaasim from Neighborhood Bike Works says,”It was crowded. I was in the middle of the pack for 3 laps, and then I was going back and forth [with another racer]. Next time I would try harder to paceline with another racer.”
New All Stars from five our our teams pose with their coaches and teammates
A huge thanks to our coaches, who have dedicated many hours a week to our young athletes since March.
From left to right: Ryan DeRoche (Team KIPP head coach), Kate Campbell (PIckett and Saul assistant coach), Robert Tyalor (CYC Alumni, Team Shoemaker and Team Saul assistant coach), Ian Goldinger (support coach), Justin Thompson (CYC Alumni, Team Pickett head coach), Blake Rubin (Team NBW head coach), Taylor Kuyk-White (CYC Program Manager), Mike Volpe (support coach).
Our events are not possible without incredible volunteers who help set up, marshall the course, serve snacks and lunch, and administer first aid!
Thank you!
Read more on Cadence Youth Cycling:
Program Manager, Taylor, places 4th in Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Race
Tamia Santiago’s college admittance essay
Mya Miller Opens up About Cadence Youth Cycling
Cadence Youth Cycling is now Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling. Click here to learn more about the recent changes, and click here to donate.