NCCH’s philosophy is to Develop Youth Potential through Cycling.
This guide is intended to help you integrate into cycling and be a part of NCCH’s Recreational or Competitive programs.
About NCCH
The National Cycling Centre Hamilton (NCCH) was created in 2004 as a legacy organization following the very successful 2003 UCI World Road Cycling Championships in Hamilton Ontario. NCCH is a private not-for-profit corporation which is governed by an external volunteer Board of Directors. It’s operations are led by a Manager/Head Coach, who is supported by volunteer operating directors, adult and youth coaches as well as many more wonderful volunteers! All coaches hold NCCP Certification, and have completed the Rowan's Law Concussion Awareness and Ontario Cycling Association Concussion Code of Conduct. The NCCH young volunteer Coach-in-training (CIT’s) are mentored under our Certified Coaches.
Our Centre was originally one of 5 cycling development centres for youth in Canada.
The Centre is formally partnered with the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA), the Ontario Cycling Association (OCA), the City of Hamilton and McMaster University. NCCH's program structure is aligned with CCA's Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and OCA's Ability Based Cycling.
Our Centre was originally one of 5 cycling development centres for youth in Canada.
The Centre is formally partnered with the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA), the Ontario Cycling Association (OCA), the City of Hamilton and McMaster University. NCCH's program structure is aligned with CCA's Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and OCA's Ability Based Cycling.
Cycling with NCCH
Cycling with NCCH powers your child throughout adolescence
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NCCH promotes teamwork and inclusivity
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NCCH actively integrates four pillars of health and wellness into its programs
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NCCH recognizes that to fully develop human potential through cycling, all four elements of health and wellness need to be addressed. We are excited to announce that NCCH and Canadian Centre for Mental Health & Sport is developing the 4HEALTH concept to our athletes, coaches, parents and influencers.
4HEALTH is a concept being developed by a number of professional organizations including the Canadian Center for Mental Health and Sport to develop age appropriate tools and programs delivered by professionals to sport organizations that are focused on the following 4 pillars of health - Physical Health, Mental Health, Financial Health, and Social Well Being. |
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NCCH takes safety seriously
Your child's safety is our priority!
All of our coaches are;
The majority of riders will commence in our Mountain Bike Program, where they will be assessed on their skills prior to moving to an appropriate skills and ability based program. Some riders may be very content to stay in the Recreation Program, and continue to enjoy what cycling has to offer, in a safe a caring environment, with no pressure to compete.
Others may have that competitive 'urge', as such the NCCH progression pathway through the Levels will be carefully managed by your coaching staff for your child.
Before any rider is permitted on public roads, they must successfully completed a road assessment course, or assessment. NCCH also offers our riders the opportunity to take part in Track (Velodrome), as well as CycloCross disciplines if they are interested.
Riders have much better road awareness and heightened defensive cycling. What’s more, cycling is a low-impact activity. Riders generally make better drivers!
All of our coaches are;
- Nationally accredited cycling coaches
- Completed all the necessary police checks
- First Aid & Concussion identification training (Rowans Law)
- Follow the principles of the Long Term Athlete Development Model (LTAD)
The majority of riders will commence in our Mountain Bike Program, where they will be assessed on their skills prior to moving to an appropriate skills and ability based program. Some riders may be very content to stay in the Recreation Program, and continue to enjoy what cycling has to offer, in a safe a caring environment, with no pressure to compete.
Others may have that competitive 'urge', as such the NCCH progression pathway through the Levels will be carefully managed by your coaching staff for your child.
Before any rider is permitted on public roads, they must successfully completed a road assessment course, or assessment. NCCH also offers our riders the opportunity to take part in Track (Velodrome), as well as CycloCross disciplines if they are interested.
Riders have much better road awareness and heightened defensive cycling. What’s more, cycling is a low-impact activity. Riders generally make better drivers!
NCCH Youth Development Cycling Program
www.hamiltonunitedpro.com/NCCH’s Youth Cycling Development Program includes grassroots Recreational programs through to Competitive programs all of which are coached by accredited NCCP coaches who work together to bring out the best performance of all our athletes - both on and off the bike. NCCH's program structure is aligned with Cycling Canada Association's Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and Ontario Cycling Association's Ability Based cycling groups.
NCCH’s Recreational/Pre-comp. program focuses on fundamental cycling skills and physical fitness with a fun and safe environment aimed at beginners or for those interested in riding with a group at a recreational pace or for those who are building up to the Competitive level. Most recreational riders use mountain bikes (MTB). Outdoor rides are typically on grass, gravel and or wooded trails around the Ancaster Community Centre from April through to October.
NCCH's Competitive program is for youth who want to race at local citizen races through to National and International level races. NCCH supports our athletes in four cycling disciplines; MTB, road, track (velodrome) and cyclo-cross (CX) with training running full year around. When joining NCCH’s competitive program, athletes become a member of NCCH p/b Franklin Templeton Investments, a Private Team registered with OCA. Assessments are required for riders wishing to become a member of NCCH’s competitive team and to move from one level to the next. See below for NCCH Program Assessment & Progression Guide.
NCCH also has relationships with Hamilton United www.hamiltonunitedpro.com/, a Pro/Elite team and X-Speed, an Intercontinental UCI Team providing potential racing opportunities for top athletes progressing beyond the NCCH competitive team.
As a youth cycling development centre, NCCH is responsible for identifying, recruiting, testing, coaching and training high performance athletes in the Province of Ontario. Since its creation in 2004, the Centre has assisted over 75 athletes win medals at National Championships and/or become members of the Canadian National Cycling Team. We’ve also had several of our Alumni graduate into professional teams including; 3-time U23 National Road Race Champion Ben Perry, as well as into the Canadian National Team, including Pan Am Games medalist Adam Jamieson.
NCCH’s Recreational/Pre-comp. program focuses on fundamental cycling skills and physical fitness with a fun and safe environment aimed at beginners or for those interested in riding with a group at a recreational pace or for those who are building up to the Competitive level. Most recreational riders use mountain bikes (MTB). Outdoor rides are typically on grass, gravel and or wooded trails around the Ancaster Community Centre from April through to October.
NCCH's Competitive program is for youth who want to race at local citizen races through to National and International level races. NCCH supports our athletes in four cycling disciplines; MTB, road, track (velodrome) and cyclo-cross (CX) with training running full year around. When joining NCCH’s competitive program, athletes become a member of NCCH p/b Franklin Templeton Investments, a Private Team registered with OCA. Assessments are required for riders wishing to become a member of NCCH’s competitive team and to move from one level to the next. See below for NCCH Program Assessment & Progression Guide.
NCCH also has relationships with Hamilton United www.hamiltonunitedpro.com/, a Pro/Elite team and X-Speed, an Intercontinental UCI Team providing potential racing opportunities for top athletes progressing beyond the NCCH competitive team.
As a youth cycling development centre, NCCH is responsible for identifying, recruiting, testing, coaching and training high performance athletes in the Province of Ontario. Since its creation in 2004, the Centre has assisted over 75 athletes win medals at National Championships and/or become members of the Canadian National Cycling Team. We’ve also had several of our Alumni graduate into professional teams including; 3-time U23 National Road Race Champion Ben Perry, as well as into the Canadian National Team, including Pan Am Games medalist Adam Jamieson.
NCCH Program Assessment & Progression Guide
NCCH Guidelines for Progression from Recreational / Beginner program to Competitive Level C
Key Requirements and Maneuvers
Recreation / Pre-Comp → Level C
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Standards - at this level is is more about skills than time (as age and physically appropriate)
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Mountain Bike (MTB) Time
Skills
Endurance
Vertical Divider
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Road Time
Skills
Endurance
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NCCH Guidelines for Progression from Competitive Level C to Level B
Key Requirements
Level C → Level B
All Cycling Disciplines
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Standards - Riders need to have the endurance, speed and technical skills to ride with the next level group.
A goal of our program is to progressively develop the rider to manage increasingly more difficult obstacles safely and within their ability
A goal of our program is to progressively develop the rider to manage increasingly more difficult obstacles safely and within their ability
Mountain Bike (MTB)Time
Skills
Endurance
Vertical Divider
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RoadTime
Skills
Endurance
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NCCH Guidelines for Progression from Competitive Level B to Level A
Key Requirements
Level B → Level A
All Cycling Disciplines
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Standards - Riders need to have the endurance, speed and technical skills to ride with the next level group.
A goal of our program is to progressively develop the rider to manage increasingly more difficult obstacles safely and within their ability
A goal of our program is to progressively develop the rider to manage increasingly more difficult obstacles safely and within their ability
Mountain Bike (MTB)Time
Skills
All above plus...
Endurance
Can complete 3-5 hour endurance rides at 30-32kph Vertical Divider
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RoadTime
Skills
Endurance
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NCCH Cycling Disciplines
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Mountain bikes are generally specialized for use on trails, single track, fire roads, and other unpaved surfaces. Riders in our MTB program must have a mountain bike to ride off road with. Mountain bikes incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain. These typically include a front or full suspension (although not a requirement), large knobby tires for traction, more durable wheels, more powerful brakes, straight handlebars, and lower gear ratios for climbing steep grades. The MTB season runs from April through to September Mountain Biking (MTB) |
Road Bikes are built for traveling at high speeds on paved roads. Road bikes have tires that are narrow and smooth to decrease rolling resistance, the handlebars are bent ("dropped") to allow the rider position to be leaned forward and downward, which reduces the air resistance, and are typically of a lightweight construction and design. The Ontario Race Season is from April through September. Road |
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Track bikes have no brakes and have a single fixed gear (when the wheels turn, the pedals turn). Race Tech Guides specify gear limits by race age group or ability-based group. Track cycling is conducted on a velodrome. Velodromes may be indoor or outdoor. NCCH does most of its training on FCV in London, or Mattamy National Cycling Centre-Milton. Both tracks offer bike rentals for riders interested in getting into the sport. Athletes must get certified in order to be able to train and participate in youth races on the Mattamy track. The season runs from November through mid-April. Track |
Cyclo-Cross Bike (CX Bike or CXB), is a bicycle specifically designed for the rigors of a cyclo-cross race. Cyclo-Cross is a unique sport, combining elements of cross country running, mountain biking, hurdles, and road cycling. Races consists of many short laps on a 2.5 to 3.5 km circuit, featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills, and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike while navigating the obstruction and remount. Cyclo-Cross combines the technical aspects of mountain biking and the speed of road racing, but neither in excess so it is a great sport for someone looking to get into cycling. Given the time of year racers need to be prepared for all types of weather. The Ontario Race Season is September through December. Cyclo-cross (CX) |
NCCH Kit, Bikes, Equipment, etc.
KitOur riding kit it is designed and manufactured by Jakroo, and can be purchased on the NCCH online store.
NCCH policies require riders to have legs and arms covered if riding in weather that is forecast to be at or below 15 degrees Celsius. |
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Bikes
We strongly encourage parents to take a 'progression' approach when purchasing of a bike, if you are very new to the sport, any safe bike will do, whereas if you are, or have progressed to a high level competition racer, then you may consider a higher investment. We are fortunate that there are many quality local bike shops for our riders to research and find equipment that best suits their needs, there are also many opportunities to purchase used bikes through Kijiji (as an example), and NCCH members.
Your coach can assist you in determining the type of bike and bike features and gearing that would be appropriate for your level of racing.
All athletes are responsible for having their own bike(s). Bikes must be in good working condition, kept clean and be a size suitable for the rider to be able to maintain control.
All athletes are responsible for bringing appropriate spare wheels, spare tires, tire levers, allen key set, chain tool, tire inflation device (pump or C02 canister). Mountain bikes must have working front and rear brakes. No kickstands.
Your coach can assist you in determining the type of bike and bike features and gearing that would be appropriate for your level of racing.
All athletes are responsible for having their own bike(s). Bikes must be in good working condition, kept clean and be a size suitable for the rider to be able to maintain control.
All athletes are responsible for bringing appropriate spare wheels, spare tires, tire levers, allen key set, chain tool, tire inflation device (pump or C02 canister). Mountain bikes must have working front and rear brakes. No kickstands.
Equipment
- Helmets - Riders, and coaches, must wear a CSA approved cycling helmet at all times while on their bike.
- Lights - All NCCH members must have functioning front and rear lights for any NCCH ride. We recommend a rechargeable light set, NCCH arranges group purchase, Team members will receive an email alerting them to when the store window is open for ordering.
- Gloves - for safety reasons all members of NCCH are required to wear cycling gloves while on an NCCH ride, and while racing.
- Shoes – Riders must have properly fitting shoes, in good condition. Riders at a racing level should have clipless pedals and shoes. Riders using flat pedals must wear running shoes with laces tucked away.
- Eye wear – Riders must have appropriate eye wear for the weather conditions and lighting.
- Water Bottles - Riders must bring and carry their own water. Water bottle(s) and/or camelback should hold enough water to supply the rider for the duration of training. Rider’s name should be clearly marked on the bottle. Bottles cannot be exchanged between people.
- Cycling Computers - Cycling computers are not required, but may make your training more productive when used with connected devices that measure Heart Rate, Speed and/or Cadence. There are several different types and models to choose from and each individual will have their own preference. Having a device that you can download planned ride routes to will help you stay on course if for some reason you get separated from the bunch. This is most important when training in unfamiliar locations, or on a team project.
NCCH Race Day
Let your coach know that you are going. Ensure you register on-time, pre-read the race Technical Guide and bring your OCA license.
- Be well rested, fed and hydrated.
- Be at the NCCH race tent at the earliest of at least one hour before your race or as required for registration as stated in the Race Technical Guide.
- Must wear NCCH team race kit (clothing jersey and shorts) and dress according to weather conditions.
- Bike must be clean and in good working order.
- For road and track races bikes may require to be set at a certain Gearing Ratio requiring gear lock outs and/or certain combinations of chain rings and sprocket sets. There are many useful youtube videos and websites explaining Gearing with the following link providing high level definitions: https://www.whycycle.co.uk/buying-a-bike/bike-jargon-buster/bike-gears-explained/. It is important to refer to the Race Technical Guide for gear restrictions well ahead of the race to give the racer time to change their gears if necessary and speak to your coach if you have further questions.
- Bring the following:
- food and nutrition for the day including at least 2 full personally marked water bottles.
- rollers for warm-up.
- necessary spares and personal tools.
Ontario Cycling Association Membership
The Ontario Cycling Association (OCA) is the provincial sport organization for all types of cycling events, teams, and clubs in Ontario. Please visit their website and familiarize yourself with it. http://www.ontariocycling.org/
Every member of NCCH is required to have a valid OCA licence in order to participate in our programs.
For new joining members OCA licences can be acquired throughout the calendar year, and expire annually on December 31st. For existing members, be sure to renew your annual OCA licence in January.
There are different types of licences available. The one that's right for you will be determined by your interest in racing.
Note:
OCA licences are purchased through CCNbikes.com. This is also where you will register for most things related to cycling.
To purchase your OCA license follow this link:
https://ccnbikes.com/#!/memberships/ontario-cycling-association-2020-annual-license-membership.
Every member of NCCH is required to have a valid OCA licence in order to participate in our programs.
For new joining members OCA licences can be acquired throughout the calendar year, and expire annually on December 31st. For existing members, be sure to renew your annual OCA licence in January.
There are different types of licences available. The one that's right for you will be determined by your interest in racing.
- Citizen Permit: For recreational members, non-racing youth and youth racing at Youth Cup and other selected citizens races within Ontario only.
- UCI License: For youth racing at O-Cup, Provincials, Nationals and any race outside of Ontario.
Note:
- Racers choosing the UCI Race Licence option, that want to ride/race track, must add the UCI Track Race Licence option.
- When purchasing your licence, you will be asked to choose your Membership Affiliation. Choose NCCH pb Frank Templeton Investments to race as a member of NCCH. We require all racers to have a team race kit (clothing jersey and shorts) that they must wear when racing.
- You require a headshot (<10mb file size) to upload for your licence.
OCA licences are purchased through CCNbikes.com. This is also where you will register for most things related to cycling.
To purchase your OCA license follow this link:
https://ccnbikes.com/#!/memberships/ontario-cycling-association-2020-annual-license-membership.
Competitive Cycling in Ontario
Ontario has some of the best roads and mountain bike terrain to train and race in Canada, with the 2003 World Professional Road Cycling Championships conducted in Hamilton, along with two velodromes in close proximity (Milton and St. Thomas). We are lucky that there are a number of race venues in the province to choose from every race season, spanning all levels of racing. NCCH focuses on helping youth athletes race all levels of events from local youth/citizen races to international world cup events. NCCH athletes can compete in road, track, mountain biking and/or cyclocross.
In road, track and cyclocross racing the Ontario Cycling Association (OCA) has adopted Ability Based Racing for most of the racing conducted in Ontario. This is where riders race in categories based on ability/competitiveness rather than age group and gender. The OCA website provides general guidelines for which ability based group a racer should be in. Each OCA race will have available on-line a Technical Guide that will list their races by Ability Based groups.
Currently, mountain bike races at the Provincial and National level competitions are grouped based on age categories; U19 - Junior; U17 - Cadet; U15 - Minime; U13 - PeeWee; U11 – Squirt (age as at December 31 in year at the end of the race season). Some citizen races are grouped based on ability but it is at the discretion of the organization hosting the event. Every race has a technical guide that will explain race categories.
More information about youth racing in Ontario can be found on the OCA website including a calendar of events for the season http://www.ontariocycling.org/
In road, track and cyclocross racing the Ontario Cycling Association (OCA) has adopted Ability Based Racing for most of the racing conducted in Ontario. This is where riders race in categories based on ability/competitiveness rather than age group and gender. The OCA website provides general guidelines for which ability based group a racer should be in. Each OCA race will have available on-line a Technical Guide that will list their races by Ability Based groups.
Currently, mountain bike races at the Provincial and National level competitions are grouped based on age categories; U19 - Junior; U17 - Cadet; U15 - Minime; U13 - PeeWee; U11 – Squirt (age as at December 31 in year at the end of the race season). Some citizen races are grouped based on ability but it is at the discretion of the organization hosting the event. Every race has a technical guide that will explain race categories.
More information about youth racing in Ontario can be found on the OCA website including a calendar of events for the season http://www.ontariocycling.org/
OCA Race Officials, Rules and Regulations
Technical Guide: Every race will have a technical guide that can be found on the race host website. Every racer should take the time to read the guide to understand what is expected, including race course, number placement, race times, categories, gearing restrictions etc.
Commissaires: Commissaires are the officials (referees, umpires) that make sure that all competitive cycling events comply with the rules, and the racers compete fairly. Each race will have a Chief Commissaire.
UCI Rules & Regulations:
Road: https://www.uci.org/docs/default-source/rules-and-regulations/part-ii-road/2-roa-20200101-e.pdf?sfvrsn=e954afed_12
Track: https://www.uci.org/docs/default-source/rules-and-regulations/3-pis-e_english.pdf?sfvrsn=da11c58e_22
MTB: https://www.uci.org/docs/default-source/rules-and-regulations/4mtb-e-1.01.2019---final---ok-publication.pdf?sfvrsn=9954e8cc_16
Cyclo-cross: https://www.uci.org/docs/default-source/rules-and-regulations/5-cro-20170628-e_english.pdf?sfvrsn=2eb79d46_8
Cycling Canada Companion Guide: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ocUTG3Ru9oxoYGPB_8AHydcxrQZdZVA_
Commissaires: Commissaires are the officials (referees, umpires) that make sure that all competitive cycling events comply with the rules, and the racers compete fairly. Each race will have a Chief Commissaire.
UCI Rules & Regulations:
Road: https://www.uci.org/docs/default-source/rules-and-regulations/part-ii-road/2-roa-20200101-e.pdf?sfvrsn=e954afed_12
Track: https://www.uci.org/docs/default-source/rules-and-regulations/3-pis-e_english.pdf?sfvrsn=da11c58e_22
MTB: https://www.uci.org/docs/default-source/rules-and-regulations/4mtb-e-1.01.2019---final---ok-publication.pdf?sfvrsn=9954e8cc_16
Cyclo-cross: https://www.uci.org/docs/default-source/rules-and-regulations/5-cro-20170628-e_english.pdf?sfvrsn=2eb79d46_8
Cycling Canada Companion Guide: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ocUTG3Ru9oxoYGPB_8AHydcxrQZdZVA_
OCA Race Results
Road/Track/CX: Timing for road, and O-Cup level track, and CX races is typically conducted by RaceTiming.ca and race results can be found on www.racetiming.ca Timing is not provided for the Youth Track Development Series. The OCA typically posts the results on its website for these races.
MTB: Timing and results for O-Cup level MTB races since 2012 has been provided by Superfly Racing. The results for races can be found on http://superflyracing.com/biking/race-results
MTB: Timing and results for O-Cup level MTB races since 2012 has been provided by Superfly Racing. The results for races can be found on http://superflyracing.com/biking/race-results
Being a Supportive Parent
OCA Code of Conduct and Ethics
Canadian Sport for Life - A Sport Parent's Guide
How do I know if my child is talented: https://youtu.be/3IMhyddT7KQ
Canadian Sport for Life - A Sport Parent's Guide
How do I know if my child is talented: https://youtu.be/3IMhyddT7KQ
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Cycling Lingo
Attack: a sudden attempt to pull ahead from a rider or group of riders.
Bibs: a cycling short that has a bib or suspenders (like overalls), instead of an elastic waistband. Preferred by most cyclists, as the elastic waistband can cause discomfort or chaffing.
Computrainer: simply put, a computrainer is a stand that you connect your bike to – and as you ride your bike, the computrainer will put more or less pressure on the back tire of your bike, as though you are pedalling either uphill or downhill. The computrainer records your distance, speed, heart rate, and watts onto a screen in front of you, while you bike through courses and time trials (kind of like a video game).
Cyclocross: a race that could involve riding on pavement, trails, grass, hills and obstacles, and may involve the rider to dismount their bike.
Development Team: all of the athletes in our Hub and Top Gear Programs (who have NOT been asked to be on our Trade Team) is on our Development Team Development Team sponsors do not contribute to our Trade Team.
Drafting: cycling behind another rider so that they block the wind from you. The rider in the front is getting 30% more of the work than those behind.
Elite Team (aka Trade Team): Our Trade Team is powered by the MGCC (Morning Glory Cycling Club), and sponsored by a number of sponsors APART from our Development Team. The Trade Team is made up of athletes who’ve been specifically invited to join, because of their hard-work, ability, performance, and character.
HPT: High Performance Team – the most advanced team to reach through NCCH.
Kelso: Kelso is a Tuesday night race series that is the biggest weekly mountain bike series in Ontario. Located in Milton, ON at the Glen Eden ski hill. There are categories for every level of rider which makes this series a perfect environment for new racers. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed. Every HUB rider is encouraged to participate. If you have questions regarding which category would be best, please ask your Coach. http://www.conservationhalton.ca/mtbseries
Kit: is a cycling jersey. The most basic kit is made up of cycling shorts (yes, with the diaper on it) and a lycra jersey.
MGCC: Morning Glory Cycling Club – located in Toronto, they sponsor our Trade Team!
MTB: Mountain Biking
NCCH: National Cycling Centre Hamilton – that’s us!
OCA: Ontario Cycling Association – the provincial governing body for the sport of cycling in Ontario.
OCA Licence: If you want to train or race outdoors in Ontario, it is mandatory for you to purchase an OCA licence. For a youth, the licence is usually around $40 annually. You can purchase one as an independent rider, or under the team that you are racing for. If you are on a team, you must purchase the team licence, as you will not be able to race in your team kit or for that team without it. This also protects the team sponsors’ rights for being represented on the team kit.
Ontario Cup Series: The Ontario Cup Series consists of 7 Mountain Biking races throughout Ontario. New last year they offer a 9:0 am race which is intended for less experienced racers. It’s a bit shorter and less technical than the later races and is more spectator friendly. http://superflyracing.com/biking/ontario-cup/
p/b: Powered By. You will see that our 2018 name is NCCH p/b Franklin Templeton Investments, which means our Title Sponsor is Franklin Templeton Investments.
P2A: Paris to Ancaster. This community ride is a Spring classic! You can ride it on a mountain bike or a cyclocross bike. There are 3 different distances 20km, 40km or 70km. This race is a mix of road, rail trail, single track, and farm roads. The race ends with the Martin Rd. hill behind our training center.
http://parisancaster.com
Polka Dot Jersey: this jersey (white with red polka dots) is given to the King of the Mountains in the Tour de France. The King of the Mountains is the rider who has the most points in the hill-climbing sections of each stage. Points are given to the rider that reaches the top first, and more points are given the more difficult the climb.
Pulling the Load: the rider that is in front of the pack is doing 30% more of the work, and is blocking the wind for those drafting behind them.
Rollers: three rolling cylinders you place your bike onto, and must keep your balance in order to continue to ride. Used for training.
Safe Cycling School: is made up of two programs – 1st Gear and 2nd Gear. We teach youth Ages 10+ the basics of bike riding, road safety, gear changing, and general health and fitness, that the child can become proficient and confident on their bike.
Saddle: your bike seat.
Title Sponsor: The Title Sponsor can change over the course of a few years. In the past, NCCH has been powered by CHCH and DEC Express. In 2018, Franklin Templeton Investments became the new Title Sponsor for NCCH. The Title Sponsor receives naming rights to the team, as they’ve sponsored the team a very significant sum, highest above all other sponsors.
Track: No, we don’t mean Track and Field. When we say Track, we mean the racing on the Velodrome.
Training Peaks: a training software for athletes and coaches. You can track your workouts and analyze your fitness both at our facility and at home.
TT: Time Trial. A race against the clock!
An individual time trial (ITT) is a race in which you race alone against the clock
ITTs are also referred to as "the race of truth", as winning depends only on each rider's strength and endurance, and not on help provided by teammates and others riding ahead and creating a slipstream.
Starting times are at equal intervals, usually 30 seconds to 1 minute apart. The starting sequence is usually based on the finishing times in preceding races (or preceding stages in the case of a multi-stage race) with the highest ranked cyclist starting last. Starting later gives the racer the advantage of knowing what time they need to beat (and also makes the event more interesting to spectators). Competitors are not permitted to draft (ride in the slipstream) behind each other. Any help between riders is forbidden. The rider with the fastest time is declared the winner.
Bibs: a cycling short that has a bib or suspenders (like overalls), instead of an elastic waistband. Preferred by most cyclists, as the elastic waistband can cause discomfort or chaffing.
Computrainer: simply put, a computrainer is a stand that you connect your bike to – and as you ride your bike, the computrainer will put more or less pressure on the back tire of your bike, as though you are pedalling either uphill or downhill. The computrainer records your distance, speed, heart rate, and watts onto a screen in front of you, while you bike through courses and time trials (kind of like a video game).
Cyclocross: a race that could involve riding on pavement, trails, grass, hills and obstacles, and may involve the rider to dismount their bike.
Development Team: all of the athletes in our Hub and Top Gear Programs (who have NOT been asked to be on our Trade Team) is on our Development Team Development Team sponsors do not contribute to our Trade Team.
Drafting: cycling behind another rider so that they block the wind from you. The rider in the front is getting 30% more of the work than those behind.
Elite Team (aka Trade Team): Our Trade Team is powered by the MGCC (Morning Glory Cycling Club), and sponsored by a number of sponsors APART from our Development Team. The Trade Team is made up of athletes who’ve been specifically invited to join, because of their hard-work, ability, performance, and character.
HPT: High Performance Team – the most advanced team to reach through NCCH.
Kelso: Kelso is a Tuesday night race series that is the biggest weekly mountain bike series in Ontario. Located in Milton, ON at the Glen Eden ski hill. There are categories for every level of rider which makes this series a perfect environment for new racers. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed. Every HUB rider is encouraged to participate. If you have questions regarding which category would be best, please ask your Coach. http://www.conservationhalton.ca/mtbseries
Kit: is a cycling jersey. The most basic kit is made up of cycling shorts (yes, with the diaper on it) and a lycra jersey.
MGCC: Morning Glory Cycling Club – located in Toronto, they sponsor our Trade Team!
MTB: Mountain Biking
NCCH: National Cycling Centre Hamilton – that’s us!
OCA: Ontario Cycling Association – the provincial governing body for the sport of cycling in Ontario.
OCA Licence: If you want to train or race outdoors in Ontario, it is mandatory for you to purchase an OCA licence. For a youth, the licence is usually around $40 annually. You can purchase one as an independent rider, or under the team that you are racing for. If you are on a team, you must purchase the team licence, as you will not be able to race in your team kit or for that team without it. This also protects the team sponsors’ rights for being represented on the team kit.
Ontario Cup Series: The Ontario Cup Series consists of 7 Mountain Biking races throughout Ontario. New last year they offer a 9:0 am race which is intended for less experienced racers. It’s a bit shorter and less technical than the later races and is more spectator friendly. http://superflyracing.com/biking/ontario-cup/
p/b: Powered By. You will see that our 2018 name is NCCH p/b Franklin Templeton Investments, which means our Title Sponsor is Franklin Templeton Investments.
P2A: Paris to Ancaster. This community ride is a Spring classic! You can ride it on a mountain bike or a cyclocross bike. There are 3 different distances 20km, 40km or 70km. This race is a mix of road, rail trail, single track, and farm roads. The race ends with the Martin Rd. hill behind our training center.
http://parisancaster.com
Polka Dot Jersey: this jersey (white with red polka dots) is given to the King of the Mountains in the Tour de France. The King of the Mountains is the rider who has the most points in the hill-climbing sections of each stage. Points are given to the rider that reaches the top first, and more points are given the more difficult the climb.
Pulling the Load: the rider that is in front of the pack is doing 30% more of the work, and is blocking the wind for those drafting behind them.
Rollers: three rolling cylinders you place your bike onto, and must keep your balance in order to continue to ride. Used for training.
Safe Cycling School: is made up of two programs – 1st Gear and 2nd Gear. We teach youth Ages 10+ the basics of bike riding, road safety, gear changing, and general health and fitness, that the child can become proficient and confident on their bike.
Saddle: your bike seat.
Title Sponsor: The Title Sponsor can change over the course of a few years. In the past, NCCH has been powered by CHCH and DEC Express. In 2018, Franklin Templeton Investments became the new Title Sponsor for NCCH. The Title Sponsor receives naming rights to the team, as they’ve sponsored the team a very significant sum, highest above all other sponsors.
Track: No, we don’t mean Track and Field. When we say Track, we mean the racing on the Velodrome.
Training Peaks: a training software for athletes and coaches. You can track your workouts and analyze your fitness both at our facility and at home.
TT: Time Trial. A race against the clock!
An individual time trial (ITT) is a race in which you race alone against the clock
ITTs are also referred to as "the race of truth", as winning depends only on each rider's strength and endurance, and not on help provided by teammates and others riding ahead and creating a slipstream.
Starting times are at equal intervals, usually 30 seconds to 1 minute apart. The starting sequence is usually based on the finishing times in preceding races (or preceding stages in the case of a multi-stage race) with the highest ranked cyclist starting last. Starting later gives the racer the advantage of knowing what time they need to beat (and also makes the event more interesting to spectators). Competitors are not permitted to draft (ride in the slipstream) behind each other. Any help between riders is forbidden. The rider with the fastest time is declared the winner.
