Cycling
Fall (August through October)
Email Contact:
db5515585@msn.com
Overview:
Cycling is a fascinating sport that requires good physical condition, balance, endurance and tactics. Special Olympics include time trial and road race events in different distances. Every athlete riding his/ hers bike aims at traveling at the best possible time and arrive at the finish line first.
Practices are held on Saturday mornings from August through October onboard NAS Patuxent River near NAVSUP FLC. State competition in October. Athletes ride two-wheel bikes and 3-wheel bikes. Race lengths vary from 500 meters, 1000 meters, 5K, 10K and longer.
SOMD-SMC does have some bikes that athletes use.
Athletes need to provide the full name of the driver(s) that would bring them to practice on NAS Patuxent River.
Equipment:
SOMD-SMC provides the bikes and helmets along with the other necessary equipment needed to perform the cycling events. Athletes may purchase or bring their own helmets, gloves and/or bike but needs to check with the head coach prior to purchasing equipment.
Uniform Requirements:
SOMD-SMC will provide athletes with uniforms but they are only worn for qualifiers and state competition.
Practice Overview:
Cycling is a fascinating sport that requires good physical condition, balance, endurance and tactics. Special Olympics include time trial and road race events in different distances. Every athlete riding his/ hers bike aims at traveling at the best possible time and arrive at the finish line first.
Practices are held on Saturday mornings from August through October onboard NAS Patuxent River near NAVSUP FLC. State competition in October. Athletes ride two-wheel bikes and 3-wheel bikes. Race lengths vary from 500 meters, 1000 meters, 5K, 10K and longer.
SOMD-SMC does have some bikes that athletes use.
Athletes need to provide the full name of the driver(s) that would bring them to practice on NAS Patuxent River.
Training:
N/A
Location:
NAS Patuxent River
Timing:
Saturdays from 9:00AM to 10:30AM, starting the first Saturday in August and each week through the Saturday prior to the Fall Sports Festival in October.
Activities:
There are several coaches at each practice. Each athlete will have an assessment to determine which events the athletes would be best in competing. Practice starts with a warm-up and stretching exercise and a walk around the field, then they practice riding around the circuit for at least 30-45 minutes, and end with a cool down period.
Eligibility for State Competition:
There are a required number of qualifiers needed to attend the state competition. Some of those can be the required qualifiers announced throughout the season. Each athlete must also attend at least 8 practice sessions to be qualified to compete at the State competition. The athletes and families will receive notification of all qualifiers.
State Competition:
Fall Sports Festival is the state competition for the Cycling Program. The cycling portion is held at Fort Ritchie at 14421 Lake Royer Dr., Highfield-Cascade, MD. The athletes and families will receive notification of when the Fall Sports Festival will occur.
Participation in Other SOMD-SMC Sports:
Cycling athletes are not allowed to participate in other SOMD-SMC sports during the fall (Fall Sports Festival) season due to regulations posted for SOMD-SMC.
Athlete Participation Contract:
Not Required.
Housing Requirements for State Competition:
N/A
Other Considerations:
None.
Volunteers:
We always need help for a successful season. We are a 100% volunteer coaching and management staff. Parents who wish to help, please register as volunteers. (See information at the bottom of this page).
Only registered SOMD-SMC athletes and registered volunteers are allowed in the training area. Parents and spectators who are not registered as volunteers MUST watch from outside the training area.
Anyone with an intellectual disability age 7 and older are invited to become a Special Olympics athlete. ATHETES MUST BE AGE 8 PRIOR TO BEING ALLOWED TO COMPLETE. Athletes age 7 are allowed to train with the other athletes but just cannot compete.
All athletes/volunteers must sign up for sport training prior to attending practice. Please sign up online as soon as possible so that we can make plans for coaching needs.