The Head for the Hills Junior Downhill Development Squad is designed to support riders competing in the Inside Line downhill mountain bike race season. It is comprised of skills development and race preparation sessions as well as race support at events. The squad will be assembled for the first time in 2022 and is a new take on the previous “Jr Gravity Skills” program that will deliver a range of better outcomes for its members.
Program Overview
The Junior Downhill Squad provides a supportive team environment for young riders competing at Inside Line downhill mountain bike club events. It will help guide and support riders competing in their first race events as well as enable experienced racers perform at their best.
The squad will also act as an important stepping stone for riders who wish to pursue downhill racing at the national level. It will help athletes prepare to take full advantage of high performance development programs and opportunities offered by AusCycling.
Please note:
The Junior Downhill Development Squad is a Tier 3 program. If you are unsure whether this program is for you, we strongly encourage you to contact us before registering.
Session Details
Skills Sessions
The skills sessions will be an opportunity for squad members to learn and develop their skills under the guidance of our coaches and senior mentors. They will be delivered before the race season commences.
| Session 1 | February 27 | 10am – 3pm | O’Halloran Hill RP |
| Session 2 | March 12 | 10am – 3pm | Eagle MTB Park |
| Session 3 | March 26 | 10am – 3pm | Fox Creek Bike Park |
Course Recons
The course recon sessions are a chance for the squad to look at and ride each race track before the event. It will give the squad an opportunity to apply the skills covered in the pre-season skills sessions.
| Recon 1 | April 3 | 10am – 1pm | Willunga |
| Recon 2 | April 16 | 10am – 1pm | Eagle MTB Park |
| Recon 3 | May 29 | 10am – 1pm | Fox Creek Bike Park |
| Recon 4 | June 26 | 10am – 1pm | Mt Torrens |
| Recon 5 | July 31 | 10am – 1pm | Fox Creek Bike Park |
| Recon 6 | August 28 | 10am – 1pm | Willunga |
Race Support
We will provide an area within the event village at each race that squad members will be able to access, including a covered tent area. Coaches and mentors will be available at each event for guidance and support
To support the development of off-bike skills, squad members will be required to complete pre and post event questionnaires that will help them set goals, plan and track their development and performance. The focus of this exercise is not necessarily to drive optimal performance, but to provide lessons on the value of setting process goals, planning & execution, active reflection and having a growth mindset.
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