And it's goodbye from him

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

There's only one thing wrong with the training group and his name's Stu he's just too dam fast

I'm taking a bungee with me next time

[Keith]

My 2p's worth as a recent newcomer to Addiscombe CC and the training group;

The outside view appears to sometimes be that the training group (TG) is a very separate "do-or-die" bunch of "nutters". It appears acceptable to push yourself to try & join the TG, but once there, unacceptable to keep pushing. Once you're "in" the TG it's not job done, time to sit back. Rather, it is a continuous process of development. You have the grand total of 75 minutes a week to challenge yourself within a competitive environment. Why would you not make the most of this opportunity?


The mental barrier of "joining the training group" needs to be lowered. 2 (or more) training groups are required to give a far wider range of individuals the facility to develop in a competitive environment. This will help the Training Group(s) remain an integrated part of the ACC club run, allowing people to dip in and out as they want.



Fundamentally the training group has, so far, been about producing strong individuals, not a strong team. The people within the training group openly help each other to become individually stronger.


Adam has become a strong individual, and has now gone in search of a strong team.
There are signs of an ACC "team" emerging from the bottom up. (Being as ACC appears to be a group of equal members, rather than a hierarchy, this is probably the way a team will evolve if there is sufficient desire for it.) The emergence of this team spirit is coming from (in no particular order) the recent Club Race at Hillingdon, the competitive nature of the training group, and the community of support and encouragement on the forum. These are leading to the club being optimistic and forward looking with regard to racing.

[Marek]

I personally do not have any particular racing aspirations next year with the exception of helping probably Stu and George to get higher up in category. Probably help them at the beginning of the race and then die somewhere in a ditch halfway through as I don't think I am strong enough to keep up with those guys and the good 2nd cats if the going gets tough.

If others in the club fancy doing something similar to me then that is great, if they have their own personal aspirations then that is fine. But for me I want to work with these guys in a more team type scenario.

I am intending to sit down with these guys towards the beginning of the season and decide which races to target and how we define our roles in the races that we enter to play to our strengths. I am doing this because I reckon it will be a good laugh and I have had a few years of playing about in the lower leagues so why not have a crack at helping out some of the stronger guys to get further up and make a splash in the higher categories.

Cheers

Marek.....

[Stu Merckx Man]

ooo i like the sound of having a domestique

[huw williams]

[quote="Marek"] Probably help them at the beginning of the race and then die somewhere in a ditch halfway through... If others in the club fancy doing something similar to me then that is great.
Marek.....

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

I don't think there needs to be a team structure - we are not professionals after all and sharing prize money/paying for a lead out is simply not going to happen.

BUT

Let's get together with the race calendar and get the best out of targetted races throughout the year.

I think the question of supporting riders depends "on the day" and how the race develops.

Surrey League frowns on negative tactics such as sitting on the front to slow the bunch, and it makes you incredibly unpopular with fellow riders, but encourages positive tactics ie working together to get, and stay away.

I am really excited by the prospect of riding with a team spirit within such a strong bunch of Agreeables.

[Paul H]

[quote]I personally do not have any particular racing aspirations next year with the exception of helping probably Stu and George

[quote="Paul H"][quote]I personally do not have any particular racing aspirations next year with the exception of helping probably Stu and George

[quote="mrP(Boonen)VT"]Let's get together with the race calendar and get the best out of targetted races throughout the year.

[MJ_1993]

[quote="Robh"]Maybe this setup may have been better for Adam (maybe Stu aswell) :-

http://www.ingeardevelopmentsquad.com/p ... 845022.htm

Ingear Development Squad Constitution

1) To develop Youth, Junior and U23 riders into better racing cyclists through the expertise and experience of the coaches.

2) To develop conduct and behavior both on and off the bike.

3) To provide a race and training programme that is both exciting and progressive to individual riders taking into account their personal circunstances.

4) The squad will have a U23 squad with some riders based on the continent and some at home. A junior Squad based at home but with regular racing trips to the continent. A Youth Squad based at home with trips to the continent to race.

5) The squad will run as economically as possible. The riders will be expected to contribute toward their own development, both as a sign of commitment and in order to keep a sense of reality about the squad.

6) We will ride the best races possible Nationally and on the continent plus have a presence in local events.

7) It is intended to be recognised as the best development squad in the country.