Over 1,000 middle and high school students will compete in Braselton this weekend for the chance to make it to the cycling state championships.
Race four in the Georgia Cycling Race Series presented by Northside Hospital will take place on Oct. 22 and 23 at the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. The event is free and open to the public.
“This race at Road Atlanta will be the final conference series race and then those that qualify will go on to the state competition and Kingston downs in Rome,” Chad Hayes, the director of Prima Tapper Athletic Club said.
The Georgia Cycling Race Series is put on by the Georgia Cycling Association which offers the opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to learn how to mountain bike.
“Interscholastic mountain bike racing is great because it's for all students, you don't have to have any prior skill. There are no tryouts,” Chad Hayes said.
The sport makes it easy for families to get involved. According to Hayes, parents can become coaches and ride with their children in practice. When asked about his favorite part of the sport, Hayes said the community.
“We have people that volunteer and become master coaches, who have paid on their own to be wilderness first aid certified, CPR certified and concussion certified. More certification than a head football coach,” Hayes said.
The season starts in July with practices and races start in September.
To find out more information on cycling in Georgia, visit georgiacycling.org.
