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Cycling camp geared to generate interest

Up to 80 cyclists will take part in the Axel Merckx Youth Foundations Cycling Camp Hayman Classic Kids Stage Race Aug. 30 to Sept. 1.

Up to 80 cyclists age 11 to 18 are expected to take part in the Axel Merckx Youth Foundations Cycling Camp Hayman Classic Kids Stage Race Aug. 30 to Sept. 1.

The camp gives cyclists from the region a race in a structured learning environment as they compete.

There are 65 cyclists registered. New registrations are being accepted at the Bike Barn on Friday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and online at ccnbikes.com the search word is Axel. Time trials are Friday at 3 p.m. in Faulder and Summerland. At 7 p.m. Cycling B.C. has a welcome lecture in the Days Inn Conference for $10 a rider.

On Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, there is a criterium practice in the parking lot of the South Okanagan Events Centre and a criterium from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at Gyro Park.

Sunday at 8 a.m. there is a pre-ride road course with coaches at Uplands School and a road race from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by an awards ceremony.

Ron Hayman, of Hayman Sport Customized Sports Apparel, said the camp is geared for road bike and focuses on skills as cyclists don’t need to have previous racing experience. The first two days are geared to coaching. Hayman, a two-time Olympian, said he hopes the camp generates more interest in the sport.

Hayman also said Triathlon B.C. announced that cyclists have a chance to qualify for triathlons that allow drafting.