Building Community and Champions:
Inside the FVYC Youth Road Team with
Coach Jeff Cote

We are thrilled to highlight Jeff Cote, one of the longest-running youth coaches for the CCAP. Jeff has played a pivotal role in shaping the Farmington Valley Youth Cycling Road Team, which has already registered 20 kids for this summer's program.

With his extensive experience and dedication, Jeff has cultivated a nurturing and inclusive environment that resonates deeply with the kids and their families. In this interview, Jeff shares insights into his leadership philosophy and the unique aspects.

CCAP - Can you share what unique aspects of the team experience and (your leadership philosophy) you believe are resonating with the kids and their families?

Jeff - We're expecting to have about ten boys and ten girls on the FVYC road squad this year, ages 8 to 15. Half of the kids are siblings. We're a young and family-oriented team, which isn't unique to CCAP, but it's definitely one of our strengths. It's great to have many moms and dads of varying strengths and skills coaching, to strengthen the family feel.

Even our non-cycling parents have been helpful by hosting team events and "extreme volunteering" at CCAP races and other events.

CCAP - Could you tell us how you and your assistant coaches tailor the rides, practices, and training to accommodate the varied skill levels (and aspirations) of the young riders on the team?

Jeff - With such a big squad, ranging from professionally coached 15-year-olds with five years of experience to first year 8-year-olds not long removed from training wheels, it's important that we have lots of coaches available to divide and conquer our out-and-back rail-trail training sessions. Every rider listens to the pre-ride safety briefing, where we talk trail etiquette and hand and audible signals. Less experienced cyclists remain focused on safety during the ride, while intermediate skilled kids master pace lining and drafting. The older "experts" practice speed, endurance, sprinting, and attacks while dishing out a healthy thrashing on even our strongest coaches.

CCAP - In what ways does the team foster a sense of community and support among the kids, and how do you encourage them to balance competitive drive with sportsmanship?

Jeff - Some of our kids are serious competitors, while others are there for the fun of riding with like-minded kids. We don't push the kids to race if they don't want to. Our emphasis is on making sure they're having fun. At The Rent on Tuesday evenings, we continue our team practices behind the stadium after the CCAP clinic ends, and we open it up to all the juniors. The youngest FVYC kids really enjoy hanging out with the other biker kids, and have made lots of friends this way. We've never dealt with bad sportsmanship at a team race or practice (knock on wood).

CCAP - With such a big team each season, how do you ensure that each youth receives the attention they need to develop their skills? What are some of the most popular or effective things your team does during team rides?

Jeff - The younger kids really enjoy "ring of fire" drills at The Rent, and "follow the leader" around obstacles surrounding the stadium. Both are great ways of teaching bike handling skills without the kids realizing that they're learning skills. Intermediate kids go in a separate group and the coaches stress the importance of maintaining cadence, taking their turns at the front and keeping their pace line tight. Our stronger coaches take the older kids, doing their best to keep the pace high and incorporating some quiet back-road climbs into the session.

CCAP - Finally, what goals do you have for the Farmington Valley Youth Cycling Road Team, and how do you plan to build upon last season's successes and lessons?

Jeff - With some of our older, experienced, and talented 2023 kids moving on to other elite squads and a fresh batch of youngsters joining the road team, we'll be placing a bit more emphasis on the basics of riding safely and in control while still having a good time this year. At the same time, our returning veteran riders can look forward to another season of being pushed hard by our seasoned racing coaches. We've got some girls and boys looking for podium spots again at junior road nationals in Augusta this July, and we intend to have them ready for the challenge.

Jeff's commitment to fostering a love for cycling while emphasizing safety, skill development, and community is truly inspiring. His approach ensures that every young rider, regardless of skill level, receives the attention and encouragement they need to thrive. As the team gears up for another exciting season, Jeff's goals remain to build upon past successes and prepare the next generation of cyclists for future challenges. We are incredibly grateful for Jeff's dedication and his positive impact on our youth cycling community.

Give Back, Help Inspire the Next Generation
If you would like to get involved with a youth cycling team at the head coach or assistant coach level, check out the link at the bottom of the page!