“You Can’t Win a Race With Just a Good Start”

Let’s meet 13-year-old Wyatt Pratt, a dedicated young CCAP athlete who has been a notable presence all year long at our events. He’s a great example of a bike-loving kid who has taken it to the next level due in part to the support of his team, coaches, and the fantastic Connecticut cycling community.

CCAP - How long have you been racing? How long have you been on a CCAP team? 
WYATT- I’ve been racing for a CCAP team for three years, two years on the Farmington Valley Youth Cycling Team and this past cyclocross season on the CCAP Vibras Team.

CCAP - Here is a question for the entire family. What is your favorite cycling season? CX, road, or MTB biking?
MARISSA, WYATT’S MOM - We were just laughing and talking about this the other day. Three times a year, at the end of the current CCAP season, we ask Wyatt this question. The answer changes every time to the one he’s currently finishing. He enjoys them all!
WYATT - Currently, CX! I love everything about it. The races are challenging and fun. Sometimes you get a little muddy!

CCAP - What was the highlight for the family this past year?
WYATT - Participating in more CX races and the series up in Massachusetts. Also, getting to go to Nationals to represent CCAP!
MARISSA- There are so many family highlights that it is hard to choose!  We have seen a lot of growth in Wyatt’s cycling this year.  Vibras participated in the River Valley Series and the CCAP series. The team raced A LOT! It was exciting to see the racers push themselves, set goals, and go hard. They all impressed us!

CCAP - Wyatt, what are some important things you have learned from your CCAP coaches? 
WYATT - Hydrate! Food = Fuel! Also, you can be the fastest rider out there, but you won't win races if you don’t have a strategy. 

CCAP - Great advice! What do you like the most about being a bike rider and racer? 
WYATT - Meeting new people. The CX scene is a lot of fun, everyone is supportive and having a good time.  I have friends from all over New England, and it’s a lot of fun to cheer everyone on. 

CCAP - We know you are very friendly to all at the races. You are a great example for other C-Cappers. What's better, team practices? Or races? Why do you answer so? 
WYATT - Races, because you learn so much out on course. You pick up new strategies, you make mistakes and learn from them. 

CCAP - What has been your favorite off-the-bike team moment? 
MARISSA - Recently, Sara Boryczewski hosted an “end of season” party with friends from all the youth teams. At one point, parents and racers were playing a hysterical game of basketball… if you can call it that. There were a lot of fouls and even more laughs. It was great to see so many different teams coming together for a good time!
WYATT - My favorite was driving down to Nationals in Louisville with Brian and the other CCAP riders! On the 15-ish hour van ride, I got to know more about my teammates. We had a lot of fun. It was a great experience!

CCAP - Thank you for representing Connecticut well down there at that event. What are your goals for next year?
WYATT - To continue to make improvements in my cycling abilities, mainly, I want to improve my sprinting and technical skills. And I want to head to Nationals again next year!

CCAP - What are some of the positive changes you have seen with Wyatt as he has grown in the sport?
MARISSA - Wyatt has always been a laid-back kid so it has been exciting to see his confidence increase each year. He is setting obtainable goals for himself and working hard to achieve them. With every accomplished goal comes an increase in confidence. Not every race will go your way, it is important for him, and other junior racers, to learn how to handle the disappointment and move forward from it. Cycling teaches the kids so much about sportsmanship, dedication, commitment and more. We love it! 

CCAP - We agree with that! Final question Wyatt. Based on what you know now if you could go back in time and tell yourself something during your first year of cycling, what would that be?
WYATT - You can’t win a race with just a good start. 

CCAP - Words of wisdom! Thank you, Wyatt. Keep up the GREAT work. We can’t wait to see the team out there in 2024!