Team Swift Junior Cycling Development Program, Races at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds – TNTS

Adrian Tamblin
August 1, 2014
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Team Swift Junior Development is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community based youth bicycling organization. Who’s Mission is to develop elite bicyclists from beginners – Takes to the course of the Tuesday Night Twighlights – TNT’s

Riders of Team Swift range between 10-18 years old. The main goal of the coaches is to help the riders move them through the different stages during development as junior cyclists. This is accomplished by bringing them resources including equipment, coaching and technical advice. Team Swift also teaches the rules and etiquette of cycling to help create good ambassadors for the sport of cycling as well as becoming productive members of the community.

Team Swift Organization was developed as a system to identify, recruit and develop cyclists from a small demographic region, give them resources and experience to move to higher levels of the sport. Since its inception, a guiding principle within Team Swift has been to contribute positively and significantly to cycling in America.

It has been a central philosophy of Team Swift that the overall success of American cycling depends upon widespread opportunities for young cyclists. The support of our local cycling community is key to helping more young people experience the benefits offered by Team Swift. They want to bring you fast, smart, swift riders to the community and cycling clubs.

Coaching With over 250 career victories in bicycle racing, Coach Laura Charameda, distinguishes the Team Swift program from any other. With a resume that includes two National Criterium Championships, a bronze medal in the World Championships and a member of the U.S. National Team from 1993-1998, the credibility Laura brings to the program can’t be denied. Since not many programs have national caliber coaches, Laura feels that Team Swift is an attractive opportunity not only for young riders but also for sponsors as well. Team Swift has more than benefited from the connections Laura has made throughout her career. These connections have led to such opportunities as racing both national and international events which give the team and sponsors worldwide exposure.

The Team Swift program has continued to recruit top personnel resources. A number of volunteer assistants from coaching, medical and sports doctors, professional consultants, and bicycle industry sponsors offer advice and help to the riders.

Structure Team Swift is a club for boys and girls of all levels of riding ability. There is also the infrastructure to help riders develop into higher levels of racing with increasing challenges if they choose to dedicate themselves to cycling. The development pipeline moves younger club riders of beginning skill levels up to the elite level of junior racers. The Elite Team is the core group of riders that represents Team Swift at the highest level. These riders compete in national and international events at the 17-18 year old junior level and typically have USAC Senior Category II-III licenses.

Expectations If a young rider is coming into the Team Swift program with little or no cycling experience the expectations are simple: learn the basics of the sport, how to be safe on the road and most importantly, have fun. As the riders progress through the program, or come into the program at a more advanced level, the expectations shift to developing the competitive aspect of the sport. Discipline becomes emphasized at this level and riders must demonstrate this discipline in their training, their ability to be coached and their overall desire to represent the team and the program. Team Swift looks to their older, more experienced riders to be ambassadors for the program and lead by example.

The below photos were taken at a local race in Sonoma County held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds called the Tuesday Night Twilights or TNT’s.

The races take place on Tuesday nights throughout the summer, (schedule found here) and are geared towards the riders current skill level. If your son or daughter is interested in learning more, or becoming a member of Team Swift Please check out their website http://www.teamswift.org for more information.

Photos by Adrian Tamblin Photography – Sonoma County Cycling Photographer.

To purchase any of the photos seen here, and to see complete gallery – Please click here – https://www.adriantamblin.com/photocart/ – Password “swift”