State Series Downhill Junior Squad

Program Outcomes

Riders will learn and develop skills related to state-level competition, including:

• Bike handling and control on highly technical trails
  • Building precision, stability, consistency and speed across varied terrain
• Application of skills and techniques for competitive advantage
  • Identifying opportunities to maintain flow, conserve energy and maximise race efficiency
• Risk management and decision-making
  • Understanding risk versus reward, consequences and personal preferences in both racing and training contexts
• Racecraft and strategy development
  • Learning to execute technical skills under pressure and plan effectively for different race scenarios
• Strength and conditioning foundations
  • Developing physical resilience and capacity to handle the demands of downhill racing
• Performance factors beyond the bike
  • Building mindset, organisation, preparation and self-management skills essential for long-term success in competition

Our coaches will tailor session plans to the specific needs of the squad, accounting for the group’s experience, goals and upcoming races to ensure every rider is challenged and supported appropriately.

More Information

Required Equipment

A downhill bike is not required for these programs – in fact, we encourage athletes to avoid using them.

We highly recommend a trail or enduro bike for this program, as well as most downhill races in South Australia. These types of bikes are much more versatile, making them ideal for both training and racing given the nature of the state’s terrain. A downhill bike is very limiting for young athletes and generally not necessary unless they are intending to compete interstate within 12 months.

Athletes are required to ride in excess of ten kilometers on varied terrain in each session and downhill bikes will typically limit both the individual athlete’s performance and the group’s overall dynamic.

Bikes must be in good working order at the beginning of each session.

Protective Equipment

There is no mandatory protective equipment beyond a helmet for this program. We encourage riders to carefully consider their choice of protective equipment in relation to the level of risk they intend to take on. Riders who choose to wear less protective equipment should ride within their known level of ability, while additional protection may allow them to push themselves more without significantly increasing their risk of injury. This is a very personal decision and riders are ultimately responsible for managing their own safety. We strongly encourage all participants to take the time to properly consider what level of protection is most appropriate for them.

Some basic items we recommend are:

• Gloves
• Knee Guards
• Open-faced helmet (for low-risk training)
• Full-Faced Helmet & Goggles (for high-risk training & competition)

Other items for high-risk activities include:

• Elbow guards
• Back & Chest protector
• Neck Brace

Sports Vouchers

All South Australian children from Reception to Year 9 are eligible to claim the Sports Voucher offered by the Office for Recreation and Sport. You can use your voucher to save on this program by completing our online form after you make your booking.

Submit your Sports Voucher here

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