Page 2 - Racing to win or have fun?

04-07.-2006, 07:50 AM	#16
RapDaddyo Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 4,115	Re: Racing to win or have fun? Actually, the nicest cyclist that I know personally is also the best cyclist I know personally. He's now a multiple winner of the state road championship, national road championship, 3-time Olympic road team member, ~5x world championship road team member and US Cycling Hall of Fame inductee. He was just tremendously gifted and rode away from all of us after the 1st 50 miles or so, almost apologetically. His attitude wasn't "I'm now going to kick your ass." It was more like, "Well, it's been fun so far boys, but I've got to go now." Maybe you can turn your child onto the goal of training themselves to their potential as measured by their sustainable power or their personal best time to the top of a challenging climb or some sort of personal goal rather than a "Go beat their brains out" goal. When they have the power, they'll probably use it in races from time to time (when the spirit moves them).

08-07.-2006, 04:32 AM

#17

helmutRoole2

Registered User

Join Date: Jul 2006

Location: usa

Posts: 1,895

Re: Racing to win or have fun?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aranesp

I think it is highly regrettable how John asks a perfectly legitimate question, and gets nothing but silly answers. Some of you even start talking about your own wasted talent and wasted childhood, and lotsa what if arguments which is so archetypically losers. Make your own loser thread. I am gonna give a decent reply to what John could do, in order not to waste his precious little boy's talent.

Basic psychology tells us that people live according to their life scripts, and that these are based on parental programming. Parents pass on to them what they have learned or what they think they have learned. If they are losers, they will pass on their loser's programming, and if they are winners, then they will pass on that kinda program. Well, here's what: seeing that you seem to value competitiveness, and that your kids ain't- it tells me a couple of things.

Surely, from twin analysis, we know that upbringing ain't all. But fact is
that your spouse probably has more influence on your kids than you do. Solution: get rid of your spouse.

Next problem, you gotta give the kid incentives to win. Obviously, the little brat is happy just as it is, in balance, feels good with himself and all that crap- which ain't necessarily a good foundation to build a winner on. A mental winner perhaps, but not a real winner getting his name on athletic shoe ads and bringing in cash for your retirement.

Seeing as they are probably spoiled enough already, you have to punish them more. Try giving them a gentle slap if they don't try hard enough. A slap in front of friends is especially humiliating. If he makes any gesture that he is happy with just a podium finish- NO dinner. (Added bonus that they will stay slim. Staying slim is hard enough for pros- ask Ja.. no, maybe not.) This might make your kids a little careful around you, but after all- you wanna be DAD and not a buddy, right? Right?

I agree, but instead of slapping them in front of their friends, put them in a pile driver. This will make them strong!

10-07.-2006, 01:34 PM

#18

worldgorger

Registered User

Join Date: Jul 2006

Posts: 1

Re: Racing to win or have fun?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnGillie

I've got a shy 14 year old racer with lots of talent, who's too nice, and has no aggression. I've also got two younger racers who take after him. I wish I could see more fire in their approach to racing, but it looks like the "kids should have fun" approach is an easy justification for not winning. Any ideas for helping them develop the mental competitive edge?

i would ask them if they wanted to continue cycling but at a more competitive level. i'm 15 so if i was like your 14 yr old it made just be intimidation from older competitors but i think it should pay off in the long run.

11-07.-2006, 03:10 PM	#19
LeojVS Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: racing to the fire truck Posts: 98	Re: Racing to win or have fun? Give your kid prizes for beating his own goals. If his previous best placing was 5th, give him a cd of his choice if he gets 4th or something. Or, go off his highest race average. Encouragement...and pressies. Works wonders Im not a dad btw, just what would work on me. Still would....nudge nudge to my fiancee... __________________ Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy

29-07.-2006, 07:21 AM

#20

cat6

Registered User

Join Date: Jun 2004

Posts: 86

Re: Racing to win or have fun?

in the former USSR 14 was te age when we were riding group races, doing time trials and criteriums..
my best ime for 10k was 12:59 on a steel Start Shosse bike.. We were learnig alot at that age, how to ride in a 2-4-6 men paceline etc..
When i come o US i found people here dont know how to ride paceline, not even speaking of team time trials...
that is the perfect age to develop competitive edge and sportsmanship abilities..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tubbs

DUDE!!! the kid is 14... not old enough to drive yet. He or she is still trying to figure out what is up with all this hair growing on my body... Besides... the desire to win comes from hunger not aggression. You need to figure out what will make them hungry. Satisfying that hunger is what will make it fun.

29-07.-2006, 09:46 AM

#21

jsirabella

Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2005

Location: NYC, USA

Posts: 564

Re: Racing to win or have fun?

Well said .. very well said!!

I find when I ride if I stop looking at the riders around me and just focus on me...I can do almost anything. When I start to focus on the rider in front or coming up on me is when I fall off...There is a real mental issue going on when you look infront or back of you...heart starts going to fast, legs start to hurt more...control I found to be the issue.

The only person to beat is really yourself...let the others worry about you.

-john

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tubbs

Absolutely... there is a difference between winning a race by beating everyone and winning a race because you rose above everyone else.

29-07.-2006, 01:19 PM

#22

Tubbs

Registered User

Join Date: Jul 2005

Posts: 118

Re: Racing to win or have fun?

Quote:

Originally Posted by cat6

You are probably right about introducing the concepts of group riding etiquette and tactics at an early age. Riding in pacelines, "TEAM" time trails and working together in the pack is not taught early enough. However that is not teaching aggression. That is teaching discipline. Through mental focus, discipline and teamwork, a young rider will be able to push more and develop that competitive winning edge.

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