Junior Program
The Grassroots Trust Velodrome Junior Program was created to develop riders aged between 10 and 18yrs in a safe environment. Led by coach, Dan Gardner, riders are led through skills and drills to foster race awareness, tactics, and fitness with others of similar abilities. To continue growth, the Plus Mortgage Trust Friday Night Racing - every second Friday - is held to encourage riders to utilise their skills learnt in training in a race environment with their friends.
Junior Co-Ordinator - Dan Gardner
Dan was a Professional Road Cyclist in Europe from 2015 until 2023, with notable performances including NZ Tour of Southland GC win in 2023. Alongside his role as Junior Co-Ordinator, Dan runs his own coaching bike fit, and aero testing service - Rehub. Dan has completed his Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), UCI Level 1 Coaching Course, and is Level 2 IBFI Bike Fit Accredited.
Junior Coached Sessions
Led by former professional cyclist and UCI-accredited coach Dan Gardner, the Grassroots Trust Velodrome Junior Program is designed to help young riders develop the skills, confidence, and tactical awareness to enjoy track cycling — and thrive in a fun, safe environment.
Three structured sessions cater to different ability levels and prepare riders for regular Plus Mortgage Trust Friday Night Racing, held every second Friday during the school term.
The cost for Term 3 is $130.00, or $190.00 which includes your Junior Session and the Term 3 Race Nights.
To sign up, please click on the links below.
Junior On Track : Monday 5.00-6.00pm
New to track cycling? Junior on Track combines our previous accreditation session with beginner-level coaching. Riders will learn essential safety, bunch riding etiquette, and basic skills to build confidence quickly and move up to Track Craft.
Junior Track Craft : Thursday 4.00-5.00pm
The core of our program — perfect for riders who are comfortable on the track but still developing their confidence, skill, and tactical awareness. This session blends structured drills, bunch riding practice, and intro-level race scenarios. The stepping stone to competitive racing.
Junior Pro : Thursday 5.00pm - 6.00pm
Pro Junior is for confident young riders preparing to race competitively, both inside and outside the Junior Program. Sessions include race-style drills, tactical decision-making, and fitness work designed to prepare riders for real racing environments — including Friday Night Racing.
Plus Mortgage Trust Junior Racing
Save the Dates!
The Plus Mortgage Trust Junior Racing is a fun-filled night of racing with friends. Riders are graded based off ability, and have three rounds of racing to implement skills from training into a race environment.
Bookings can be made in advance, or on the night. Cost is $15.00.
Please note the new dates for Term 3 and 4
Term 3
Friday 25th July
Friday 8th August
Friday 22nd August
Friday 5th September
Friday 19th September
Term 4
Friday 17th October
Friday 31st October
Friday 14th November
Friday 28th November
If you have issues booking online, please email reception@velodrome.nz
