Junior Programme

The Grassroots Trust Velodrome Junior Programme was created to develop riders aged between 10 and 18yrs in a safe environment. Led by coaches Dan Gardner and Sophie de Vries, riders are guided 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 during school term - 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.

Email Dan!

Junior Coached Sessions

Led by former professional cyclist and UCI-accredited coach Dan Gardner and elite Sprint rider Sophie Devries, 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 4 is $130.00, or $200 for coached sessions plus all Friday Night Racing events.

To sign up, please click on the links below.

Junior Coached 1 - On Track

Junior Coached 2 - Track Craft

Junior Coached 3 - Junior Pro

*returning riders will need to login to their GymMaster member portal. Enter email and click "forgot password" to access for the first time.

Junior Coached 1 - 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, become accredited, and move up to Track Craft.

Junior Coached 2 - 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 Coached 3 - Junior Pro : Thursday 5.00pm - 6.00pm

Junior Pro 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.

How to join the coached sessions:

You can either sign up online, use your GymMaster app, or contact reception (reception@velodrome.nz).

Plus Mortgage Trust Friday Night Racing

Save the Dates!

The Plus Mortgage Trust Friday Night 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.

A little more about how grading works:

A Grade – Longer duration races designed for experienced and competitive riders.

B Grade – Perfect for riders who are new to bunch racing but already competent on the track.

C Grade – Focused on timed events such as team sprints and pursuits. Ideal for new riders or those not yet accredited.

new U23 Grade – An advanced category for under-23 riders, offering a competitive environment to gain bunch racing experience outside of major competition. Juniors may guest in this grade with coach approval, in addition to older riders if they can add value to the racing.

How to book:

We really appreciate bookings made in advance as it helps us plan the Bookings can be made in advance, or on the night. Cost is $20.00. You can purchase a Term 4 FNR Membership here.

If you have issues booking online, please email reception@velodrome.nz