Junior Programme
The Grassroots Trust Velodrome Junior Programme was created to develop riders aged between 10 and 18 years 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 Finance + Investments Friday Night Racing and Battle of the Schools is held to encourage riders to utilise their skills learnt in training in a race environment with their friends.
Term 3, 2026: Term 3 Junior Programme starts on Monday 20th July, with Friday Night Racing back to a fortnightly schedule from Friday 31st July. This is a 10-week term, so the membership includes 10 sessions. If riders move to a different session mid-term, membership will be transferred across.
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 and elite Sprint rider Sophie Devries, the Grassroots Trust Velodrome Junior Programme is designed to help young riders develop the skills, confidence, and tactical awareness to enjoy track cycling and to thrive in a fun, safe environment.
Three structured sessions cater to different ability levels and prepare riders for the Plus Mortgage Trust Friday Night Racing.
To sign up for Term 3, please click on the links below.
Junior Coached 2 - Track Craft
Term 3, 2026: Term 3 Junior Programme starts on Monday 20th July, with Friday Night Racing back to a fortnightly schedule from Friday 31st July. This is a 10-week term, so the membership includes 10 sessions. If riders move to a different session mid-term, membership will be transferred across.
*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: Tuesday 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. Sign up here.
Junior Coached 2 - Track Craft : Monday 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. Sign up here.
Junior Coached 3 - Junior Pro : Monday 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. Sign up here.
How to join the coached sessions:
You can either sign up online, use your GymMaster app, or contact reception (reception@velodrome.nz).
Plus Finance + Investments
Friday Night Racing
Term 2 Schedule
The Plus Finance + Investments Friday Night Racing is a fun-filled night of racing with friends.
Friday Night Racing runs fortnightly over Term 2. Dates include:
May 1st
May 15th
May 29th
June 12th
June 26th
Warm-up from 5:30pm, racing starts at 6pm.
Find out more about Friday Night Racing here.
How to book:
Book your spot via the button below. We really appreciate bookings made in advance as it helps us plan.
If you have issues booking online, please email reception@velodrome.nz
Term 2 2026: Kicks off on Friday 1st May
Dates include:
May 1st
May 15th
May 29th
June 12th
June 26th
Warm-up from 5:30pm, racing starts at 6pm.