Why Results Aren’t Everything: A More Balanced Take on Youth Cycling
In youth cycling, it can feel like everything revolves around results. Whether it’s a local crit or a national championship, there’s a lot of pressure to perform…and perform well. That pressure can come from all kinds of places: wanting to prove yourself, hoping to impress someone, chasing a future in the sport. And while there’s nothing wrong with ambition, I’ve learned that focusing only on results can take the joy out of riding and even lead to burnout.
These days, we see teenagers lighting up the pro scene, winning big races before they’re even old enough to vote. It’s inspiring, sure, but it can also create this unrealistic idea that if you’re not already at that level, you’re falling behind. I’ve been in this sport for over a decade now, and one thing I’ve learned is that results are just one piece of the puzzle. The riders who go the furthest, and stay happiest doing it, are the ones who love the ride just as much as they love winning.
Cycling should be more than watts, rankings, or race resumes. It should be about adventure, community, and the memories you make along the way. That’s something I’ve come to appreciate more as I’ve grown in this sport and it’s a mindset I try to pass on to the young riders I coach.
Through my partnership with Source Endurance, I started a coaching program to help juniors develop not only as athletes, but as well-rounded, passionate riders. I’ve been lucky to experience so many levels of the sport, and I want to help others enjoy the ride—not just chase the result sheet.
Rediscovering My “Why” in from Youth Cycling
When I first started riding as a kid, it was all about fun. Riding through the neighborhood, hitting little jumps, cruising around with my dad. I rode because I loved it. By the time I was nine, I got into racing, and like a lot of young riders, I had big goals. I dreamed of winning nationals. That dream pushed me hard, but slowly, my focus shifted from loving the bike to obsessing over numbers, rankings, and titles.
And hey, chasing a national title is a huge deal. But in that chase, I lost touch with the things that made me fall in love with cycling in the first place — being outside, traveling with my family, meeting new people, and just enjoying the ride.
Eventually, my perspective changed. I still care about performing well, and I’ll always set goals, but now I ride because I love the adventure. I ride to explore new places, connect with people, and challenge myself in meaningful ways. That shift in mindset not only made me a happier athlete, but a better one, too.
Through coaching, I want to help other young riders find that same balance. I want them to grow as athletes, but more importantly, to keep their passion alive. Because if you can hang onto that spark, you’ll go a lot further in the long run — and enjoy the ride a whole lot more.
Thanks for reading.
About the Author:
