STAR TRACK
Youth Cycling & Mentorship Program
The Spring 2010 session of Star Track, a free, eight-week track cycling program, will run from April 20-June 12, 2010. It will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons, and Saturday mornings, according to the following schedule:| Tuesday/Thursday | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Group A (Advanced) |
| Wednesday | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Group B (Novice/Intermediate) |
| Saturday | 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. | Group B (Novice/Intermediate) |
| Saturday | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Group C (Advanced) |
Download the Star Track newsletter (PDF, 301 KB)
Download the flyer (PDF, 101 KB)
Star Track will teach your child the principles of bicycle riding and racing, as well as teach him/her teamwork and enhance his/her physical and psychological development. Emphasis on nutrition will be incorporated.
Children ages 9-13 who are at least 53 inches in height are welcome to join. A permission slip and liability waiver/medical release form (PDF, 127 KB), signed by a parent or guardian, is required for participation. Once registered, please complete the permission slip and bring the original, plus a photocopy, to the first session.
Participants are STRONGLY encouraged to have prior knowledge of how to ride a bicycle.
Watch an It’s My Park segment
about about the program.
Mission
Our mission is to create the first year-round afterschool track cycling program in New York City at the beautiful, newly renovated Kissena Velodrome in Queens, New York. We aspire to improve the lives of some of New York City’s underserved children, ages 9-13, by teaching them teamwork through the principles of bicycle racing. Star Track hopes to enhance the children’s physical and psychosocial development through their relationships with our adult coaches. In addition, the program hopes to give the children a sense of pride and accomplishment through regular athletic activity.
The children we serve learn the discipline associated with being an athlete. They set goals and work on their interpersonal skills by participating in a team sport. (Yes, cycling is a team sport. Ask Lance Armstrong). Students benefit from mentoring, participate in a monthly series of talks by guest speakers, and eventually have the opportunity to train to become part of a competitive cycling team.
Cycling in New York City
Bicycle racing has a long tradition in New York City. In fact, Madison Square Garden was built first for track cycling, and it is still remembered in the name of the “ Madison,” an Olympic event. The Kissena Velodrome was built for the 1964 US Olympic trials. Read more about the history of bicycling in New York City Parks.
Partners
Star Track was founded in collaboration with NYC2012, the organization that led New York's bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Director
Deirdre Murphy, Star Track’s executive director, competed in the 2000 Olympic Games in road cycling. She is a former World Master’s Road Cycling Champion and has extensive experience coaching cyclists young and old. Deirdre holds a USA Cycling Expert Coach license and received her B.A. from Ithaca College.
Event Highlights
Star Track children sweep the Gold and Silver medals in the 10-11, 12-14 age categories at the G.C. Mengoni Grand Prix in Central Park August 22, 2009.
Click on an image to see a larger verison
Star Track was featured on “It’s My Park” on October 2, 2006 at 9:30 p.m. on Ch. 25.
Check your local TV listings for when this show is broadcast in your neighborhood.
Watch the Star Track segment of It’s My Park online.