The sound of bike tires zipping around asphalt corners was the sign: Yukon’s 2021 cycling season is underway.

On the evening of May 6, U Kon Echelon hosted a criterium.

A criterium is a bike race that consists of laps around a closed-circuit course. The event format rewards those who can corner smoothly and sprint out of turns.

Eleven cyclists participated, with the youngest nine years old.

U Kon Echelon is part of Cycling Association of Yukon (CAY).

CAY and its clubs have planned a variety of programs and events for Yukon cyclists to take part in. If you have a bike and want to ride it in new and different places, there’s sure to be something for you.

Youth (12 and up) who want to improve their bike skills and be better athletes should check out Team Yukon.

With the goal to send mountain bike and road cycling teams to the 2022 and 2025 Canada Summer Games, youth from this CAY program will get a chance to go. Training will start on Thursday.

Along with its neighbours, CAY is rolling out the national HopOn kids cycling program. Yukon’s version starts on May 19.

The program helps school-aged kids develop basic cycling skills and safety awareness. There are a few spots left, and CAY may look at running another program later this year.

Last week’s criterium was just one of many on the calendar.

Together with its clubs, CAY is hosting other fun, community-oriented cycling events. You can go fast or go slow and ride with friends new and old.

Some of the events are virtual, meaning you go by yourself or with a small group of people. This is the first year that the Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay will be virtual, taking place June 12-20.

Other events are in-person but still adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.

For mountain bikers, the Cadence Cycle Enduro happens on June 20, while the Midnight Dome Enduro is in Dawson City on July 10.

If riding on gravel and paved roads is more your speed, Velonorth Cycling Club has the Gritty C.O.G on May 29.

The Hare & Hounds Race takes place on July 14.

U Kon Echelon has the Tour de Haines Junction stage race May 15-16.

The Yukon Energy Road Cycling Championships from June 10 to 13 is another highlight.

For more information about kids and youth programs, and the full Yukon cycling events calendar go to https://yukoncycling.com.

The accompanying photos are from the criterium May 6.

By Geof Harries