The XXX Racing-AthletiCo Junior Development Program will hold its third annual Open House on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007. The meeting will be at Goose Island Restaurant at 1800 N. Clybourn Street in Chicago at 6:30 p.m. Youth between the ages of 10 to 18 and their families are invited to attend to learn about bicycle racing in the Chicago area and receive information on how to join the team.

"Our juniors program welcomes anyone who has an interest in cycling," says Nicole Kemerer, director of the program. "Bike racing is a growing sport in this country but many people don't quite know how it works and how to get involved." Juniors compete in well-known cycling disciplines like road and mountain bike racing, as well as growing disciplines like track racing and cyclocross. The team offers year-round elite-level coaching and skills clinics to both beginning and experienced junior athletes.

XXX Racing-AthletiCo strives to make bike racing accessible and affordable - providing bicycles to all junior racers and offering scholarships that pay for race fees and uniforms to select athletes. "We want to provide opportunities to kids, whether their goal is to someday win the Tour de France or simply want to meet others who like to ride," says Kemerer.

The XXX Racing-AthletiCo Junior Development Program is one of the largest youth racing programs in the Midwest and is currently recognized by USA Cycling as a Center of Excellence. In addition to numerous State Champions, the team has helped produce two Junior National Champions, a member of the US Paralympic Team and a silver-medalist at the 2003 Junior World Championships. Coaching oversight is given by Coach Randy Warren, also a National Champion.

For more information, visit www.xxxracing.org