The competition concentrates on youngsters up to the age of fourteen who have had little or no previous contact with the sport, and aims to introduce them via a simple competition involving skill and speed but where the emphasis is on the former. Competitors are divided into three age categories that compete in progressively harder skill competitions and there are separate categories for boys and girls. Adverts are placed in local schools, and competitors in the Local Heats all receive a certificate. The first three from each category in the Local Heats also receive medals and progress to the regional finals, one of which is to be held at Clairville Stadium, Middlesbrough. At the Regional Finals the skills test is repeated and all but the youngest children also complete a speed test around a circuit of between 400 and 900 metres in length.
All competitors receive T-shirts and have a chance to win a mountain bike.
Entertainers are also employed to keep them occupied whilst not competing. It is my responsibility to support the volunteers who make the local heats possible. The events are hugely successful with around 250 kids in this region alone taking part and being introduced to cycle sport. The primary aim of improve is to develop cycling in a way that is exciting and appealing to young people by helping them to experience a range of cycling disciplines. To achieve this we offer support and recognition to those established clubs interested in youth development and also use improve to act as a catalyst for new 'Junior Clubs' to be started from scratch.