Cycling Champion by Jake Maddox Page A

picked up the paper. When he saw what his mom had been talking about, his eyes widened.
    At the top of the article, the headline read: Youth Tour de France-Style Cycling Race Planned.

    According to the article, a local cycling club would be hosting an event called the River City Criterium in one month. The criterium was a single-day road race held over a three-mile course of city streets. Several of the major roads in downtown River City would be closed off as part of the course.
    Anyone between the ages of twelve and sixteen could enter. According to the article, all that was needed to enter was a bike and the $25 entry fee. The proceeds would go toward improving the cycling club’s practice facility. The winner of the race would receive a trophy along with brand-new racing gear.
    â€œMom, this is awesome!” Austin said. “This could be my chance to finally win something!”
    â€œI thought you’d be excited,” his mom replied. “But remember that this isn’t just about winning the trophy. It’s not a competition between you and your brothers. Just focus on training for the race.”
    Then Austin realized something. “I don’t have a road bike for racing,” he said. “Just my mountain bike. I can’t race on that.”
    â€œWhat about all that money you earned cutting lawns this summer?” his mom asked. “Tell you what. If you put part of that toward buying a bike, your dad and I will help with the rest. We’ll even lend you the money for the entry fee.”
    â€œReally?” Austin said. “Thanks, Mom.”
    â€œNow let’s go have some pizza,” his mom said. She walked back to the doorway. “I told your brothers they had to save some for you, but I can’t guarantee they listened.”
    â€œI’ll be right there,” Austin said. “I just want to look something up first.” He moved over to his computer. He had bike research to do.

CHAPTER 2
THE NEW BIKE
    Two days later, Austin nervously studied the street signs as his dad drove through downtown River City.
    Austin had spent the past two days doing as much research as possible on road bikes. They were way more expensive that he’d realized. Most of the bikes had started at more than $1,000. Even though he had some money saved up, that was way more than he could afford, even with his parents’ help.
    Austin had almost been ready to give up when he finally managed to find a Regal Sport Road Race Bike on sale at a cycling store downtown.
    I hope I got the directions right , Austin thought. Suddenly, he spotted his destination at the next corner.
    â€œStop, Dad!” Austin hollered from the passenger seat. “This is the place!”
    His father put on his turn signal and pulled into the store’s parking lot. He squeezed the SUV into a tight parking space and looked through the front windshield.
    â€œAre you sure this is the right shop?” his dad asked. “It looks closed to me.”
    Austin opened his door and hopped out of the SUV. He stood on the sidewalk and peered at the store.
    â€œI see a light inside,” he said. “They’re still open.”
    Austin hurried to the front door of the store. He heard a car door slam behind him as his dad got out and followed him up to the store.
    The little bell on the door jingled as Austin pushed it open and stepped inside. He took a deep breath. The scent of the new paint, fresh oil, and rubber tires filled the air.
    Austin glanced around the store. There were bicycles everywhere. They hung from the ceiling and were hooked on the walls. There were so many on the floor that it was hard to walk through the store. Austin made his way through the maze of bikes to the front counter.
    â€œHey, there,” a voice called. “How can I help you?” An old man stepped out from a curtained area behind the counter and smiled at them.
    â€œHi, I called this morning about the Raleigh