Training Wheels Come Off

Raul Kemp
Reporter

After the first dozen stages of the Tour De France, 10 year old Canadian cyclist Pierre Demit finally feels comfortable enough to take his training wheels off. Although there is no official rule against "balance enhancement accessories", or B.E.A's, the World Cycling Partnership is encouraging this move.  Most cycling experts predict this will improve his performance.

"I got my tight spandex outfit, I got my space age wind tunnel helmet, and I got my speedy sunglasses. Now without those training wheels, I'll be able to zoom right through France," commented Pierre as he inserted an ace of spades into his rear spokes. The young athlete began learning to ride his bike at the end of last summer, with all of the essential safety equipment. The training wheels were a necessity before, "but not now," exclaimed Demit, "I can do it all by myself!"

There was some concern earlier this year when Pierre had a crash, jeopardizing his chances of  competing in the 2012 tour with a severely skinned knee. The youngster was involved in a multi-bike accident in a neighborhood race and received a strawberry so big, it needed two band-aids. He admits that he's trying to be brave, even though he's a little scared.

"That man's a hero," declared local cycling enthusiast Ray Bowman. "With all he's been through, he still is able to muster up enough courage to compete in this grueling bike race. Just remarkable, really." 

After the accident, Pierre started training in his subdivision. He would ride down to the clubhouse, around the pool, and back to his house. He even trained at night after he got a headlight for his birthday. Now, after months of rehab and hard work, he feels like he's finally ready to take off the training wheels and mature into a real cyclist.

The tour is scheduled to continue on through the middle of the streets of France for another few days. Demit's B.E.A. removal leaves only 9 remaining training wheel users, all of whom are still getting the hang of riding a two wheeler. Pierre is said to be planning an ice cream party at the finish line.