This picture tells a story most of us are very familiar with. On either side of the podium are grown men, fathers, husbands, men with full time jobs. On either side of the podium are those that would have to fight wars, combat wild animals, and tough stuff back in the olden’ times. And here we grace either side of a podium whose top step is captured by The Junior.

The up and coming Junior is the great fear of the adult amateur cyclist. The young positive kid, good manners and all, that starts the season in a different category, quickly upgrades and is right into the top of the podium of your category in a blink. They are like the coming of the “The Nothing” in the Never Ending story. The Junior shows up and forget battling it out with your buddies for the top spot — you all just got relegated by Mistress Nature to fighting it out for second place.

The Junior has many advantages over his aging competitors — quicker recovery, youthful enthusiasm, sponsors (parents), and a higher metabolism that naturally has them a “pro” weight for competition.

There are only two public ways for the Adult Amateur to combat The Junior. To drink a beer with the exaggerated — almost hair flick of a super model in a Coke commercial- manner after every race AND to point out how little The Junior weighs as if they are Weight Doping.

Of course The Junior only has to suddenly notice “Hey, I just got $200 bucks! Yeah!” about their top podium payout to have us opening our second beer quickly.

The private ways for the Adult Amateur to combat The Junior are many. From pricey options of carbon bikes, wheels, shoes and more, to professional level coaching, power meters and even drastic weight loss methods — the AAs want their moment of glory. I actually think the recent USAC reveal of 30 and 40 year old men caught EPO doping was all in a response to The Junior in their ranks whose pituitary gland is in full gear — “youth doping.”

The Junior doesn't need a name, because as soon as you breath a sigh of relief as a particular one upgrades there is always a new bundle of skin and bones showing up awkwardly for their first race that week.

But then you relax.

Welcome The Junior to the race, give them some advice that has helped you, and toe the line together for the start.

You realize what a blast cycling is because it always keeps you guessing, is always fresh, and daily presents new challenges. You cheer on your competitors as they continue on, their story is a part of your story and you appreciate the moments you get to share with young and old — but ambitious all the same. You realize respect isn’t inherited, based on age, or strength — but is earned in our ability to dish out The V, grab results and stay humble through it.

So, maybe we don’t (totally) despise The Junior — but appreciate all the challenges cycling gives us. Now, while The Junior is in World History with Mr. Baker, time for a delicious Beer.