British Cycling

NEWS FOR AUGUST 2003

TALENT TEAM STAGE ONE TESTS FEATURE - AUGUST 2003

British Cycling's Talent Team is now nearing the end of their its first full year of searching for talented young cyclists in the schools and cycling clubs of England.

Funded by the Lottery via a grant from Sport England, the Talent Team aims to identify talented young cyclists and provide them with a structured coaching programme, including regular weekend "camps" (click here for feature on a recent camp).

Of course, identifying the talented young riders in the first place is a crucial part of the programme and it is based on three stage process. The first stage consists of simple sprint and endurance tests carried out on a playing field at the school or club facility. The second stage, to which successful stage one riders are invited, involves similar tests carried out on a static bicycle fitted with power-measuring cranks.

The third stage is a two-day get together where potential members of the programme are given a thorough introduction to the programme so that both they and the Talent Team staff can assess whether they have what it takes to commit themselves to the programme.

A more detailed explanation of the Talent Team testing process can be found on the www.go-ride.org.uk website - hit the "Go-Ride Activities" button and then select "Talent Team Tests".

britishcycling.org.uk went along to one of the Talent Team's recent Stage 1 Tests in the Manchester area to see what happens at this initial stage of talent identification.

The tests were held in a small public park close to the Manchester Velodrome on a sunny August afternoon. Talent Team's North-West staff had marked out a 64m diameter circle with cones on a large playing field. Across the circle's diameter they had marked out a straight line, also with cones.

Gathering the riders together, the staff explained the nature of the two tests they were just about to take part in (pic left). Firstly they would have two attempts at a "sprint" across the diameter of the circle. They would then take part in a simple six lap "endurance race" around the circle of cones.

The riders were supplied with the Talent Team's own bikes, mid-range Trek mountain bikes, and given time to familiarise themselves with their machines, adjust seats and generally prepare themselves for the tests. They then did several laps of the circle as a warm up.When everyone was ready and thouroughly warmed up, the testing began >>>> page 2