The Performance Pathway
Helping the most promising riders become the stars of Olympic cycling.
The Great Britain Cycling Team (GBCT) is the most successful Olympic and Paralympic sports team in British history and is underpinned by the young riders developing through our Performance Pathway.
We have one of the best sporting talent development systems in the world and one that is constantly striving to improve, innovate and evolve.
Over the past 20 years, our pathway has built a proven track record of success:
- One in two riders on the pathway medal at international level
- 70% of riders on the Podium squads have come through the pathway
- 1,300+ medals won by pathway riders since it began in 2004
Our Performance Pathway supports the development journey for the country’s most promising riders all the way to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We offer a range of pathways, but they are all aligned to a single philosophy - to develop the best performance cyclists and people that we can.
Applications are now open for the year 2025/26.
Selections
The year 2025-2026 will see the continued evolution of the Olympic Development (ODS) and Podium Potential Squads (PP). At Olympic Development level, riders will develop their foundational bike-riding skills, receiving specialist coaching, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy and lifestyle advice, while Podium Potential riders will be coached full time and prepared for what it takes to be one of the top riders in the world.
The aim of selection is to ensure that we are selecting riders with the highest potential to achieve success at future world championships and Olympic Games in each of the five Olympic disciplines. Selection is a robust process, taking into consideration:
1. Race performances and results in the last three years.
2. Testing and camp data that supports riders being on an upwards performance trajectory and/or meeting the discipline specific performance/physical benchmarks.
3. Expert views of coaches, support staff and senior leadership alongside the performance standards benchmarks that accompany each discipline
For each discipline, GBCT has established a minimum standard of achievements and a rider profile that is deemed necessary to be competitive on the World Class Programme and in international competition. Specific details can be found under each discipline programme below.
The application window for the Olympic Development and Podium Potential squads will remain open until 17:00 on Monday 30th June 2025, thus providing applicants with a two-month window to submit all necessary information.
Each squad’s process may differ slightly based on competitions through the summer period. With that said, riders may be invited to testing and interview days with their relevant discipline between 1st July and August 31st 2025. with a minimum of two weeks' notice being provided to any potential rider.
Some disciplines may require an extended ‘try-out’ period (up to a maximum of six months from 1st October 2025, which would be self-funded and mainly include weekend activity) to determine a rider’s fit to the World Class Programme. All details will be disseminated on a need’s basis to each rider/squad. All final communications regarding membership to the Olympic Development Squad and the Podium Potential squad will take place by Monday 29th September 2025.
Note: Riders who are unsuccessful with their applications can apply again in future and are still able to submit expressions of interest for major event selections (details found on British Cycling website).
Performance Pathway Squads
All GBCT riders are given a rounded on and off-bike education that we are committed to making both professionally and personally fulfilling. Our programme offers the best opportunity for a future both in cycling as well as out of cycling, ensuring you are fully prepared wherever the journey may take you.
Across every squad, we focus on developing the country’s best young riders. Refining the skills already learnt, the aim is to support the transition to becoming a senior bike rider and either graduate to the Podium Programme or sign a contract with a professional trade team (i.e. road and MTB-XC).
Olympic Development Squad
The Olympic Development Squad is focused on developing the country’s best junior riders, ensuring that they are ready for life as full-time athletes. This will include opportunities to race at international competitions and preparing for selection to major events at a senior level.
Overview of key elements per discipline:
- Sprint and Endurance Olympic Development Squads: Age 16 – 18, camp based, decentralised
- MTB-XC Olympic Development Squad Age 16-18, camp based, decentralised
- BMX Racing Olympic Development Squad: Age 15-18, camp based, decentralised
- BMX FSP Olympic Development Squad: Age 15+, camp based, decentralised
Podium Potential Squad
The Podium Potential level is the bridge between junior development and competition to Podium level performance. The aim is to continue the holistic development of each rider invited onto Podium Potential towards consistent international level winning performances. Riders at this stage will typically race at under-23 and depending on their development and performance trajectory may be invited to be part of Podium squads at various camps and competitions.
Overview of key elements per discipline:
- Sprint Podium Potential Squad: Age 18-22, centralised, full-time
- BMX Racing Podium Potential Squad: Age 18-22, centralised, full-time
- Endurance Podium Potential Squad: Age 18+, decentralised, full-time
- MTB-XC Podium Potential Squad: Age 18-22, decentralised, full-time
- BMX FSP Podium Potential Squad: Age 16+, decentralised, full-time
Note that those invited to Sprint and BMX Racing podium potential squads will be required to move to Manchester. More details will be provided to each rider specifically and discussed between the coach and rider, parents/guardian.
Podium
The pinnacle of the performance pathway, the Olympic Podium Programme is dedicated to supporting highly-skilled elite cyclists as they aim to win medals in major competitions, such as World Championships and Olympic Games.
Apply now
GBCT Olympic Development Squad and Podium Potential Squad 2025 Application - Track Sprint
GBCT Olympic Development Squad and Podium Potential Squad 2025 Application - BMX Racing, BMX Freestyle Park and MTB XC
GBCT Olympic Development Squad and Podium Potential Squad 2025 Application - Endurance
Applications for the GBCT performance pathway sqauds are open until 30 June 2025 at 5pm.
Performance Pathway Prospectus
Find out more about each individual discipline's programme by taking a look at the prospectus below.
