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School Days for Youth Talent

Olympic Talent Programme ‘National School of Racing' - Road - Mallory Park, 22/02/2011

A cold and foggy morning in Leicestershire saw the first ‘National School of Racing' of 2011 hit the Mallory Park motor-racing circuit. More used to the smell of petrol and hot brake linings, the Mallory air was awash the scent of anticipation and GT85 as over 140 youth road riders from across the country converged on the circuit for a day of bunch skills coaching from GB Cycling Team's Olympic Talent Programme coaches.

Riders signed in at around 10 o'clock and following a briefing from coaches, took to the track to warm up, followed by a morning of bunch skills sessions with a mock ‘devil' (elimination race) finishing off the session. After a lunch break and a chance to refuel, riders were given more bunch skills coaching before getting the opportunity to put everything they'd learned into a practice race. Check out the video to learn more about Talent Team, the National Schools of Racing and what to expect on a ‘School' day.

The Olympic Talent Programme coaches currently deliver National Schools of Racing across the disciplines of Road, Track, MTB XC and Cyclo-Cross, together with more advanced Regional Schools of Racing in their respective locales, both of which offer youth riders and coaches a chance to develop skills and share best practice.

The Schools of Racing are just one part of the two-tier Talent Team programme with the top tier seeing two Olympic Talent coaches working with the top 25 track, MTB XC, and Road-focused riders in the country to provide the support and opportunities they need to be the best they can be.

For more information about the Talent Team go here.