Sports Science

Many coaches are now beginning to recognise the benefits of having support science support for both their coaching and the riders they work with. This page will help you find sport science support for you and your riders.

What is sport science?

"Sport and Exercise Science is the application of scientific principles to the promotion, maintenance and enhancement of sport and exercise related behaviours" (BASES, 2005). Generally, three branches of science are used to study sport; these are biomechanics, physiology and psychology.

The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)

The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) is the UK professional body for all those with an interest in the science of sport and exercise. British Cycling Coaching and Education recommend that coaches seek sport science support from a BASES Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist. Accredited scientists work to a strict code of conduct to provide a range of sport science services. The BASES website describes what you can expect while receiving support from an accredited scientist. You can also search for accredited scientists using the BASES website, however BASES does provide a useful disclaimer. For more information visit their website: British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences

Finding a sports nutritionist?
You can search for Nutritionists on the Nutrition Society and BASES Website. 

The Nutrition Society provides useful information for coaches on nutritional guidelines as they are developing a new specialist category for the register in sport and exercise nutrition. For more information visit their website: The Nutrition Society.

To find a nutritionists on the BASES website click here: http://www.bases.org.uk/consfinder.asp

The English Institute of Sport

Led by Steve Cram, the former world mile record holder and Olympic medallist, the English Institute of Sport (EIS) is a nationwide network of sport science and sports medical support services, designed to foster the talents of our elite athletes. Services are offered from nine regional hub sites and a network of satellite centres within England, ensuring that elite athletes have local access to support services.

The expert support services available to athletes and coaches out of the EIS High Performance Centres includes sports medicine, physiotherapy, soft tissue therapy, nutrition, psychology, biomechanics, performance analysis, talent identification, strength and conditioning and performance lifestyle. For more information visit their website : English Institute of Sport