10 Questions with Dave Roberts

 

David Roberts of Acme Wheelers Rhondda, is one of our more experienced coaches. Not only is he involved with the grass roots Track Attack Iceland sessions, but is also a trained British Cycling tutor and assessor.

Dave Roberts (pictured right)

 

What is your background in Cycling?

I have been a club cyclist since 1961 when I joined the Acme.  I’ve ridden mostly time –trials with a little road racing in the early years.  For nearly thirty years I have been either club secretary or treasurer and organised time-trial and cyclo-cross events.

During the early 70’s I affiliated my school in Cheshire to the English Schools Cycling Association and took pupils by minibus or car to circuit, cross and grass track meetings.  Enjoyed riding tandem with each of my four children.

 

How long have you been involved in Coaching?

I qualified as a Club Coach in 2003 by which time I was running Get Set  (precursor to Go Ride ) sessions for my local authority. Since then I have coached senior and juvenile club members. More recently , having qualified as a Level 2 track coach I have enjoyed working at the velodrome.

 

What are your motivations for coaching?

My working life began as a schoolteacher and I have never lost the urge to pass-on knowledge and help others. It is a good feeling when club riders improve and at the track there is a great sense of satisfaction in seeing young beginners learn the skills and come back for more.

 

What would you like to achieve in coaching terms?

I never feel that I know enough and want to learn more so would like to move on to Level 3 and hopefully work with a talented rider.

 

Have you found any new talents that you think could be the next Nicole or Geraint?

Unfortunately I haven’t been that lucky.  However, while qualifying and during my first year of coaching I was able to give a little help to Dale Appleby who began his cycling with our club.

 

How did you enjoy the British Cycling Tutors course?

I’ve become a teacher again !  The course involved a great deal of home study which I found enjoyable but the tutor-led sessions were intense and by the end of each one my brain needed a recovery period. Together with the knowledge I came out of the course with a greater understanding of my own abilities / failings and why I am the type of person that I am.

 

Who is your cycling hero/heroin?

Since I started cycling I have looked-up to many riders, from Beryl Burton right up to our present day Olympians but cannot name one person.  The greatest impact on me as a cyclist was made by a member of my own club. Gwyn Humphreys represented Wales as a pursuiter in the Commonwealth Games and was a great stylist.  As a 17 year old I tried to emulate his style although I didn’t have his racing ability.  Allied to the style (which he still has) is a pleasant, helpful, laid-back character.  The perfect clubman.

 

Do you have a coaching tip for aspiring volunteers looking to become qualified coaches?

Remember that enjoyment and praise are what motivates young riders.

 

What is your favourite cycling drill you enjoy coaching?

During the ‘ Get Set’ years it was getting two riders abreast through the smallest possible gap between cones.

 

What is your favourite band or solo artist?

There is no favourite at present.  I have worked my way through Bob Dylan, the Beatles and Abba with Dafydd Iwan and Ar Log on the Welsh language side.