Olympic Talent Programme Road & Cyclo Cross Training Day

Mallory Park, Thursday 28th August 2008

Tim Buckle; Development Coach, Olympic Talent Programme writes - "Well, what a day that was in July! I hope you guys that came along had a top time and achieved the goal of going away having learnt 3 things?

Mallory's wide open spaces

Because it was so ace, we, the Olympic Talent Programme are staging another summer training day for Youth riders. It will be on Thursday 28th August, and Mallory Park Motor Racing Circuit in Leicestershire is again the venue and this time there?s both road and cyclo cross options for you to choose from.

The Talent Team offer is an open invitation strictly to youth A, B & C category riders (born between 1992 and 1997) to take part in the full day of coached activities - no one younger I'm afraid. We also want to show our support to you junior girls by opening up the invitation to this category as we see this as an area of cycling that needs further and continued development. We did not have any take up in July and I reckon you would have gained loads from being in our 120 up lead out sessions!

Technique session at a previous Mallory day

All abilities are welcome but as the day shall offer structured, road / circuit and cyclo-cross race based coaching sessions tailored to suit all the different ages, riders must be on the right equipment and this is dependant on what racing category you are in for 2008:

Youth A & B
Road or cyclo cross bikes only; no Mtbs
Youth C
Road Session - Road bike (no Mtbs)
Cyclo cross session - Cyclo cross bike or MTB.

Riders, It was noted by staff in July that a number of riders were not on their age category gear restriction. Please make every effort to sort this folks you are proving nothing and just hindering your progress!!.

The day is designed simply to give riders the chance to experience a group coaching session and learn or refine some road and cyclo-cross racing skills. Let's make it clear; this is not a talent team selection event.

The day will get underway at 10.30am prompt beginning with warm ups (riders need to be in the paddock at this time changed and ready with equipment and food for the day). As with other sessions this will be 4 to 6 hours of riding in total (you get breaks) so riders need to make sure you bring enough food and drink enough for at least a bottle an hour and snack bar every 45 mins as well as your lunch (suggestions Tupperware box of pasta / tuna high carbohydrate).

The day will incorporate a variety of skills and race based activities so come expecting to get stuck into some race events. The training will end at 5pm. As with all the Talent Mallory sessions, the Talent Programme is covering coaching and track costs, so the day is again completely free of charge! How mint is that?

If you are interested in attending, please register by Wednesday 13th August by sending an email to: AlisonJohnson@britishcycling.org.uk with your name, date of birth and your club (if you are in one). You will need to tell us whether you want to do road or 'cross on the day, there will not be an opportunity to cross over between the two disciplines guys. After this, you will then be sent further details of the day together with a parental consent form that must be completed and brought with you on the day for you to take part.

CALLING ALL COACHES!

British cycling qualified coaches looking to expand your coaching experience are also welcome to attend and check out what is going on and hopefully take away some good ideas to roll out at your club sessions. You guys have the future in your hands and it is our responsibility to help you be as good as you can. ?If you are up for this please send an email to register as above.

Come on guys lets have it!!

Tim Buckle; Development Coach, Olympic Talent Programme; British Cycling