British Cycling's coaching scholars, supported by our Official IT Partner Total Computers, recently travelled to the UCI World Cycling Centre in Switzerland to gain valuable experience from some of the world’s best coaches.

The second intake of the Total Computer scholars started their two-year journey with British Cycling in January 2023 and have been able to utilise coach development days at national events, before two lucky scholars headed to Switzerland to the UCI World Cycling Centre in the company of coach educator and consultant, Richard Cheetham MBE.

BMX coach and Total Computers scholar Nathaniel Martin, who has over ten years of coaching experience, said:

“Under the watchful tutelage of Richard and alongside my fellow British Cycling Total Computers scholar Shahina, we joined 11 other coaches from a variety of countries who were gaining their Level 3 UCI coaching qualification. 

“Richard's module was focused on how I would describe ‘the art and philosophy of coaching’ - what does it mean to coach? What makes coaching successful? How does a coach develop? All of these questions and more were posed and answered over 48 hours. 

“This trip taught me about the importance of play when leading coaching activities. Direct instruction is not the only way to coach. Sometimes, athletes can develop and discover their skills by themselves, and at appropriate times, I as a coach can assist the athletes with their reflections on their performance.”

Fellow scholar, Shahina Chandoo, said:

“The short trip to the World Cycling Centre was honestly one of the best experiences I have had. I was able to meet those from different cultures, some of which were similar to my own, and hear everyone’s journey through the cycling world and the barriers and breakthroughs they have had within their own respective countries.

“I was able to learn through Richard the play of coaching and how to make coaching fun, enjoyable and memorable in a way I had never considered before. I feel that placing emphasis on names and learning when to let go will make not only me, but others who I will be able to share my learnings with, a better and more holistic coach.

“I was also able to experience a mini tour of Aigle, seeing the castle, the beautiful mountains and Lake Geneva through the train as well as being able to ride the velodrome which was truly an unforgettable experience!”

Richard Cheetham MBE added:

“I wanted Nathaniel and Shahina to learn more about the different ways we can approach coaching and coach development, guided by key elements which constitute an effective learning environment where all can flourish. From yoga to jigsaws and graffiti to Lego, I believe it opened their eyes to new ideas and ways of teaching. Remember not all classrooms have walls!”

The Total Computers Scholarship launched in 2022 with an intake of 18 scholars, followed by a new intake of 23 scholars in 2023, who have since had access to British Cycling qualifications, a coach developer, coaching opportunities with the Great Britain Cycling Team and Talent teams, unique development experiences at major events and access to a community of scholars on a similar journey.

Education Delivery Manager and Project Lead for the Total Computers Scholarships, Robbie George said:

“The Total Computers Scholarship programme is designed to offer a breadth of opportunities to support scholars’ development and confidence in various coaching environments. The trip to the UCI was established to connect our scholars in with a global network of coaches and to experience new ideas with other coaches from different cultures, and to share their learnings with other scholars on the programme. I’m so glad the scholars found it valuable. A huge thanks to the UCI for supporting this trip and to Richard for coordinating the experience.”