Do you want to be the next Olympic track sprinter? Are you born in the years 2009 and 2010? Then we have an opportunity for you!

Do you want to be the next Olympic track sprinter? Are you born in the years 2009 and 2010? Then we have an opportunity for you!

Following the success of our Talent Identification program for Track Sprint last year which saw riders progress into the Talent Pathway. As we start the Olympic year, British Cycling will again be looking for the next crop of talented track sprinters to take to the boards and continue the international success of riders such as Emma Finucane, Jack Carlin, Jason Kenny and Katy Marchant If you enjoy sports that are fast and tactical, British Cycling wants you!

The Talent Identification program will be launches this month in a bid to identify the sprinting potential of talented young athletes, with those successful going on to join British Cycling’s Talent Development and Performance Pathways.

If you believe you have what it takes, the first step is to sign up on the form here before Friday 23rd  February and you maybe within a chance to be invited to one of our four testing days at velodromes across England throughout March.

•    Manchester – 9th March 2024
•    Birmingham – 10th March 2024
•    Bath – 16th March 2024
•    London – 30th March 2024

You must be born in the years 2009 and 2010 to apply and be eligible for a British passport, but no prior racing experience is required – just the ability to ride a bike!

What does it involve?

One of our testing days will typically include three parts with the first being some physical testing on Wattbikes, this is the chance for you to show us what you can do! The day will also include jump testing and support around how to either get into the sport of cycling or transition from another cycling discipline into track sprint.

So, if you want to have chance at being the next Olympic track sprinter, now is your time to sign up and see if you’ve got what it takes.

Link to application here
Application closes at 11:59pm on Friday 23rd February 2024

Joe Malik, Head of British Cycling Talent Development Pathways said:

“Over the last two years we have engaged with schools, community groups and other sports as we continue our search for future potential world and Olympic champions to join the world class track sprint pathway. This is the third track sprint TID recruitment programme we have run and we are now starting to see the success of this programme as riders begin to progress into our national talent pathway as we prepare them for the Great Britain Cycling Team sprint programme.

‘This year for the first time, we now have the option that if you can’t make the testing days you can submit your data virtually, details of which you can find below.”

Virtual Submission

If you can’t make one of our physical testing days, we now have the option for you to submit your data to us directly from the comfort of your own home, gym, or bike.  Using the below link we will ask you to submit one of five key pieces of data for us to analyse:

•    Velodrome (track) times;
•    A six second peak power data file (.fit);
•    A 30 second power data file (.fit);
•    A screenshot of your data/power numbers from your Garmin, Zwift, Spin bike or other version

We will accept all types of files, screenshots, and information – you can submit using this link.

Kristian Larigo, track sprinter on the National School of Racing foundation programme said: “I learned about the talent ID program through my BMX coach. Initially, I was quite nervous during the first testing day, but by the second day, I realised that everyone was there to help and were very friendly.

“I truly feel like a part of the team. I appreciate how we all look out for each other, sharing equipment whenever someone is in need. Since my first track ride in September 2022, I can confidently say that I've made significant progress.

“My current aim is to qualify for the GB Olympic Development Squad next year, and ultimately, my dream is to win a gold medal at the Olympics in match sprint.

“I would advise anyone considering the talent ID program to go for it. There's nothing to lose by applying, and you won't truly know if it's right for you until you give it a try.”