Great Britain Cycling Team's Academy is now recruiting for junior and under-23 athletes for BMX, endurance (track and road), mountain bike cross-country and track sprint.
Competition for places is unsurprisingly high with the limited number of places a reflection of the limited number of medals available at the top of the sport. Only riders demonstrating exceptional abilities and qualities will earn membership onto this illustrious programme – our aim is to prioritise those with the best chance of graduating to the British Cycling Olympic Podium Programme in the next four to six years.
Junior Academy (formerly the Olympic Development Programme)
This is a key stepping stone for junior age riders to develop as full-time cyclists. Delivered as a series of training camps, along with a structured competition programme (including national and international opportunities), the programme is geared towards the riders long-term development and is a strong foundation for future success.
To be considered for next year’s Junior Academy, we are looking riders that:
- Are born in 1998 and 1999 (1999 and 2000 for BMX)
- Hold (or are eligible for) a British passport
- Regularly finish on the podium at national junior and/or youth races.
Senior Academy (formerly the Olympic Academy Programme)
This is a full-time residential programme and requires a strong work ethic to survive and progress. Young riders need to live and breathe cycling and devote their coming years to the achievement of challenging goals. The support provided and the commitment of the programme staff to assisting riders to achieve these goals is as high as the commitment expected from the riders.
To be considered for next year’s Senior Academy, we are looking riders that:
- Are aged between 18 and 21 years on the 1 January 2016 (17 to 20 years for BMX)
- Hold (or are eligible for) a British passport
- Regularly finish on the podium at national and international junior, U23 and/or senior races
Membership criteria
Academy coaches and support staff will consider the following aspects when reviewing applications:
- Performances at national and international races,
- Bike skills and tactical awareness,
- Physical capacity,
- Attitude and aptitude.
Timeframes
- Applications are open until Monday 20 July 2015
- Short-listed riders may be invited to attend an assessment camp in August or September 2015
- All applicants will be advised by Friday 2 October 2015 if they have been successful
- Senior Academy will start on Monday 12 October 2015 – ‘move-in’ will be arranged ahead of this
- The first Junior Academy camp will be the week of Monday 24 October 2015 (October half term)
Please note, should you have any difficulties completing and submitting the online form please contact Marie Gook at the Great Britain Cycling Team who will be happy to help. Telephone 0161 274 2106 or email pathway@britishcycling.org.uk.
