World Congress of Cycling Science

28 June 2010

On the 10th, 11th and 12th June 2010 British Cycling's Coaching and Education team went to the World Congress of Cycling Science in Edinburgh, Scotland organised by Richard Davidson at Edinburgh Napier University. It was an ideal opportunity to see firsthand, the latest information coming out of the world's leading researchers, ensuring the Coaching and Education department keeps up to date with current information in their coaching resources. The three day event covered performance cycling, health and environmental cycling, doping, cardiology, mountain biking, and cycling legend Sean Kelly joined attendees for dinner on the Friday evening. The Man who cycled the world, Mark Beaumont capped off the final day with his insights into the physical and mental challenges of doing this solo journey.

John Mills, Coaching, Education and Development Director for British Cycling gave a detailed presentation on developing a World Class Coaching and Education Programme. He gave a valuable insight into how the department has progressed over the last 10 years within British Cycling and the plans for future programmes as well as giving detailed information on course and resource development. Stewart Kellett, Recreation and Partnership Director for British Cycling also gave a presentation titled ‘Inspiration to participation campaign, SKY Rides' which gave an insight into the work behind the sky ride and participation programmes.

Some highlight statistics and tips from the conference include:

• Core stability training significantly improves cycling time trial performance
• Cycle commuting to work or school improves fitness on average by 9%
• Mark Beaumont cycled the world in 194 days and 17 hours
• Those who cycle commute to work have significantly less absenteeism form work
• Time trialing at 85-95rpm increases drag
• Cycle commuting halves mortality rate
• Children who cycle to school exhibit significantly less tiredness and are more active throughout the day
• Prescribed nutrition according to the current guidelines is significantly more beneficial on long duration cycling than usual, or self determined nutrition.
• Cycle commuting to work is worth £2million pounds per year saving in the health system for a town with the population of 130,000 people.

For further information on the congress please visit their web site: http://www.cycling-science.com./home