Talented athletes on the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme have attended a preparation camp at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester ahead of a 2-week work experience and training camp in Tenerife.
The DiSE programme is designed to give athletes additional support to fulfil their dreams on a bike, including learning and reflecting on areas including psychological skills, anti-doping, communications, media and nutrition. Learning and assessment is completed at college cycling academies with British Cycling qualified coaches, with British Cycling further supporting with access to experts, both online via webinars and via camps.
In Manchester, athletes got to experience the support available to elite athletes in a visit to the Manchester Institute of Health and Performance, including exploring physiological testing, cryotherapy chambers, altitude training rooms and explore a variety of support services, including with a psychologist and strength & conditioning coach. Athletes heard from Olympic Madison Gold winning coach, Monica Greenwood, on what it takes to win Olympic Gold, had a workshop on communication and media and got to test out the BMX track. However, a big focus was on preparing for Tenerife.
The athletes on DiSE have a funded 2-week trip to Tenerife between 24th January and 7th Feb 2023, organised by British Cycling’s DiSE Delivery Partner, SGS (South Gloucestershire and Stroud College). The funding enables athletes to access Spanish lessons, deliver cycling activity in schools, take part in various activities including yoga and volleyball, and embark on some serious pre-season training including on the fantastic climbs of Mount Teide. In Manchester, athletes were given insight into their trip and took part in a session delivering British Cycling’s learn to Ride programme, Ready Set Ride, which they will now be delivering in Spanish schools.
British Cycling’s Education Delivery Manager, Robbie George, said “it’s the first year delivering DiSE for British Cycling and fair to say there have been plenty of learnings from all sides. But bringing the athletes to Manchester, connecting them as a group and seeing how beneficial this funding and the opportunity could be for these athletes has been hugely rewarding. I’m pleased we are able to offer this fantastic group of young athletes the opportunity of a lifetime in Tenerife, which wouldn’t have been possible without the DiSE funding or the support of SGS.”
College Cycling Academies delivering DiSE are currently recruiting for September 2023 with many hosting online and in person discovery days. If you are reaching the end of Year 11, are a talented rider and looking at your next steps, a college cycling academy could be the perfect route for you.
Discovery Days / Events
SGS – Instagram Live, Friday 3rd March @ 6pm - https://www.instagram.com/p/CnpdM0VswfT/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Oaklands Wolves Cycling Academy – contact cycling@oaklands.ac.uk
Derby College Cycling Academy - keith@cyclingperformanceacademy.co.uk
Manchester Cycling Academy - manchester.cycling.academy@gmail.com
Expressions of interest for DiSE 2023
We are currently accepting applications/ expressions of interest for a DiSE place in 2023. Please complete the form and we will be in touch in the Spring when DiSE places are confirmed by Sport England.
