Despite the dark and damp conditions, December has seen the delivery of the first ever discipline specific coaching award.
The qualification brings the sport in to line with the other cycle disciplines in establishing a structured pathway for coaches and riders alike. Slotting into the recognised UKCC coaching framework, the course enables qualified coaches to confidently improve a group of riders through well structured, informed and coherent sessions.
The Award introduces Cycle Speedway specific techniques and environments and will provide the knowledge and expertise to progress riders from their first session to their first race.
The weekend itself was hosted at the Astley & Tyldesley Cycle Speedway Club in Manchester and saw some challenging conditions as the North West rain did not relent for one second. However, despite the conditions the tutors observed a high standard of coaching over the two days.
British Cycle tutor, Rob Mace commented: “What was obvious was the amount of coaching the candidates have been doing since undergoing their Level 2 certificate in coaching cycling.
“The standard was very high and the combined level of Cycle Speedway experience in the room was extraordinary. This facilitated the delivery of content over the two days and allowed these coaches to overcome the conditions, share good practice and unique ideas on how to structure and deliver their coaching sessions with others on the course who were new to the discipline of cycle speedway.
“The result of this was that everyone left with new ideas, greater understanding of how to apply their knowledge in the Cycle Speedway environment and enthused about helping riders progress into racing.”
The qualification has been developed with input from several well-known names in the sport including Martin Gamble, Ian Grange, Mike Hack and former multiple national champion Lee Aris. With such expertise involved, Rob is confident that the course will produce a high standard of coach to the benefit of the sport.
Rob added: “I know of the work going into the training of new and existing coaches in Go-Ride Cycle Speedway clubs, bringing them up to the Level 2 standard and allowing them to provide safe, fun and challenging activities for young people new to cycling.
“It is exciting to know that these candidates from this Level 2 Cycle Speedway course will be going back to their clubs and applying the techniques and ideas developed over the two days and hopefully encouraging others to complete their Level 2 certificate in coaching cycling so that this course can run again in the future.”
For further details on future Level 2 Cycle Speedway coaching courses, please contact:
Email: coaching@britishcycling.org.uk
Tel: 0161 274 2060
News and updates from the Coaching Team at British Cycling can also be found via our Twitter account
