British Cycling has today started its latest search for future talent, as applications for the Great Britian Cycling Team Olympic Development Squads and Podium Potential Squads are now open.

Young riders with the talent and drive to become the next super stars of cycling have the opportunity to apply for the GBCT world class programme across the track sprint, endurance, mountain bike XC, BMX racing and BMX freestyle park disciplines.

The GBCT Performance Pathway is one of the most celebrated sports development programmes in the world with a 20-year legacy of nurturing talent to success on the world stage.  

Following an incredibly successful Olympic Games last summer, where 25 Pathway alumni competed, 15 of whom came home with at least one medal including Emma Finucane, Tom Pidcock, Elinor Barker and Ethan Hayter, British Cycling is looking for riders with  potential for global success to start their elite cycling journey as part of one of our renowned squads.

In the past year, Performance Pathway riders have topped the medal tables at the UEC Junior/Under-23 Track European Championships and UCI Junior Track World Championships. We have also seen 11 world and 15 European titles won and with international podiums achieved regularly across all disciplines.

Performance Pathway Manager for the Great Britain Cycling Team, Jon Bartlett said: 

“The programme is renowned as being one of the best sporting talent systems in the world, and one that is constantly striving to improve, innovate and evolve, which can be seen with the addition of BMX racing and freestyle park pathways in recent years. 

“Our world-leading coaching and support teams work with riders to develop them and give them experiences that will support them in becoming well-rounded, successful people both and off the bike.

“This structure has been successful for over 20 years in identifying and nurturing young athletes into some of the most successful sportspeople of all time, and I’m looking forward to see what young talent come forward this year.”

Most recent success stories from the programme include Erin Boothman who is in her second year as part of the women’s endurance Olympic Development Squad and has achieved two world titles and two European medals on the track and a win on the road, since being part of the world class programme. Of her time so far, she said: 

“The programme has really helped me find myself as a rider, with great personalised coaching that has helped me develop into the rider I am now and hopefully set me up to develop even more in the coming years. 

“It has opened up many opportunities that I wouldn’t have had outside the programme, like European and world championships, which set me up to be world champion on the track in two Olympic disciplines. 

“GBCT have also been amazing at supporting me while trying to juggle both my road and track careers and ensuring I reach my best potential in both.” 

Jos Marnham, ODS BMX Racer said: “Joining the Great British Cycling Team has been an amazing experience, significantly boosting my development. Regular access to the BMX facilities, consistent support from mechanics and physio teams in Manchester, and the team's assistance at races have all been key. Above all, having a specific coach to offer guidance on track has greatly improved my riding, making a huge difference to my progress.”

SQUAD OVERVIEWS

The Olympic Development Squad is focused on developing the country’s best young riders, ensuring that they are ready for life as full-time athletes. This will include opportunities to race at international competitions and preparing riders for selection to major events at a senior level.

Overview of key elements per discipline:

• Sprint and Endurance Olympic Development Squads: Age 16 – 18, camp-based, decentralised.
• MTB XC Olympic Development Squad: Age 16-18, camp-based, decentralised.
• BMX Racing Olympic Development Squad: Age 15-18, camp-based, decentralised.
• BMX FSP Olympic Development Squad: Age 15+, camp-based, decentralised.

The Podium Potential level is the bridge between junior development and competition to Podium level performance. The aim is to continue the holistic development of each rider invited onto Podium Potential towards consistent international level winning performances. Riders at this stage will typically race at under-23 and depending on their development and performance trajectory may be invited to be part of Podium squads at various camps and competitions.  

Overview of key elements per discipline:

• Sprint Podium Potential Squad: Age 18-22, centralised, full-time
• BMX Racing Podium Potential Squad: Age 18-22, centralised, full-time
• Endurance Podium Potential Squad: Age 18+, decentralised, full-time
• MTB-XC Podium Potential Squad: Age 18-22, decentralised, full-time
• BMX FSP Podium Potential Squad: Age 16+, decentralised, full-time

As part of the evolution of the ODS and PP squads, GBCT has introduced a minimum standard of achievements and a rider profile for each discipline, that is deemed necessary to be competitive on the World Class Programme. This should provide more clarity on performance expectations for those who wish to apply to the programme.

Applications are open until 5:00pm on Monday 30 June 2025. You can find more information and apply here.