Road To 2012
Jeremy Hayes: “European Series finals will be a big learning curve”
British Cycling’s Olympic Development Coach Jeremy Hayes has outlined his main objectives for the final rounds of the European BMX Series and expects a learning process over exceptional results before next months World Championships in Birmingham.
Members of British Cycling’s Olympic Talent Team will – for the first time – travel to an international event together, fully supported by staff; but far from expecting a huge step up in results, Hayes marks the extra support as a reconnaissance mission, to establish benchmarks not only in racing, but around racing.
“We need to find out how these riders act in a team environment; they will travel, live, train and race together and they will have to do this as a team. It is a learning curve beyond racing and they will have to conduct themselves in a professional manner they have to get used to the team ethos and environment. They have had an introduction to this at Talent Team training camps, the next step is to take that to an international event.”
Hayes also expects to learn the preparation process of each rider in that environment and if necessary make adjustments before the same setup is used at the World Championships.
“Physically there’s not a lot we can do between the European and the Worlds, but there are a lot of other place to improve – mental attitudes, nutrition, preparations and if there’s anything we can do differently. It’s going to be a big learning phase for them.
“We’ve talked before about results, but even though they are some of the best in the UK they are still young with a long way to go, still working on the fundamentals, from skills on the track to nutrition, preparation or strength and conditioning. It’s very easy to get excited by these guys and forget how young they are and how much they have to develop physically and mentally. At this race, as long as they can perform at the same level as they do in training, we are happy.”
BMX European Series Rounds 11-12 Orleans, France - May 5-6
Olympic Talent Team
Quillan Isidore – Novice Junior (new class for top end 16’s going in to Junior men next year – Championship class)
Jake Power – 15s
Valerie Zebrokova – 15 Girls
Paddy Sharrock – 14s
