As part of the new Go-Ride delivery programme. we are now delivering a number of extra Rider Development Sessions concentrating on the 16-23 age group, in particular the Junior and Under 23 categories. In addition to this. we're also focusing on the promotion and growth of female-specific and disability sessions.
The first of these Rider Development Sessions will start as a six week block at Stourport road circuit on Thursday 11 July and will continue until (and including) 15th August. The focus of the sessions will be to develop rider's physical and technical capacity, and for this block there will be no upper age restriction. The session will run from 6pm to 7pm for Under 16s, and then from 7pm to 9pm for junior and senior riders.
Sessions for the Under 16s will be based on ability, building on the delivery already going on in the clubs. Due to the nature of the circuit, we may be able to run sessions for more than one group (this will depend on the number of coaches available).
Sessions will very much be on-the-bike sessions, with a structured warm-up followed by some road specific skills, and then into group riding. The tempo will be increased as appropriate to push the performance level of the riders. We aim to use the final 50 to 60 minutes as a chain-gang, incorporating the skills highlighted earlier in the session. If riders are dropped from the group they will be able to use the cut-through to regain contact or take a lap out.
Go-Ride Coach, Craig Ansell, will be the lead coach for the sessions and will be supported for some of the weeks by the West Midlands Regional Develoment Manager, Nick Yarworth. To ensure the sessions continue to be a success, Craig and Nick are looking for additional coaches to assist and, if possible, continue these sessions beyond the programmed 6 weeks.
The sessions cost £2 for under 16s, and £4 for over 16s. There will be a maximum of 40 riders per session and you can book a space by contacting Craig Ansell or simply sign up on the night - first come first served! Sign up will ttake place by the club house, up to 10 minutes before the start of each session.
Currently riders do not have to be members of Go-Ride clubs but do need to be British Cycling members. We hope to run these sessions at a number of venues over the coming months to ensure that riders will have the opportunity to attend sessions at circuits that are within easy travelling distance of their club.
At this stage, we welcome all riders to attend, so please share this information with your clu,b. If you have any further questions regarding these sessions, please phone Craig Ansell on 07940 302190 or e-mail him at craigansell@britishcycling.org.uk.
