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Scottish Cycling Youth MTB XC Development 2013

Published on: 14th March 2013

Article by: Paul Newnham (Scottish Cycling MTB Coach)


Scottish Cycling is delighted to announce that for 2013 there will again be three targeted races for the Scottish Youth MTB XC riders. Support for these races will be provided by Scottish Cycling. In addition to these targeted races Scottish Cycling and British Cycling will be providing coaching for committed racers who want to perform at the highest level through Scottish schools of racing and regional performance group sessions.

Scottish Cycling National XC Coach Paul Newnham said.

“Having the targeted races for youth riders provides opportunity, inspiration and focus for young riders wanting to progress through the performance pathway. The Scottish Schools of racing and the regional coaching again provides a focus for all the best riders from each region to come together with their club coaches and learn how to take their riding to the next level.

MTB Scottish Schools of Racing

For 2013 BC Talent Development Coach Mark Young will take the lead on MTB schools of racing which are aimed at Go-Ride nominated and Wild Card riders.

These sessions are for 2nd Year Youth B and all Youth A riders who are engaged with their clubs and coaches, are racing, and have a hard work ethic! The Go-Ride Clubs nominate to the Talent Development Coach, their best 3 riders, plus 4 reserves for inclusion in these events. If you aren’t in a Go-Ride club, it is possible that a Wild Card entry can be given.

Dates:

20th or 21st April Comrie Croft (TBC) 10am till 5pm Core Skills flat pedals

5th May Venue TBC 10am till 5pm Core Skills translated on to trail features

10th August Venue TBC 10am till 5pm Race Coaching in Prep for IRXC

Regional Performance Coaching

Regional coaching sessions are open to youth A and youth B riders who are competing in a full SXC series as a minimum with a view to competing at a British level and progressing through the performance pathway. Coaching will be provided by Scottish Cycling’s National Cross Country Coach Paul Newnham and assistant volunteer coaches from the clubs in the region. For 2013 there is an application form that needs to be filled in prior to the regional sessions. If you would like to attend one of these sessions please fill in the form and send it back to Laura Irwin at Scottish Cycling laura.irwin@scottishcycling.org.uk

Date and Venues

  • 1st May: 6:30-8:30pm Highlands
  • 8th May: 6:30-8:30pm Central
  • 15th May: 6:30-8:30pm South
  • 5th June: 6:30-8:30pm Highlands
  • 12th June: 6:30-8:30pm Central
  • 19th June: 6:30-8:30pm South
  • 13th of July: pre national training day, full day, Cathkin Braes.
  • Winter 2013/2014: Girls only skills coaching project (details TBC)

Application criteria:

Applications open to Scottish Youth A and Youth B riders only.Riders must be Scottish/British Cycling members and priority will go to riders who are members of Scottish Cycling Registered clubs/teams.Places on the Regional Performance groups are limited to rider who are competing in SXC races with an ambition to race at a National and international level in the future.

If you are a coach looking to volunteer at a regional performance sessions please email paul.newnham@scottishcycling.org.uk

Click here to download our application form

Scottish Cycling Supported Races

1: British Nationals Championships Cathkin Braes Glasgow.

Pre Nationals Youth MTB Coaching day. 13th of July. 2013 Cathkin Braes: The coaching day is for youth A and youth B riders who have entered the British National Championships. More details to come nearer the time.

2: European Youth Champs

12th-16th of August: Graz Austria: Four days racing against the best riders in Europe you will ride for Team Scotland. The team will consist of 2 boys and 1 Girl. A video of last year’s event can be seen here.

The team selection will be based upon the following.

Selection criteria

Performances in the following youth events will form the basis of selection and are listed in order of priority:

  • The first 4 rounds of the British National Series MTB XC
  • The first 4 rounds of the Scottish Cross Country series MTB XC

The following criteria will be used to determine a rider’s ‘performance’ for the purpose of selection for this event:

  • Attacking riding
  • Bike handling ability
  • Tactical awareness
  • Finish position

Selections will be made in week commencing 8th July 2012. The selectors will consider performances in each individual event within its own right, taking into account the above key selection criteria. An accumulative or average scoring/points system from all events will NOT be used as a basis for selection.

3: Inter Regional MTB Championships 2013

Date and venue TBC, Probable dates are the 4th – 6th October at Hadleigh Farm. Scottish Cycling is aiming to take the strongest squads possible to compete in these events.

Squads

Scotland North: (To include the areas, Aberdeen, Dundee, North and Mid Scotland )

Youth Boys Scotland Squad (team of 4)

Youth Girls Scotland Squad (team of 4)

Scotland South: (To include the areas, , Ayrshire and Dumfries, East and West, fife)

Youth Boys Scotland Squad (team of 4)

Youth Girls Scotland Squad (team of 4)

Selection criteria

Performances in the following youth events will form the basis of selection and are listed in order of priority:

  • The first 4 rounds of the British National Series MTB XC.
  • The first 4 rounds of the Scottish Cross Country series MTB XC.
  • The British National Championships

The following criteria will be used to determine a rider’s ‘performance’ for the purpose of selection for this event:

  • Attacking riding
  • Bike handling ability
  • Tactical awareness
  • Finish position

Selections will be made in week commencing 29th July 2012. The selectors will consider performances in each individual event within its own right, taking into account the above key selection criteria. An accumulative or average scoring / points system from all events will NOT be used as a basis for selection.

Further information

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the Scottish Mountain Bike Coach Paul Newnham paul.newnham@scottishcycling.org.uk