Aims and objectives
We have a well-defined set of objectives for our current Performance Programmes throughout the current funding cycle (2015—19). We are committed to our long term vision of building a system that can support our best athletes competing on the World Stage. In order to achieve this we have two key goals that we are focused on delivering against these aims:
In the Long Term we aim to ensure more Scottish Riders winning more medals at Olympic / Paralympic, World and Commonwealth level, more often.
In order to achieve long term success we are focused on developing talent. Our short–medium term primary objective is to identify and develop a pool of talented athletes who have the ability, desire and ambition to achieve at the highest level.
Our Approach
We have taken a strategic approach to meeting our goals and are developing a system that can identify, inspire and develop precocious talent to the very highest level.
Our programmes are specifically designed to give developing riders the best chance of long term success across all disciplines in both able body and Para-cycling, whilst supporting our very best, Scotland based GB and Professional athletes.
At the heart of the programmes is performance development. Within our development programmes there are specific process-focused targets at every step of the way as we develop riders towards success on the world stage.
These goals are firmly aligned with making the step up to the next level - which for the majority of our riders is the GB Cycling Team. Through an excellent relationship with British Cycling, we have a clear understanding of what riders need to be able to achieve in order to make GB programmes - that are focused on Track (Sprint & Endurance), MTB XC and BMX at the performance development stage. There is a solid history within the GB Cycling team programmes of not only producing the very best track racers in both sprint and endurance, but over the past 10 years almost most of the very best British road racers have developed through the track endurance programme.
In mountain bike cross country, Scotland has a proud record of producing talent and developing riders to the level required for GB selection. We will continue with the approach of investing in skill as well as physical development of young riders whilst ensuring we can provide for our senior and professional riders who remain based in Scotland, with the very best level of support.
We are confident that this is the correct approach for Scottish Cycling as we aim to achieve more Scottish riders competing successfully on the world stage across all disciplines in both able body and Para-Cycling.
Affiliate Performance Programme (Track, MTB XC, Road)
Programme objective:
To support riders who are performing at a very high level now. Riders are likely to be professional riders and/or members of the Great Britain Cycling Team, competing internationally.
Who it’s aimed at:
Riders competing at International level as part of GB or high level Professional Cycling Teams.
The programme will add value to the support that a rider is already receiving from their professional team and/or performance programme. We aim to assist where possible to ensure success at the highest level. We will work with the riders support network to deliver any agreed additional required support. This support may be in the form of access to Scottish Cycling coached track sessions as well as other training and race opportunities. It will also ensure support services are available through the Sport Scotland Institute of Sport where required.
Riders of the appropriate level may be invited onto the programme, and riders can also apply through using the link below. Applicants will need to demonstrate they are at the level required for the programme through race results and performances and may be required to attend a meeting with the performance programme staff prior to selection.
Apply here. Closing date 10th August 2017 at 23:55
Performance Development Programme – Track (including Para-Cycling)
Programme objective:
To develop talented athletes in progressing up the performance pathway who have the potential to succeed at the highest level.
Who it’s aimed at:
Developing riders who have absolute desire and drive to become successful on the World Stage, competing professionally and for Great Britain at the very highest level.
Riders selected will have demonstrated a high level of potential and have high ambitions of progressing to gain selection to the Great Britain Cycling Team and become professional in the future. In line with our approach, aims and objectives, Performance Development Programme members will have a desire to succeed at the highest level in track racing whilst the endurance focused riders will also develop their road racing as part of the programme. A road career may be a long term objective but in the short term their focus will be primarily on track orientated goals, in line with the criteria for GB Cycling Team senior programmes.
Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate a high level of commitment to track racing during 2017/2018 and / or a desire to commit to the discipline of track.
Members of the programme will need to attend sessions at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome on a regular basis and will be coached by one of the Team of Scottish Cycling Performance Programme coaches.
All riders will need to follow a training and competition programme that will provide the best chances of them achieving their goals and attaining the level required for selection to the GB Cycling team Performance Programmes. Each member’s race programme will be agreed between all parties to ensure best possible progression.
Apply here. Closing date 10th August 2017 at 23:55
Following the selection deadline, shortlisted riders may be invited to attend a meeting with Scottish Cycling Performance staff that will provide an opportunity for all parties to discuss the programme in more detail. This will form part of the final selection process. Riders not selected for the Performance Development Programme may be invited to be part of iDevelop.
Performance Development Programme – MTB XC
Programme objective:
To develop talented athletes in progressing up the performance pathway who have the potential to succeed at the highest level.
Who it’s aimed at:
Developing riders who have absolute desire and drive to become successful on the World Stage, competing for Great Britain at the very highest level and becoming a professional athlete.
Riders selected will have demonstrated a high level of potential and have high ambitions of progressing to become a Professional and/or gain selection to the Great Britain Cycling Team in the future. They will have a desire to succeed at the highest level in MTB XC.
Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the discipline of XC racing including competing in the major events across the UK. Members of the programme will be coached by one of the Team of Scottish Cycling Performance Programme coaches.
All riders will need to follow a training and competition programme that will provide the best chances of them achieving their goals and attaining the level required for selection to the GB Cycling team Performance Programmes.
Apply here. Closing date 10th August 2017 at 23:55
Following the selection deadline, shortlisted riders may be invited to attend a meeting with Scottish Cycling Performance staff that will provide an opportunity for all parties to discuss the programme in more detail. This will form part of the final selection process. Riders not selected for the Performance Development Programme may be invited to be part of iDevelop.
Junior Development Programme (Track, MTB)
Programme objective:
To develop and assist talented Junior category athletes (born 1990 or ’00) in progressing up the performance pathway who have the potential to succeed at the highest level in the future.
Who it’s aimed at:
Riders selected will have demonstrated a level of potential that suggests they may be successful in the future. They will have high ambitions of one day becoming a Professional and/or gain selection to the Great Britain Cycling Team in their chosen discipline.
All Junior Development Programme members require significant commitment along with a high work ethic and tremendous desire to succeed at the highest level. Coaching input, support and guidance are the foundations on which the programmes are built and in most cases, coaching support will be provided directly by one of the Performance Programme coaches. Competition opportunities, training sessions and camps will form a part of the support, and all programme members will be expected to commit to an appropriate, domestic (UK) competition programme that will challenge and develop them alongside the support provided by the programme.
Each members race programme will be agreed between all parties to ensure best possible progression towards the riders goals in line with those of the programme.
The selection process will include a meeting with Scottish Cycling Performance staff. This will enable all parties to discuss the programme in more detail. This will enable a full understanding of the programme and expectations prior to the programme commencing.
As with the senior programmes, riders not selected for the Performance Development Programme may be invited to be part of iDevelop.
Apply here. Closing date 10th August 2017 at 23:55
iDevelop —Track (including Para-Cycling), MTB XC
Programme objective:
To identify emerging talent of Junior category and above and provide them with an opportunity to work with us for a period of time, with the aim of graduating onto the Performance Development Programme within an agreed timeframe.
Who it’s aimed at:
Riders who are new to the sport, or new to the disciplines of Track or MTB XC but have shown some potential to perform at a high level. Potential could have been demonstrated through another discipline or even in another sport as iDevelop provides the opportunity for talent transfer athletes.
The project will assist the development of a small number of riders who are yet to reach the level for the Performance Development Programme, but have shown they may have potential, as well as a strong desire to succeed at British and International level on the track, MTB XC or in the para-cycling disciplines in the future.
The programme is aimed predominantly at U23 riders but not exclusively (this is not applicable to Para Programme). Time in the sport and other factors that provide an indication of ‘head room’ will be taken into account.
The project is a sessional based support programme. This will provide a period of time for the riders to sample a performance programme environment and understand the commitment and expectations. It will also provide an identification and confirmation period where the coaching team will gain knowledge of riders and further assess potential.
Track training days based in Glasgow will take place twice a month through the winter of 2015/16 and physiological testing / monitoring may also be part of the winter programme. Additional training days / camps will also be planned as the coaching team feel appropriate. MTB XC riders who are part of iDevelop will be invited to train with Performance Development riders at sessions and on camps.
Apply here. Closing date 10th August 2017 at 23:55
Further information on Scottish Cycling’s Performance Pathway and Programmes can be found here.
