The focus for the Great Britain Cycling Team Olympic Development Squad riders is to develop the skills, strategies and fitness required to cope with the demands of international competition.

More importantly, however, it prepares for future success as a Podium Potential rider. Membership is selected against past performances, development trajectory and potential, whilst progress is continually monitored to ensure rider suitability is on track to meet future demands of competition.

How do you get on the Olympic Development Squad?

• Riders are typically aged 15-18. 
• You may be already part of British Cycling’s Talent Team, or you may be applying to the World Class Programme for the first time. 
• Following the closing of the application stage, we review the pool of applicants and assess against a range of performance achievements and standards. 
• During this stage we go into a consultation period including coaches and leadership to discuss each potential rider's merits. 
• Coaches will continue to observe performance during training and races through the summer with final decisions being made late August/early September on membership to GBCT. 
• Some disciplines will conduct ‘testing and assessment days’ whilst others may run an extended confirmation phase. 
• You will be communicated the specifics of this through the summer. 
• Don’t worry if you do not get an invite – it is not unusual to be invited to join the group later in the year.

What are we looking for?

Each discipline varies somewhat, however, there is a minimum level standard needed to be competitive (this does not mean automatic selection) within the Olympic Development squads. 

Whilst we consider these standards as a minimum (if not then the bridge to gap is just too big), we do recognise that everybody develops differently, at their own pace and it needs to be in a holistic manner.

What will you learn on the ODS?

• Skills and tactics required to be an internationally competitive bike rider – now and for the future. 
• The physical aspects required to improve performance; speed, strength, endurance and power. 
• An ability to handle different conditions and training environments whilst maintaining performance. 
• Ownership along with the fundamental off-bike skills required for success at a senior level.

How is it done?

• Expert coaching support focusing on discipline-specific skills. 
• Provision of a ‘best vs. best’ environment with constant challenges complemented by plenty of support.
• Creation of an ‘Individual Rider Plan’ and completion of a weekly training diary. 
• Provision of a structured race programme designed to be challenging and aspirational. 
• Performance support (S&C, nutrition, performance lifestyle, psychology) and medical care provided by TASS – a Sport England funded programme that provides localised performance and medical support to riders wherever they are based. 
• Careful monitoring and management of workloads around education and other commitments.

When does it happen?

Typically, this is 80-100 days of contact time via a series of training camps and competition held mainly during weekends and/or school holidays. There will also be remote coaching support and the rider will be required to complete additional sessions throughout the week, either at home or at other approved training facilities.

Who is involved?

A team of highly qualified and experienced GBCT Olympic Development Squad coaches, as well as specialist support staff in strength and conditioning, nutrition, bike maintenance and performance lifestyle.

What does it cost?

Each year, GBCT develops a camp and competition programme tailored to the needs of a squad and based on the overall required development trajectory. Accordingly, all GBCT-led camps, races and international travel are covered by GBCT. Riders are also provided with various equipment and specialist clothing whilst on the programme. Depending on the level of the programme you are at, you may be eligible for funding to support additional costs around training and competition.