Images: WCU
Welsh Cycling are accepting applications for the 2018/2019 Wales Junior and Under 23 Programmes. The Junior Programme will focus on the long term development of riders in the disciplines of road, track and mountain bike cross country. The Under 23 Programme (Wales Racing Academy) will provide riders with the skills needed to progress in their senior careers.
Applications for the Youth and Women’s Under 23 Programmes will be advertised in the coming weeks.
Wales Junior Programme
The programme has a proven track record with several riders reaching the podium at the UCI Junior World Championships in recent years and graduating to the British Cycling Senior Academy. It’s a demanding programme to make sure the transition to the next level is achievable taking into account lifestyle and demands from other areas.
Applications are invited from riders who will be competing in the Junior category (born in 2001 or 2002) in 2019.
Riders must have been competing and be competitive nationally in Road, Track or Mountain Bike XCO disciplines to be considered for the programme.
What are we looking for?
• National standard road, track and mountain bikers
• Fast, strong, skilful riders
• Grit, determination, commitment and a passion to progress and succeed
• A strong work ethic towards training
What will you learn?
• The skills and race tactics required to be an internationally competitive rider
• The physical aspects required to improve performance – speed, strength, stamina and power
• The fundamental off-bike skills required to become a successful senior rider
What we provide
• Challenging international racing opportunities
• One to one coaching
• Regular training sessions focusing on tactics, skills and race craft
• Individually tailored training sessions to maximise potential
• Sport Wales education program including strength & conditioning, nutrition and sport psychology support
When do we do this?
• Saturday squad training days throughout the winter
• Training camps held in the school holidays
• National and International races throughout the year
Under 23 Programme
The aim of the Wales Racing Academy is to provide Welsh Under 23 riders with the skills they need to help further their development into international cyclists. The riders will be provided with the foundations for learning, physically and tactically, in a well informed and sustainable manner.
Riders who are part of the Academy must;
• Excel in their discipline;
• Be able to work within a team and take clear instruction;
• Show continued development, and will undergo review on a regular basis;
• Be prepared to undertake a full time racing and training programme;
• Have an excellent work ethic.
Each rider will receive;
• A tailored road and track training programme, and support from our U23 Coach;
• A full time racing programme within the UK and Europe – both track and road;
• Fully equipped race bike and TT bike;
• On and off the bike clothing;
• Support from selected Sport Wales facilities. These include support and education with sports nutrition, performance psychology, strength and conditioning;
• A British Cycling racing licence;
• Admin support, including race and training logistics.
Application Process
Junior Programme
Application deadline is 5.00pm Friday 31 August 2018.
For more information on the Wales Junior Programme, contact Stuart Meek stuart.meek@welshcycling.co.uk
To apply for the Wales Junior Programme, click here Junior Application 2018/19 >>>
Under 23 Men’s Programme
Application deadline is 5.00pm Friday 31 August 2018.
For more information on the Wales under 23 Programme, contact Rob Partridge rob.partridge@welshcycling.co.uk
To apply for the Wales Under 23 Men’s Programme, click here U23 Application 2018/19 >>>
Applications will be assessed by Wales Cycling Team’s selection panel who will take into consideration factors such as race performances, technical ability, tactical awareness and general conduct.
Successful athletes will be informed during the week commencing 10 September 2018.
Eligibility
Applications are invited from riders who are eligible to represent Wales:
• Born in Wales;
• Parent born in Wales;
• Lived in Wales for a minimum five years.
