GB Cycling Team's Olympic Programmes Recruiting For 2010
August 16 2009
The three Olympic Programmes which underpin the GB Cycling Team are all recruiting new riders in Road, Track, Cross-Country MTB and BMX. The three programmes are:
- The Olympic Academy (Under-23)
- The Olympic Development Programme (17-18 year olds)
- The Olympic Talent Team (15-16 year olds)
Full details and application forms for all three programmes below:
OLYMPIC ACADEMY RECRUITMENT
The annual recruitment to the Olympic Academy is now underway, and we are inviting applications from riders under 23 years of age. The Academies are as follows:
• Men's Endurance - Track and Road, residential based in Manchester apartment style accommodation, focussed on the track over the winter months and road in Italy over the summer months. Read Article
• Women's Endurance - Track and Road, residential based in Manchester apartment style accommodation, focussed on the track over the winter months with road blocks in Europe over the summer months.
• Track sprint (men and women) - residential based in Manchester apartment style accommodation, opportunities to race internationally at an appropriate level.
• Cross country mountain bike (men and women) - residential blocks, likely to be Manchester over the winter, training on the road with the other Academy riders, opportunities to race internationally at an appropriate level
• BMX (men and women) - residential blocks in Manchester, opportunities to race internationally at an appropriate level
The Olympic Academy Programme aims to deliver riders to the Podium programme who are ready to win medals at World Championships and Olympics. The programme has Men's Endurance, Sprint, Women Endurance, BMX and Mountain Bike Cross-Country elements.
Since its inception, the programme has taken talented riders and helped take them to new levels. Riders live the lives of full-time professional bike riders seven days a week. They are required to be disciplined, committed and focused. The Academies list amongst their most successful graduates the likes of Mark Cavendish, Steve Burke, Jason Kenny, Lizzie Armitstead and Jo Rowsell - World and Olympic medallists.
Most Academy riders are required to live close to the programme's base in Manchester and there are many aspects of the Academy life which could be likened to going to University: it's often the first time riders have lived away from home; the skills development and learning experiences they go through are preparing them for adult life in their chosen career; they find themselves having to get on with strangers in a strange environment; and they are often making decisions for themselves for the first time.
However, there's probably more at stake day-to-day for members of the Olympic Academy than for any university student: the new challenges thrown at them have to be tackled against a background of high levels of self-discipline and year-round performance expectations. Of course, for the aspiring professional cyclist, sacrifices of lifestyle are a small price to pay in return for a chance to chase personal goals.
The overall programme has a heavy Track bias, reflecting the availability of medals at Olympic level. However, with a winter Track season, riders with Road ambitions have ample opportunity to combine the two disciplines, and showcase their skills on the Road through the summer, when much of the Academy's focus is on Road Racing.
As with the whole cycling programme, from Talent Team through to Olympic Podium Programme (senior GB team) there is a gradual move from skills training to physical conditioning. The first year in the Academy is usually heavily skills-focused, but as rider progress they will find themselves experiencing the progressive workload increases that they will have to handle if they are to succeed at the very highest levels.
All the support needed for a rider to develop to the standard of an Olympic Podium Programme rider is provided. This includes access to coaching expertise, drawing on expert advice on sports science, nutrition, and injuries from the Team's World Class backup staff. For the track, the best equipment and clothing is provided, and the Academy riders benefit from all the research carried out for the Podium Programme.
Of course, many of the riders on the Programme will have progressed via the Olympic Development Programme, but a genuine opportunity exists to join the programme direct, if you have the talent and the drive.
To be successful in your application you must demonstrate:
• Outstanding Results - at national and international level
• Test performances - ergometer or measurable time trial times
• Attitude - why you are applying, where your ambitions lie, understanding of what it takes
• Commitment - to a 7 days a week programme.
All applications must be received on the linked application form by 5pm on the 11th September 2009 by post or email. It is not necessary to submit full CV's.
Download Application Form (120kb word file)
Postal applications must be sent to:
Alison Johnson
Olympic Programmes
British Cycling
National Cycling Centre
Stuart Street
Manchester M11 4DQ
Email applications should be sent to: worldclass@britishcycling.org.uk
OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME RECRUITMENT
The Olympic Development Programme (ODP) covers all Olympic disciplines: Road, Track (endurance and sprint), Mountain Biking and BMX and has been part of the Olympic Programmes structure since 2005. There is a no closed door policy so for riders that are unsuccessful at this stage, there could potentially be opportunities to guest with the programme at other times in the year, if performing at a high level.
For this years intake, we are predominantly looking for riders born 1992 and 1993. What the coaches are looking for in athletes is a strong work ethic, self-discipline, commitment and skill. Sheer physical ability is not enough on its own. The willingness to work on weaknesses and an open mind to advice and coaching are essential.
The programme will run on a similar basis to that of 2009 with both national and international training camps and races put in place to gain experience and develop technical, tactical and lifestyle skills. The bulk of the training camps will be run in school holidays, throughout the year.
If you would like more information on what the programme is about then please see the following articles.
The deadline for receiving applications is Friday September 11th.
Download Application Form (120kb word file)
OLYMPIC TALENT PROGRAMME
Application process & criteria for consideration:
Applications for membership of the Olympic Talent Programme for track, MTB & road disciplines are now being invited for consideration. The programme is open to both male and female athletes.
Successful applicants will be invited to one of the following selection camps:
September 26 / 27, Manchester (track / road focused athletes)
October 3/4. Midlands - Venue tbc. (MTB focused athletes)
Criteria
To be considered for membership of the Olympic Talent Programme, all athletes must:
1) Be born in 1994 or 1995 (shall be Youth A in 2010)
2) Must be holders of, or eligible to hold a British Passport
Athletes who meet the above shall be considered for invitation to the selection camp according to the following performance based criteria:
3) Athletes who qualified for the 2009 Youth Omnium Track finals
4) Athletes who have gained a top 10 finish within their age category between January 1 and September 6 2009 in one of the following events:
• National Circuit Series - individual event or overall standings
• British National Circuit Race Championship
• National MTB Series (NPS) - individual event or overall standings
• British National MTB Championships
Other athletes may be invited to apply at the discretion of the Programme Manager.
All applications must be received on the attached application form by 5pm on the 7th September 2009 by post or email. It is not necessary to submit full CV's.
Download Application Form (120kb word file)
Postal applications must be sent to:
Gary Coltman
Olympic Talent Programme
British Cycling
National Cycling Centre
Stuart Street
Manchester M11 4DQ
Email applications should be sent to: worldclass@britishcycling.org.uk
