Welsh Cycling has successfully delivered the updated British Cycling Level 1 Award for Coaching Cycling throughout 2015, and is pleased to confirm more Level 1 courses for 2016 in Wales.

This course has been successfully run throughout the year using a blended learning style. Candidates begin an online learning program, one month ahead of the two face-face days with British Cycling Coach Educators. Day one of the course is a development day, followed one week later by the assessment day.

The improved Level 1 Award for Coaching Cycling was first held in March 2015 and achieved a 100% completion rate. The course enables a candidate to lead coaching sessions using the Gears 1 and 2 books as a resource.

Coaching in practice

Zoe Briffett completed the Level 1 course in July 2015 and began coaching with Caerphilly Cycling Club during the summer, "I joined Caerphilly Cycling Club in early 2015, and got involved in developing the children's section. It was very nerve racking for me at first as I suffer with anxiety, but I learnt so much from the coaching course, I relaxed realising that I knew my stuff and just had fun. 

Coaching is so rewarding. In such a short time I can see huge developments in the young riders' skills and confidence. It's great to see them enjoying themselves as well as developing their cycling skills."

As of 1 January 2016, in line with British Cycling policy, all new candidate coaches will be required to undertake a Level 1 course before progressing along the pathway to Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Cycling.

Individual cases can be reviewed on request in order to occasionally begin the process at Level 2, commonly a coach with suitable experience and qualifications from another sport.

Courses in 2016

Due to this change, Welsh Cycling has the following Level 1 Award for Coaching Cycling Courses available in 2016.

• 5 and 12 March 2016, Dare Valley, Aberdare
• 17 and 24 April 2016, Marsh Tracks, Rhyl
• 17 and 24 April 2016, Amman Valley Leisure Centre, Ammanford

A full coaching calendar is available here.

In line with the changes, the cost of Coach Education has changed with the below prices in effect for 2016 onwards:

Level 1 Award for Coaching Cycling - £280

Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Cycling - £450

Discipline Specific Units (eg Level 2 Track) - £230

If you are interested in attending any of the above courses, please contact Margaret Thomas Margaret.Thomas@welshcycling.co.uk