Welwyn Wheelers Cycle Club currently functions to try to cater for as many cyclists needs within Welwyn Garden City and the surrounding regions dictated by British Cycling. However the Club is principally a racing club being based at Gosling Stadium Velodrome, WGC for over 50 years.
The Youth Section of the Club is very well attended with a membership varying widely in both age, ability and cycling discipline. The Academy was born out of a need to encourage riders through a realisable progression of racing on both track and road. This need was recognized at the birth of the Academy in 2009/10 when it was realised that Youth A riders progressing into the Junior (U18) age group had little by the way of input from British Cycling nor the greater cycling community.
In the 2020 season the Academy will seek to encourage selected riders from the Youth and Junior age groups to continue their development in an agreed direction.
Welwyn Academy 2020 Entry Requirements
- We carry out a minimum of two recognised British Cycling (BC) Bench Mark Tests: Roller testing protocols: Max Rev-out and 10 mile Time-Trial. The associated benchmarks are aimed at U16’s and as such we are asking prospective academy U16 riders to achieve the minimum (blue) benchmark level in both protocols. Note that these riders should really be aiming at much higher levels than blue. Junior riders should be aiming at the maximum (red) benchmark (their gearing is higher than an U16’s). U14’s should be aiming to achieve the minimum benchmark level of one of the two protocols (see link for details). Note: Applicants should take these tests using the gear restriction applicable for their age group
- Riders need to achieve a minimum (blue) BC benchmark for the average speed of club runs need to be met during the led ride in the intake month
- Attend monthly led & supported rides (rides will be arranged to avoid National series races & RSRs). ODA riders will be encouraged to attend but this would be dependent on their prescribed training/training camps. Exceptions for non-ODA riders would be sickness & exams/revision.
- Good attendance of club training sessions
- To have raced regularly at a regional level and in addition to have raced in at least one National level event
- Desire to improve as a bike rider
- Be coachable
- Willing to contribute time to club activities – e.g. training session help, club run event help
There will be two intakes a year – during January & July – with a roller test event & led/supported ride taking place during each of those months.
The maximum limit of the Academy is notionally 15 riders across all age groups but could rise to a maximum of 18 riders if appropriate.
The coaching group will review all potential Academy recruits to ensure that they satisfy the criteria. Where places are limited, other factors such as time in club will be considered.
How to apply
To apply for Academy 2020 membership, a rider needs to attend the advertised roller test evening and the associated led ride test. A rider also needs to complete a rider profile (issued at the roller test evening) to support their application. This should be handed in at the led ride.
The maximum limit of the Academy is notionally 15 riders across all age groups but could rise to a maximum of 18 riders if appropriate.
The coaching group will review all potential Academy recruits to ensure that they satisfy the criteria using the results of the roller and led ride tests together with the rider profile and feedback from training sessions and races. Where places are limited, other factors such as time in club will be considered.
Outline Benefits of Academy Membership
In addition to the normal club training program members of the Academy may be invited on cycling camps aimed at improving fitness, stamina and skills.
Co-ordinated calendar from a Team Manager, nominations for suitable candidates to British Cycling, advice on the provision of individual coaching, Reinforcement of Club ethics and values. Coaching, practice and execution of team plans. Targeted races and series throughout the year. Recognition by the club of attainment of higher class of racing category. Financial assistance with a limited number of race entries. Support for parents/guardians of the riders.