July 2017| 133
to -year-old students interested in cycling. This is
unique. We have five other academies and have been
running the academy system for 12 years, so it’s quite a
well-polished system now.
Through the ast of ngland Cycling Academy athway
CA , students can oin Oaklands at age - on a
BT C evel Sports Science course and progress well
through their cycling and then come onto a programme
at W C. This enables them to get the best out of
themselves as cyclists as well as building some really
applicable qualifications.
“Currently, most young cyclists have to train in the
evenings after a full day at school, college or work and
inevitably their education suffers as well as their training
We have gained a vast amount of knowledge from the
On orm team, including how they set-up and manage
the team, and will be involved in the running of an event
hosted by the team and WUC in September. I will have
the opportunity to race as the OnForm Academy team
in British Cycling events and, ability-dependent, guest
with the main team. The academy allows for the transfer
of management and rider knowledge and experience,
providing valuable connections throughout the world of
cycling.
“I have been fortunate to gain work experience coaching
at Derby Arena and Dublin’s Sundrive Velodrome and
to travel to Belgium with junior women for the Ghent
race with the Irish Cycle Sport Development Project. I
look forward to working with the OnForm team as an
Academy Rider, on team support and race organisation.
“At Writtle University College, I obtained my British
Cycling Level 1 Coaching in February and, with my
Cycling reland oundation Track coaching course, Child
Protection and Garda (Police) Vetting, I now enjoy putting
the skills learnt from these and my first year at W C into
practice by coaching regularly at Sundrive Velodrome, in
Dublin.
The academy provides me with opportunities wouldn t
have at home in Ireland. It gives me a degree in Cycling
Performance (while also expanding my coaching) that
nowhere else in the world currently offers cyclists, while
allowing me to train and race all year. I’m also able to
get valuable work experience giving me an insight and
contacts in various areas of cycling for my future career.”
Team OnForm and Oaklands Academy
Simon owes, Team rincipal for Team On orm, said
The partnership between Team On orm and W C is our
way of putting something back into the sport. We will
take great pride in having created a pathway for riders to
progress and develop as bike racers.
To see riders achieve their potential will give support
staff and sponsors a great deal of satisfaction. t s a
fantastic opportunity for all the riders involved to gain
experience racing in a team environmen