Sprint School

About Sprint School

DHL Sprint School (www.sprintschool.com), takes place regularly throughout the year, with sessions divided between the Manchester Velodrome and Newport Velodrome. The programmes for the schools have been developed with help of top British Cycling sprint coaches and are delivered by BC Talent Team and youth coaches. The aim of the schools is to provide coaching and competitive opportunities for young riders who are not already on the superbly successful British Cycling Talent Team.

The schools are open to riders between the ages of 12 and 15 who have attained track accreditation, with Newport Velo able to nominate 8 riders per school (4 girls and 4 boys where possible) whom they feel would benefit from the schools. The schools have a sports academy feel, with on track training as well Wattbike racing and off-bike workshops on subjects such as nutrition, bike maintenance and racing etiquette.

One of the truly unique aspects of the Sprint School is that it will be supported and led by some of the World’s greatest sprinters; participants in the schools will get the opportunity to meet and learn from established stars like Jamie Staff and Craig MacLean, as well as young talent such as Lizzie Armistead and Adam Blythe. Craig MacLean hopes to see more young cyclists going into sprinting rather than endurance events. “Sprinting is such a specific discipline. I sometimes think it doesn’t get as much support as the endurance events but it is such a fun part of the sport. Getting young riders interested in it from an early age can only help benefit the sport as we head towards the Olympics in 2012.”

2011 Events

There are a series of DHL Sprint Schools this year listed below.

The event is a full-day and therefore will necessitate taking a day out of school, but from previous events that the riders gain new skills and have a great time.

The remaining dates are;

Friday 14th October - Newport Velodrome

Friday 11th November - Newport Velodrome

 Friday 9th December - Newport Velodrome

Securing a place !

If you would like to be considered for nomination at the next DHL Sprint School then please talk to Mike Pollock at one of the Newport Velo club sessions

Rider Information

You will need to bring:

- Your bike

- Full riding kit

- Some comfortable clothes for the classroom time

- Rollers

- A bike tool kit

- A pen for autographs from the star riders

- Plenty of energy

- You will also need to bring a packed lunch, plenty to drink and any extra snacks needed

Please note that bikes and rollers are available to hire from the Velodrome if needed.

A typical day at Sprint School:

- Arrive at the Velodrome to register and rack your bike in track centre
- Briefing for all riders about the day. Riders will be separated into groups here.
- Warm up on the track and observed sprint rounds, so coaches can give each rider some personal feedback.
- ON THE TRACK
- Lunch
- Roller warm up led by coaches
- Core stability and fitness workshop in track centre, led by expert coaches
- Sprint racing on Wattbikes, applying lessons and tactics learnt on the track
- Sprint School finishes

Spectators:

Family members and friends are welcome to watch the day’s activities from the Velodrome stands.