If you are 16-18 and looking to continue in both cycling and education there are a number of programmes across England that can provide a combination of structured, quality training with academic studies.
Since 2022, British Cycling have offered Diploma In Sporting Excellence (DiSE) for aspiring performance cyclists. If you are interested in applying for a DiSE place from September 2023, please complete the Application Form/ Expression of Interest form below.
Four institutions have achieved British Cycling Accreditation for their programmes. Please note, places are available for all riders, whether in receipt of a DiSE place or not:
HUUB Ribble Performance Cycling Academy, Derby College (East Midlands)
Manchester Cycling Academy (North West)
Oaklands Wolves Cycling Academy (Central)
South Gloucestershire & Stroud Cycling Academy (South West)
Prospective learners should use personal judgement when deciding on the best programme for them and make direct contact with the institution to discuss further.
Institution: Oaklands College, St Albans, Hertfordshire, England.
Course: Oaklands Wolves Cycling Academy
Course link:https://oaklandswolves.com/cycling/
Course contact: Jez Cox (Academy Head) - cycling@oaklands.ac.uk - 07738 803 665 @oaklandscycling on socials
Oaklands Wolves Cycling Academy was the first full time junior racing academy of its kind in the UK for boys and girls when it was founded back in 2017. Since then it has created over 130 race wins, multiple national champions, national series winners and riders being selected for the Great Britain Cycling Team. Our Alumni have already gone on to become riders in UCI Teams, as well as many now racing abroad whilst others have gone on to careers in coaching. A good number have also carried on studying at some of the UK’s best universities whilst continuing as elite cyclists. Most of our riders live on site although some local riders travel in.
The academy is best thought of as a two year training camp. Riders train every day together all morning and then study in the afternoons. Wednesdays are entirely academy time with long rides, S&C and additional physio time. The academy costs riders nothing and although we are selective we look for the riders who are determined to see how good they can be often ahead of those who have already been there and done it. Attitude is everything and loving cycling itself is a pre-requisite.
Institution: South Gloucestershire & Stroud College, WISE Campus, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8LP
Course: Diploma in Sporting Excellence in Cycling (DiSE)
Course Link: SGS Elite Cycling Programme
Course contact: Nic Tilling – nicholas.tilling@sgscol.ac.uk - 07810393903 - @Roadstarzsports on socials
In collaboration with British Cycling, SGS College presents a unique opportunity for ambitious students across the UK: the Diploma in Sporting Excellence in Cycling (DiSE). This program is ideal for young athletes who wish to integrate their competitive cycling ambitions with their further education.
Admission to the DiSe program:
Admission to the SGS DiSE program is competitive and merit-based, determined by British Cycling through evaluations of rider performance. Enrolled students are required to compile a comprehensive portfolio that reflects their training and racing activities. This portfolio includes detailed analysis and reflections on nutrition, sports psychology, and tactical approaches—crucial elements for competitive cycling.
Program delivery:
The SGS DiSE Cycling program is innovatively delivered via Microsoft Teams, allowing for a flexible and accessible learning environment. The program includes multiple live sessions each week, which are also recorded and made available to accommodate all students' schedules, ensuring that every participant can engage fully in the learning process, irrespective of their geographical location or time constraints.
Training Camp Experience:
A standout feature of the SGS College DiSE experience is the exclusive two-week training camp in Tenerife, organized early in the spring and fully funded by British Cycling. This camp is designed to provide intensive training and professional development in a world-class setting, enabling students to hone their skills, learn from top cycling coaches, and prepare meticulously for the competitive season ahead.
Why Choose SGS DiSE?
- Expert-Led Curriculum: Learn from a curriculum developed and delivered by experts in cycling performance and education.
- Flexibility: Complete your studies and training remotely, without compromising on the quality of education and competitive preparation.
- Elite Networking: Train alongside peers who are equally committed to becoming professional cyclists, offering a network of motivated athletes and guest speak.Professional Development: Engage in a program that not only prepares you for elite competitions but also equips you with life skills crucial for long-term career planning in cycling.
This program not only aims to elevate your physical and tactical capabilities but also ensures a well-rounded development through strategic education and elite-level exposure. Embrace the journey with SGS College and British Cycling to turn your cycling passion into a distinguished career.
Additionally, we also offer a unique and bespoke BTEC in Sports Coaching and Cycling Performance; enrolment in this program is not a prerequisite for participation in the DiSE program with us. Please press here for more information.
Institution: Trafford College, Altrincham, WA14 5PQ
Course: Manchester Cycling Academy/ BTEC in Cycling Performance & Development
Course Link: https://manchestercyclingacademy.co.uk/
Course contact: Stefan Hopewell - manchester.cycling.academy@gmail.com - 07977 486236 - @mcr_cycling on socials
More than just a college where learners will simply go to study and to ride a bike, Manchester Cycling Academy, in partnership with Trafford College, will ensure that everyone who attends will develop the academic, sporting and life skills they will need to succeed both on the bike and off it.
We have tailored the BTEC Sport Level 3, which can secure you 112 points (the same as two B’s and a c) towards a University place. Your academic studies will run alongside your training programme and will feature anatomy and physiology, coaching and development, diet and nutrition fitness testing and of course, cycling skills and training.
We have an unrivalled coaching and support team that would not look out of place in a world tour professional cycling team. Being based in Manchester allows us to pull on a wealth of nearby contacts meaning that you will get the very best tuition, coaching and support available every day.
We welcome applications from MTB, BMX, Road, Track and Cyclo Cross and Para disciplines and the world class cycling facilities that we have within an hour of our base, means that whatever your dream, we can help you reach it.
Institution: Derby College, The Roundhouse, Roundhouse Rd, Derby DE24 8JE
Course: Huub Ribble Performance Cycling Academy
Course link: Huub Ribble Performance Cycling Academy
Course contact: keith@cyclingperformanceacademy.co.uk / nick.ramsden@derby-college.ac.uk
This performance cycling academy is accompanied with face to face or remote learning courses in Sport at Derby College. It is designed for school leavers wanting to improve their performance with aspirations of representing the HUUB Ribble Cycling Academy road race team or, that want to develop their skills and attributes in track cycling or other disciplines.
Performance coach Jacob Tipper will design your training and monitor your development, including strength and conditioning, nutrition, technical and tactical skills and psychology.The academy is free to all full-time students studying at Derby College. Applications are welcomed by male and female riders.
