The new series of DHL Sprint School got off to a fantastic start, with over 130 stars of the future taking part over two events in Newport Velodrome.

The third season kicked off on March 6th and continued with the second school on the 13th March. For those lucky enough to attend, they were well worth missing two regular school days! DHL Sprint School uses a unique on-track coaching approach, with star riders getting on the track, leading sessions, providing close-quarter support and boosting confidence for those less-experienced riders.

Over the first two sessions, there have been four star riders on hand to provide their expertise and guidance to the DHL Sprint School kids. Helen Scott, Pete Mitchell and Christian Lyte are all part of the Olympic Academy Program, whilst Becky James is on the Olympic Development Program; a feat that many of the current Sprint School riders will want to emulate.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the DHL sprint school and trying to help some of the less experienced riders in particular with their skills and knowledge both on the track and in match sprints. It was amazing to watch how quickly the young riders progressed throughout the day and hopefully I will be able to participate in the DHL Sprint School again in the future,” said Pete Mitchell.

Tim Buckle and Geoff Cooke are the fantastic regular coaches at the DHL Sprint School, both of whom are coaches in the current British Cycling setup. They have focused these first two sessions on promoting track awareness and improving acceleration. Using video feedback of themselves and observation of others, Tim Buckle helped the kids to reduce what he refers to as “flappy sprinting” by encouraging the youngsters to keep their arms and their bike straight while putting the power down. This culminated in classic 200 metre time trials in which everyone performed very well.

The Sprint School has also seen riders taking part in off-track activities such as bike maintenance work shops, popular bicycle sumo and tag skills games, and roller sessions. Many of the kids did exceptionally well here as they were relatively new to rollers and the coaches pushed them to their limits.

The Sprint School website now holds details of the sessions completed in previous season three Sprint School events. Head coach, Tim Buckle will be posting regular tips and advice for registered Sprint School riders.

“The first two sessions have been great. The work ethic was great, and top marks for time keeping and listening, which has all ended up in massive improvements shown for all of you,” said Buckle.

The DHL Sprint School will now head to Manchester for the next two dates on 17th and 24th of April. The variation in location ensures that Sprint School riders, who often span from all over the country, have the opportunity to compete in events nearer to them.

For more information on the DHL Sprint School, please visit www.sprintschool.com

ENDS

Remaining 2009 Dates:
DHL Sprint School
Newport: 26th June / 14th August 2009
Manchester: 17th April / 24th April / 17th July / 7th August 2009

Links:
DHL Sprint School: www.sprintschool.com

Media Enquiries:
Adam Tranter – adam@fusion-media.co.uk – 07806 55 77 65

Images:

See attached - credit to: Adam Tranter

DHL Sprint School
The DHL Sprint School will take place eight times throughout 2009 and will culminate in ‘Future Revolution’ at the end of the season. The programs for the schools have been developed with help of Iain Dyer, Head Sprint Coach at the Olympic Development Programme, and will be delivered by British Cycling Talent Team 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 and every Track League in the country has been approached and asked to nominate 2 girls and 2 boys, who they feel would benefit from the sprint schools.

The schools will have a sports academy feel, with on track training from as well as off the bike workshops which will include subjects such as nutrition, bike maintenance and racing etiquette.

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