Over the next four years, the American continent is hosting some major international events: the 2015 UCI Road World Championships in Richmond (USA), the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio (Brazil) and the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires (Argentina).
With the aim of helping Central and South American countries maximise their chances of qualifying for, and performing well at, these competitions, a training camp was organised in Mar del Plata, Argentina, for junior road and track athletes as well as coaches.
The four-week course was possible thanks to collaboration between the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the World Cycling Centre (WCC), the Pan American Cycling Confederation (COPACI), Argentina’s National Cycling Federation (UCRA), the Argentina Olympic Committee and the Government of Argentina.
A total of 34 athletes and 20 coaches from 14 different countries took part.
UCI President Brian Cookson said that the talent detection camp was part of the UCI’s global strategy to develop cycling around the world.
“Every country has talented athletes, some of whom have the potential to compete at a high level. The UCI is determined to nurture these developing nations and help them show the rest of the world what they are capable of. This process starts with talent detection and continues with training courses not only for the athletes but also their entourage.”
WCC Director Frédéric Magné explained that the centre’s Training Coordinator plus two coaches flew out from Switzerland to oversee and lead the course, allowing the participants to benefit from the expertise of the centre’s professional staff. The most promising of these athletes could be invited to train in Aigle with the WCC’s Switzerland-based trainees.
Training Coordinator Belinda Tarling continued: “The camp in Argentina focussed on junior athletes as this is the group that potentially has the biggest potential for development over the next few years. Assisting countries to identify talent at this age will help their chances in major championships in the future,” she said. “However for these athletes to be successful they need access to high level coaching within their country , which is why we ran a course for coaches in parallel.”
During the training camp, which ran from November 3rd to 27th, the trainee coaches were able to put their new-found skills into practice with the athletes, closely observed by professional coaches from the UCI World Cycling Centre. It was an exercise greatly appreciated by both riders and coaches.
Feedback from two athletes
Dean Robertson, 17, Jamaica, cycling for one year: “It was awesome. I think I learned more in 4 weeks than I would in three years at home. I learned a lot about the basics of track riding, the rules, how to do speed training. I feel way more confident and comfortable on my bike now.
“My main goal back in Jamaica is to become the best rider in the country, have a good level in the Caribbean and step by step reach international level. Maybe in the future I can be in the Tour de France…”
Oscar Serech Chán, 18, Guatemala, cycling for two years: “I learned to be more focussed, how to get organised with my team mates, the importance of stretching, strength training, how to race in windy situations, different ways to warm up. It was great to share this experience with other riders from so many different countries.
“In the future I would like to be part of the national team at the Panamerican Championships as well as the Olympics, but I know this will be difficult. My dream is to turn professional.”
Feedback from two coaches
Miguel Burgos Contreras, Chile, Assistant to Technical Director and future Junior National Coach: “Apart from the cultural exchange, this camp gave me access to a lot of knowledge and practices that are very important to developing cycling in my country. We had constant interaction with the athletes, and were responsible for certain sessions. Putting the theory into practice helps you improve. Back home I will make sure I put more emphasis than before on planning, rider safety and rider feedback.”
Victor Cavero Ramos, Peru, a club President working with young riders: “We don’t have a track in my region so I have learned a lot about track cycling. I have also learned to plan and anticipate both in the short-term and long-term.
“As soon as I get home I will put all I have learned into practice and maybe I can become a coach with my National Federation. My dream is to help Peru reach the highest level in cycling.”
Step towards UCI World Cycling Centre satellite
Brian Cookson said that the talent detection camp in Argentina represented the first phase of a project to open a UCI World Cycling Centre satellite in Central / South America. Satellite centres already exist in Potchefstroom (South Africa), Shuzenji (Japan) and Yeongju city (Korea).
“I am delighted to say that with the support and collaboration of UCRA President Gabriel Curuchet and COPACI President José Manuel Pelaez, we have moved closer to our goal of opening a satellite centre in the COPACI region.”