From February 2022, the world-renowned manufacturer of cycling components will provide high-end videos that will be used during courses delivered by UCI experts to mechanics worldwide. Shimano’s contribution to the training programme strengthens the company’s partnership with the UCI which dates back to 1999.
The UCI WCC Mechanics courses are aimed at people wishing to pursue a career as a mechanic. The programme is divided into three levels: Level 1 is a three-day introductory course that can be completed online; Level 2 is a two-week course for developing mechanics who must attend in person; Level 3, also two weeks and in person, is for experienced mechanics who will be working for teams or their National Federation.
Participants must pass an assessment at the end of their course.
In 2021 alone, 60 mechanics were trained across the three levels at courses delivered by UCI experts at its headquarters in Aigle, Switzerland (32), in Cairo, Egypt (16) and in Luoyang, China (12).
For 2022, Shimano has created specific videos that will be used for the Level 1 course. Participants of the two more advanced courses will have access to existing videos on Shimano’s platform Shimano Tec.
The UCI WCC Director Vincent Jacquet welcomes Shimano’s contribution to the courses: “The professionalisation of people working in cycling is one of our missions, and by providing access to their training videos, Shimano is helping us ensure that mechanics worldwide will be trained to the highest possible level.”
Participants in the UCI WCC courses learn skills such as bike building, wheel building, maintenance, servicing, race preparation and position on the bike. Numerous former attendees have gone on to work for their National Federations, professional teams, local clubs or have set up their own bike shops.
Hundreds of participants are expected to benefit from the mechanics training programme in 2022, with 10 courses scheduled over the three levels.
Further information about the courses can be obtained by writing to [email protected].