The cutting-edge course is organised and run by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), its WCC and the University of Lausanne (UNIL). It is tailored for experienced coaches who already have a university degree in sport sciences or the UCI WCC Level 3 coaching certificate.
After four days at the UCI WCC and a day spent at the UNIL, the coaches will continue their training online and part-time over the next three months. Experts in cycling, sports sciences and psychology will lead the different course modules that cover biomechanics and aerodynamics, nutrition and anti-doping, women’s cycling, leadership and psychology and data analysis and new technology.
Most of the 18 men and women on the current course were returning to the UCI WCC after obtaining the Level 3 coaching certificate. The participants – 10 of whom are funded by Olympic Solidarity - come from 14 countries, which adds to the richness of the course, according to Irish coach Gráinne Hanley.
Taking expertise to Kuwait
After obtaining a degree in Sports and Exercise Performance, she completed the UCI WCC Level 3 coaching course in 2021 and immediately grabbed the opportunity to participate in the CAS programme.
“I love any extra information and chance to learn something new,” says the 25-year-old who is currently working in Kuwait as Head Coach of the Strada Academy, the country’s only club outside the national team. “It’s so nice to come in and get more in-depth knowledge. We’re getting all the top people from each of those areas in the one place. You’re never going to get that opportunity anywhere else.
“And then there is the contact, the networking down the road,” she added. “There’s a guy on the course from Jordan. To be able to network with him will be very interesting as he can give me his insight into cycling in the region where I am working now.”
Particularly looking forward to the modules dealing with psychology (a significant part of her work in Kuwait), nutrition (to complement the work she has done on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) and women’s cycling, Gráinne Hanley is eager to soak up all the knowledge she can.
“I don’t think a coach can ever say he or she knows it all. Things change, there is an evolution. There is always something to learn!”
The CAS for cycling coaching is part of the UCI WCC’s partnership with UNIL signed in 2021.
UCI WCC Director Jacques Landry explains that the aim is to provide coaches from all regions of the world with the very latest knowledge in all aspects of the profession: “The UCI WCC already offers three levels of coaching certificate, ensuring there is a global network of qualified, professional coaches.
“Our Coach Development Programme is a huge success, and with the increased level of coaching worldwide, we are delighted to be able to add to our offer with this Certificate of Advanced Studies.”