Mongolian Tegshbayar Batsaikhan made headlines few weeks ago when he became Junior UCI World Champion in the Scratch Race – a first for his country.
Batsaikhan is part of a new generation of cyclists ready to making history thanks to new talent testing protocols being implemented around the world by the UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC).
The new Power Profile Test, designed in partnership with Wattbike's sport science team, enables the UCI WCC to assess and compare data from cyclists around the world and identify exceptional talent.
UCI WCC coaches discovered the 18-year-old Mongolian’s talent last year when he attended a training camp at the UCI WCC satellite in the Republic of Korea, where he completed the Power Profile Test.
After studying the data from his performance on the Wattbike, coaches contacted the Mongolian Cycling Federation and in January 2016, he was invited to join trainees at the UCI WCC’s world class facility in Aigle, Switzerland. A few short months later, he brought home Mongolia’s first ever rainbow jersey from the UCI Junior Track Cycling World Championships.
UCI WCC Director Frédéric Magné – himself an Olympian and seven-time track UCI World Champion – says the Power Profile Test has made a profound impact.
“It has completely changed our strategy going forwards,” he said. “It has allowed us to be more ambitious in our global talent ID and coach education. For the first time, we are able to legitimately compare performance data from all over the world and assess what constitutes world class talent.”
The UCI WCC has been working with Wattbike since 2013 to develop this worldwide standardised testing programme. The work was finalised earlier this year when the Power Profile Test was rolled out through the UCI WCC’s satellites, testing athletes from more than 42 countries.
Performed on a Wattbike (stationary training bike), the test protocol uses a new format to measure all the characteristics of a cyclist.
It consists of two 6-second peak power tests, a 30-second sprint test, and a 4-minute aerobic test. Using this protocol not only enables coaches to determine an athlete’s ability level, it can also suggest to which cycling discipline he or she is best suited.
Crucially, it means that, with proper coaching and support from the UCI WCC, athletes who show potential can realise their potential, bringing fresh blood into the sport.
UCI WCC High Performance Manager, Belinda Tarling, explains: “It completely levels the playing field for nations that may not have the bountiful resources or facilities that top-flight cycling nations such as Great Britain or Australia now enjoy.
“Tegshy was a complete novice to the discipline. Since he arrived in Switzerland, our track coach has worked on both the technical and physical aspects of his training. Now he’s shown he has the talent to compete with, and beat, the best riders of his age in the world. It’s a very exciting time for the sport.”
The depth and accuracy of the Wattbike’s data means the test can be repeated anywhere in the world.
Wattbike sports scientist, Eddie Fletcher added, “The test protocol is fully integrated into the Wattbike performance monitor, making it easy for sports scientists and coaches to use. With the detailed results displayed in a simple format on the Wattbike immediately following the test, coaches have all the data they need at their fingertips.”