In less than two years of existence, the World Cycling Centre’s (WCC) Mechanics Development Programme has welcomed mechanics from Ethiopia, China, Rwanda, Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland.
The fourth internship for 2014 is filled by Mexico’s Enrique Guerrero, who will work at the WCC in Aigle, Switzerland, until the end of October.
“We have had a lot of demand for this course since it was introduced,” said the WCC’s Master Mechanic Alex Roussel. “We adapt the course according to the experience and skills of each mechanic,” he added, underlining the motivation of his latest intern, who already has good skills.
Over a period of two months mechanics selected for the internship work their way through an extensive programme that covers everything a professional mechanic needs to know to perform efficiently in all conditions. As well as working on road, track, mountain and BMX bikes, the interns get hands-on experience at races, be it out on the course, track-side, or from a team car.
Back home in Mexico, Enrique Guerrero works part-time in a bike shop, but it is the year he spent working for a cycling team in Mexico that made him realise this was the profession for him.
“I learnt a lot that year and I love it. It is stressful sometimes because the riders can flat, or crash. You always have to be ready and be able to work at speed. But you are part of a team and when they do well, you are so happy.”
His goal is to work for a professional team or his National Federation, which is why he applied for the internship at the WCC to improve his skills.
“I am learning many different techniques here and also going to races. I am learning a lot.”
One of the highlights so far has been working with the WCC mechanical team for the trainees competing in the UCI Europe Tour event, the Tour du Jura, in France. Once the European road season is over he will accompany the WCC team to track cycling meetings including the Trois Jours d’Aigle in October.
Enrique Guerrero is the last intern for 2014 but the programme for mechanics will continue next year. The dates for the 2015 UCI Mechanics Development Programme will be published on the UCI website during the month of October.