What do our coaches do all day?
17 March 2025
Read about what our squad of wonderful coaches have been up to.
This weekend was fairly busy for our youth coaches, so here's a summary; in no particular order.
Sean, Fraser and Sean completed their British Cycling Coaching in Context (MTB XC) course down at Glentress. This is part of the new coaching framework, and equips coaches to deliver a much broader range of skills on more technical terrain (https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/zuvvi/media/education/CiC_MTB_XC_Remit.pdf) and, I think, this was the first one delivered in Scotland. You'll see from the pictures it was quite energetic, with folk needing recovery time. It's been a huge commitment from the three of them, so well done to them completing it unscathed and we're sure our riders are looking forwards to being taught new tricks.
Anna, Louise and Ryan all took part in the Gifford races, and there were a few other coaches lurking in the volunteer ranks to help put on a fantastic set of races. Despite being a victim of a crash in the final sprint, Ryan was back at Go Ride North later on. Anna was pipped in the women's race finishing second, and Louise 'enjoyed' her first road race.
Despite activities above, there was a full programme of rides for our younger members: Pentlands led MTB ride, Go Ride North, Go Ride South and Cyclo Cross. This weekend we also ran our first 'MTB Race Taster' session, as folk start to gear up for the forthcoming race season.
If any of that sounds like it would be of interest to a young cyclist you know, details of how to signup are here https://edinburghrc.co.uk/erc-youth
Finally, we have seven new volunteers who are progressing their I2C coaching qualifications. The basic course was very successful at Inch Park a couple of weeks ago, they have a First Aid course booked for next week.
All we need is to find a CWPS course to get them all fully qualified --- if anybody has a CWPS course down the back of their sofa please let me know.
And finally, finally, at least one of our coaches was monitoring sign-ups for the Ben Forsyth Races at Fife Cycle Park next Sunday, as entries closed last night. With over 140 signed up, and Emma Borthwick has told Phil how to organise great weather, it should be a fantastic day.
