Spied this in the Sport pages of The Age, please pass this onto anyone
you know who would be interested in such a fantastic opportunity.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035538080@N01/121704463/
National Talent Search Program - Cycling - Women's mountain bike initiative
http://www.ais.org.au/talent/cycling/womens_mountain_bike.asp
AIS Talent Search - Cycling - Introduction to cross country mountain bike
Cross Country Mountain Bike is one of the many cycling disciplines. Racing takes place in the great outdoors which provides numerous challenges. Cross Country Mountain Bike is an exciting, variable speed, skilful and adrenalin charged event and provides the ultimate mental and physical challenge. Each athlete completes laps of a course with the aim of negotiating the terrain, including single tracks, open roads, uphill and downhill sections, as fast as possible.
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in conjunction with the National Talent Search Program is undertaking a unique search to identify and develop a new generation of aspiring FEMALE athletes to potentially represent Australia at the 2012 Olympic Games - hence the project "Dirt Roads to London", host venue of the 2012 Games. The AIS wants to identify athletic females with the desire to compete nationally and internationally in Cross Country Mountain Bike.
Cross Country Mountain Bike is extremely popular in many European countries and is now set to take off in NSW and Victoria! Female athletes who have been involved with sports such as road and track cycling, BMX, rowing, athletics and triathlon could well excel in Cross Country Mountain Bike. Even those who have dabbled in the sport of mountain biking but have never really explored how far they can go may benefit from being involved in this exciting project. This project will give some of these athletes the chance to find out just how far they can go in the exciting world of Cross Country Mountain Bike!
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a very special group of women aged between 17-27 years (if younger than 18 years old, must firstly have had the full support of their parents/guardians). Then we want those who would immediately say 'yes' to the following physical and mental requirements. Maybe this is you? Or, someone you know?
Physical and mental requirements for 'Dirt Roads to London'
* Consider yourself to be athletic or 'sporty' (e.g. has a love for sport and has been involved with a variety of sports)
* Have good levels of endurance and power
* Enjoy competition and outdoor challenges (e.g. road riding, orienteering)
* A good thinker (e.g. good at problem solving)
* A 'coachable' person (e.g. listens to advice and is prepared to try new skills)
* Able to demonstrate persistence and determination (e.g. doesn't give up after failing the first time)
What can participants expect to gain from this experience?
In the first few months the successful participants will gain extensive riding confidence, advanced bike handling skills, added respect for the forces of nature, skills allowing lifelong participation in competitive and recreational cycling activities, accelerated skills development through expert coaching, great friendships, and character building through exciting challenges and
triumphs.
In the mid-term, we hope you may become a leading female mountain biker in NSW/VIC and probably Australia. In the long term, we cannot guarantee that you will become an Olympian, but this will be the ultimate long-term goal.
What is involved?
Phase 1 – Registering interest
* Participants were required to discuss the project with their parents if they are under the age of 18 years.
* Participants then complete the online registration form before Friday 14th April 2006, however it is advised to submit your nomination as soon as possible.
* If deemed suitable and able, participants and their parents/care providers will be contacted and provided with additional information regarding Phase 2 testing procedures.
Phase 2 –Come and Try
* Applicants and their parents/care providers are invited to a "come and try day" at:
o Manly Dam Reserve, Allambie Heights (Allambie Road, Allambie Heights Oval), NSW on SATURDAY 22ND APRIL, 2006 at 10.00 am
o Dallas Brooks Park Scout Camp, Upper Beaconsfield (Harpsfield Road) Victoria on SUNDAY 30TH APRIL, 2006 at 10.00 am
* The session will consist of becoming familiar with a mountain bike course that will be used for later testing and have the opportunity to speak with coaches and the Talent Search Coordinator about mountain biking and the program.
* Participants should bring clothes and footwear suitable for cycling. A water bottle, hat and sunscreen are also recommended.
* There are no costs associated with the come and try day but you need to have your own mountain bike or borrow one!
Phase 3 – Testing
* Approximately 4 weeks later, interested people will be invited back to the come and try location for physiological assessment.
o Manly Dam Reserve, Allambie Heights (Allambie Road, Allambie Heights Oval), NSW on SATURDAY 27th MAY, 2006 at 10.00 am
o Dallas Brooks Park Scout Camp, Upper Beaconsfield Park (Harpsfield Road), Victoria on SUNDAY 21st MAY, 2006 at 10.00 am
* This will involve riding over the course as fast as possible and being timed on certain sections to allow the coaches to view your performance on a mountain bike.
* Physiological tests on a stationary ergometer will also be conducted to assess your physiological attributes. This will involve a 10 s sprint and a 2-4 min ergometer test. Height and body mass will also be recorded.
* These data will be used in conjunction with the field tests (riding around the MTB course) to help decide the final squad.
* A squad will be identified from the testing session and invited, with their parents/guardians, to an information evening to outline the requirements of the program. The successful and unsuccessful athletes will be notified by phone/email in the week following the testing session.
Phase 4 – Trial Period
* Once identified, athletes in the squad will commence an approximate three month "trial period" from May to August 2006.
* There are no costs associated with this program (ie.coaching), however travel costs are the responsibility of the athlete.
* The purpose of this "trial period" is to further assess the athletes' suitability for high performance cross country mountain bike and also to allow them to become familiar with the sport and to assess their future intentions.
* Expert coaching by nationally accredited cycling coaches and training programs will be provided at no cost to you.
* Athletes will be required to attend/participate in training in this phase to allow maximum exposure to the sport. However, it is understood that some athletes may have unavoidable commitments, although these should be made known to the coach in advance.
* Following this "trial period", a squad will be chosen to progress to the intensive training program.
Phase 5 - Intensive training
* This phase will be from August 2006 to December 2007.
* The aim of this phase is to prepare for competitions deemed appropriate by the coach with a focus on state and national representation.
* This phase will involve expert coaching, attendance at training camps organised by the National Talent Search Program and monitoring by the National Talent Search Program.
* The Talent Search Program will cover the cost of associated cycling licenses (MTBA and CA) to allow you to race in state and national events.
* The Talent Search Program is also exploring the opportunities of upgrading mountain bikes, if required, via arrangements with specific bike shops (details to be confirmed).
Phase 6 – State and National Pathway
* Ultimately, athletes coming through this program will be eligible to progress within the State and National competition pathway. The first stepping-stones in this pathway would state competition (State Series) then national competition (National Series and National Championships).
* A longer term target is the progression to a regional academy (Regional Academies) or state institute/academy of sport (NSW Institute of Sport, Victorian Institute of Sport, and ACT Academy of Sport ).
* Progression through the State and National pathway is dependent on athletes meeting selection criteria for Academies, Institutes and National Teams.
Further information
Enquiries can be directed to:
Tammie Ebert
Senior Talent Search Coordinator - Cycling
Australian Institute of Sport - Adelaide
Main North Road, Gepps Cross, SA, 5094
PO Box 646, Enfield Plaza, SA, 5085
Ph: 08 8360 5805
Fax: 08 8360 5800
Email: [email protected]
you know who would be interested in such a fantastic opportunity.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035538080@N01/121704463/
National Talent Search Program - Cycling - Women's mountain bike initiative
http://www.ais.org.au/talent/cycling/womens_mountain_bike.asp
AIS Talent Search - Cycling - Introduction to cross country mountain bike
Cross Country Mountain Bike is one of the many cycling disciplines. Racing takes place in the great outdoors which provides numerous challenges. Cross Country Mountain Bike is an exciting, variable speed, skilful and adrenalin charged event and provides the ultimate mental and physical challenge. Each athlete completes laps of a course with the aim of negotiating the terrain, including single tracks, open roads, uphill and downhill sections, as fast as possible.
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in conjunction with the National Talent Search Program is undertaking a unique search to identify and develop a new generation of aspiring FEMALE athletes to potentially represent Australia at the 2012 Olympic Games - hence the project "Dirt Roads to London", host venue of the 2012 Games. The AIS wants to identify athletic females with the desire to compete nationally and internationally in Cross Country Mountain Bike.
Cross Country Mountain Bike is extremely popular in many European countries and is now set to take off in NSW and Victoria! Female athletes who have been involved with sports such as road and track cycling, BMX, rowing, athletics and triathlon could well excel in Cross Country Mountain Bike. Even those who have dabbled in the sport of mountain biking but have never really explored how far they can go may benefit from being involved in this exciting project. This project will give some of these athletes the chance to find out just how far they can go in the exciting world of Cross Country Mountain Bike!
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a very special group of women aged between 17-27 years (if younger than 18 years old, must firstly have had the full support of their parents/guardians). Then we want those who would immediately say 'yes' to the following physical and mental requirements. Maybe this is you? Or, someone you know?
Physical and mental requirements for 'Dirt Roads to London'
* Consider yourself to be athletic or 'sporty' (e.g. has a love for sport and has been involved with a variety of sports)
* Have good levels of endurance and power
* Enjoy competition and outdoor challenges (e.g. road riding, orienteering)
* A good thinker (e.g. good at problem solving)
* A 'coachable' person (e.g. listens to advice and is prepared to try new skills)
* Able to demonstrate persistence and determination (e.g. doesn't give up after failing the first time)
What can participants expect to gain from this experience?
In the first few months the successful participants will gain extensive riding confidence, advanced bike handling skills, added respect for the forces of nature, skills allowing lifelong participation in competitive and recreational cycling activities, accelerated skills development through expert coaching, great friendships, and character building through exciting challenges and
triumphs.
In the mid-term, we hope you may become a leading female mountain biker in NSW/VIC and probably Australia. In the long term, we cannot guarantee that you will become an Olympian, but this will be the ultimate long-term goal.
What is involved?
Phase 1 – Registering interest
* Participants were required to discuss the project with their parents if they are under the age of 18 years.
* Participants then complete the online registration form before Friday 14th April 2006, however it is advised to submit your nomination as soon as possible.
* If deemed suitable and able, participants and their parents/care providers will be contacted and provided with additional information regarding Phase 2 testing procedures.
Phase 2 –Come and Try
* Applicants and their parents/care providers are invited to a "come and try day" at:
o Manly Dam Reserve, Allambie Heights (Allambie Road, Allambie Heights Oval), NSW on SATURDAY 22ND APRIL, 2006 at 10.00 am
o Dallas Brooks Park Scout Camp, Upper Beaconsfield (Harpsfield Road) Victoria on SUNDAY 30TH APRIL, 2006 at 10.00 am
* The session will consist of becoming familiar with a mountain bike course that will be used for later testing and have the opportunity to speak with coaches and the Talent Search Coordinator about mountain biking and the program.
* Participants should bring clothes and footwear suitable for cycling. A water bottle, hat and sunscreen are also recommended.
* There are no costs associated with the come and try day but you need to have your own mountain bike or borrow one!
Phase 3 – Testing
* Approximately 4 weeks later, interested people will be invited back to the come and try location for physiological assessment.
o Manly Dam Reserve, Allambie Heights (Allambie Road, Allambie Heights Oval), NSW on SATURDAY 27th MAY, 2006 at 10.00 am
o Dallas Brooks Park Scout Camp, Upper Beaconsfield Park (Harpsfield Road), Victoria on SUNDAY 21st MAY, 2006 at 10.00 am
* This will involve riding over the course as fast as possible and being timed on certain sections to allow the coaches to view your performance on a mountain bike.
* Physiological tests on a stationary ergometer will also be conducted to assess your physiological attributes. This will involve a 10 s sprint and a 2-4 min ergometer test. Height and body mass will also be recorded.
* These data will be used in conjunction with the field tests (riding around the MTB course) to help decide the final squad.
* A squad will be identified from the testing session and invited, with their parents/guardians, to an information evening to outline the requirements of the program. The successful and unsuccessful athletes will be notified by phone/email in the week following the testing session.
Phase 4 – Trial Period
* Once identified, athletes in the squad will commence an approximate three month "trial period" from May to August 2006.
* There are no costs associated with this program (ie.coaching), however travel costs are the responsibility of the athlete.
* The purpose of this "trial period" is to further assess the athletes' suitability for high performance cross country mountain bike and also to allow them to become familiar with the sport and to assess their future intentions.
* Expert coaching by nationally accredited cycling coaches and training programs will be provided at no cost to you.
* Athletes will be required to attend/participate in training in this phase to allow maximum exposure to the sport. However, it is understood that some athletes may have unavoidable commitments, although these should be made known to the coach in advance.
* Following this "trial period", a squad will be chosen to progress to the intensive training program.
Phase 5 - Intensive training
* This phase will be from August 2006 to December 2007.
* The aim of this phase is to prepare for competitions deemed appropriate by the coach with a focus on state and national representation.
* This phase will involve expert coaching, attendance at training camps organised by the National Talent Search Program and monitoring by the National Talent Search Program.
* The Talent Search Program will cover the cost of associated cycling licenses (MTBA and CA) to allow you to race in state and national events.
* The Talent Search Program is also exploring the opportunities of upgrading mountain bikes, if required, via arrangements with specific bike shops (details to be confirmed).
Phase 6 – State and National Pathway
* Ultimately, athletes coming through this program will be eligible to progress within the State and National competition pathway. The first stepping-stones in this pathway would state competition (State Series) then national competition (National Series and National Championships).
* A longer term target is the progression to a regional academy (Regional Academies) or state institute/academy of sport (NSW Institute of Sport, Victorian Institute of Sport, and ACT Academy of Sport ).
* Progression through the State and National pathway is dependent on athletes meeting selection criteria for Academies, Institutes and National Teams.
Further information
Enquiries can be directed to:
Tammie Ebert
Senior Talent Search Coordinator - Cycling
Australian Institute of Sport - Adelaide
Main North Road, Gepps Cross, SA, 5094
PO Box 646, Enfield Plaza, SA, 5085
Ph: 08 8360 5805
Fax: 08 8360 5800
Email: [email protected]
