Go ride with Dan Coast

Dan Coast is British Cycling’s Go-ride coach for Bristol, a position part-funded by the Cycling City project until March 2011. Dan has been working hard through the winter, helping to train our cycling stars of the future.

Dan wrote to us recently to give us a summary of his work. We thought you might be interested to read about the training programmes he’s putting together:

“In 2009 I set up a major new programme from British Cycling aimed at introducing and supporting young riders in the world of competitive cycling. The programme offers three-hour sessions that include training and mock-races which develop cycling skills and better prepare riders for that scary first step into competitions.

“Last year went really well a lot of the riders who took part are now regular racers. The programme even produced a British BMX champion [Roy Jones, a student at a King Alfred School in Highbridge, pictured right].

“In 2010 I’m setting up Go-ride racing sessions in and around Bristol in BMX racing, cycle speedway, cyclo-cross, mountain biking and road cycling.

“The first of these will take part in the South of the city at a purpose build road circuit in Hengrove Park on Sunday 2 May and Sunday 23 May.

“The sessions will work on the key skills needed to make youngsters more confident road rider such as cornering, riding in a bunch and sprinting.

“All of these skills can be transferred to other disciplines like BMX and mountain biking so all types of bike riders can get something out of these sessions.”

It costs £1 to enter these sessions and they are open to all youth riders aged 16 or under. To take part in a session each rider should complete the entry form  at the website link below and return it to the instructor on the day of the session.

Any type of bike can be used, as long as it has two working brakes. You don’t need to wear any special clothing, as long as it’s suitable for the weather on the day. You will need a cycle helmet though. It’s also best to bring something to eat and plenty to drink.

For more information on up-coming events check out the Go-ride racing section of the British Cycling website or contact Dan directly by email Dancoast@britishcycling.org.uk or call 07793844653.