cfsmtb
April 2nd 06, 08:02 AM
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:
--
cfsmtb
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:
--
cfsmtb