ACADEMIES

WOMEN EMBRACE ACADEMY DAY - posted 9 March 2012

The Women’s Academy took place at Sandwell with coach Tony Bennett putting the ladies through their paces.

The day started with an introduction from Ivan Pike who outlined what the elite competitors could expect to get from the Women’s Academy and what was expected of them if they wanted to continue being part of the Academy.

First topic was the basic principles of being an athlete, nutrition, psychology, fitness, technique.  Ivan Pike then explained in more detail, the importance of nutrition, including what to eat during the season in training mode, what to eat in the build-up to competition and eating just prior to competing.

Tony Bennett then moved onto clothing and gave an in-depth presentation into what works well for women athletes.  Items of clothing were available for the Academy to look at and feel.  The competitors then got onto the bikes for warm up again, Tony explaining the purpose of warming up and the muscles you need to concentrate on.

Next up was bike handling techniques with the riders going around the track the wrong way and a course on the track that they had to manoeuvre around.  The women then had some fitness training, pushing them through the comfort zone.

After a short lunch, nothing too heavy, it was back on warming up before the group talked tactics.  Time was then spent with fitness exercises away from the track with another in depth demonstration and talk from Tony including weights, broom handles and steps.  To finish off with it was warm down techniques, the does and don’ts.

"A big thank you to all those that attended and to Tony Bennett who done a first class presentation throughout the day" said co-ordinator Ivan Pike.  "The most pleasing thing was that the women embraced the activities with vigour and a high level of professionalism.

"It was pointed out that this was the biggest year ever in women’s racing with the European championships, their own league programme, inaugural club pairs competition and ultimately preparation for the World Championship in Australia 2013" pointed out Ivan.

The Academy, by invitation only, was exclusively for elite women.  Those in attendance were Vicky Brown, Tiffany Collins, Rebecca Davies, Charley- Jane Herbert, Lauren Hookway, Lauren Jacobs, Natalie Timms, Laura Watson and Michela Whetton.

HAINES IMPRESSED - posted 31 January 2012

World record cyclist and former cycle speedway star Vic Haines was very impressed with the talent he saw at Sunday's Junior Academy day.

"There is some great talent coming through the ranks" Haines told Spokesman.  "Not only was I pleasantly surprised at their obvious abilities on a bike but I was impressed at the way they took on new ideas including match day nutrition which can be the difference between success and failure.

"I'm looking forward to doing what I can to develop these youngsters into top grade racers" added Haines, the original Mr Motivator.

ACADEMY CONCENTRATES ON NUTRITION - posted 30 January 2012


















It was a cold and frosty morning that greeted the riders at Sunday's Junior Academy at East Park, Wolverhampton.

Following the role call, organiser Ivan Pike gave a brief introduction about the Academy explaining what riders can expect from the Academy and what is expected from them.   

The Junior Academy is rolling programme and it was pleasing to see several new faces in attendance.  Riders who are over-18 at the start of the year are no longer eligible but there are plans to introduce an under-23's Academy to capture these riders.

As numbers were slightly down on the same time last year, the group
didn't split up, so the classroom session started with defining the four
major key factors to being a successful athlete, namely nutrition, psychology, fitness and technique, the session concentrating on nutrition.

The track session started with warm up techniques, poise and balance before moving onto conditioning and finishing with endurance races.  The track by this time had thawed and had become extremely heavy.  Attention then moved to the hard court area for more conditioning before the warm down.  The Academy concluded with a further classroom session addressing nutrition on competition day. 

All riders stated their desire to win the test match series against Poland (if picked) in July and to one of them becoming European junior champion in August. 

TRYING CONDITIONS FOR JUNIOR ACADEMY - posted 29 January 2012

Overnight frost and a bitterly cold day made for trying conditions as the country's top young riders attended the Junior Academy at East Park, Wolverhampton earlier today.

The classroom sessions were particularly popular as the 15 Academy juniors were joined by several local youngsters to receive a masterclass on motivation and racing skills by cycling legend Vic Haines.

A full report from Academy organiser Ivan Pike will follow shortly.

ACADEMY SWITCH - posted 25 January 2012

The venue for the Junior Academy Day on Sunday 29th January has been changed to East Park.

Organiser Ivan Pike confirmed the location change saying:

"The location for the British Academy of Cycle Speedway, programmed for 29th January, has changed.  The venue is now East Park.  With so many clubs doing closed season track work it has been quite difficult to secure a venue" explained Ivan.

"I would like to thank Al Bentley and all his staff at East Park for making it possible, at the eleventh hour, to accommodate the Academy.  Hot and cold refreshments will be available as well as the facility to hold a 'classroom' session.  I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but reiterate it has not been easy to secure a venue" he added.

The British Women's and Girls' League Academy on Sunday 12th February will take place at Sandwell.