UCI and UNIL provide cycling coaching certificate

The inaugural Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in cycling coaching got under way last week at the UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC) in Aigle, Switzerland.

The cutting-edge course is organised and run by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), its World Cycling Centre (WCC) and the University of Lausanne (UNIL). It is tailored for experienced coaches who already have a university degree in sport sciences or the UCI WCC Level 3 coaching certificate.

After four days at the UCI WCC and a day spent at the UNIL, the coaches will continue their training online and part-time over the next three months. Experts in cycling, sports sciences and psychology will lead the different course modules that cover biomechanics and aerodynamics, nutrition and anti-doping, women’s cycling, leadership and psychology and data analysis and new technology.

Most of the 18 men and women on the current course were returning to the UCI WCC after obtaining the Level 3 coaching certificate. The participants – 10 of whom are funded by Olympic Solidarity - come from 14 countries, which adds to the richness of the course, according to Irish coach Gráinne Hanley.

After obtaining a degree in Sports and Exercise Performance, she completed the UCI WCC Level 3 coaching course in 2021 and immediately grabbed the opportunity to participate in the CAS programme.

“I love any extra information and chance to learn something new,” says the 25-year-old who is currently working in Kuwait as Head Coach of the Strada Academy, the country’s only club outside the national team. “It’s so nice to come in and get more in-depth knowledge. We’re getting all the top people from each of those areas in the one place. You’re never going to get that opportunity anywhere else.”

The CAS for cycling coaching is part of the UCI WCC’s partnership with UNIL signed in 2021.

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