In partnership with Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, ŠKODA UK recruits three new riders for the ŠKODA DSI Cycling Academy. Applications are now open until Monday 28 February.

“The ŠKODA DSI Cycling Academy offers young female cyclists the opportunity to gain experience through ŠKODA’s sponsorship of some of cycling’s biggest events and the mentorship of Academy Director Dame Sarah Storey.”

ŠKODA adds that it is committed to increasing opportunities for female riders. The aim of this inclusive one-year program is to provide ambitious cyclists, aged 18-24, with a chance to learn and develop clear direction in the sport so they can maximize their potential.

Riders can apply by providing details of their cycling experience, training schedule and answering questions about their cycling ambitions.

Successful candidates will be contacted by mid-March to be invited to the second stage of the process. A test day will take place on Monday March 28 at the Lee Valley VeloPark where selected riders will be put through their paces by Dame Sarah Storey and other ŠKODA Ambassadors.

Dame Sarah will decide who will join the ŠKODA DSI Cycling Academy after analyzing the results of a series of tests that will include a maximum power test, a three-minute maximum test and a 12-minute steady-state challenge. Riders will also complete laps of the outdoor closed circuit to assess their bike handling skills and straight-line speed.

The 2022 Academy program, designed to complement each rider’s existing club or team activity, offers the opportunity to experience life as a professional cyclist with on- and off-bike experiences throughout the year.

Dame Sarah Storey’s mentorship will include planning and one-on-one advice on racing, training and career progression beyond the academy. Additional social media and media training will be available alongside a sports psychology program developed exclusively for the academy.

The driving experiences, dictated by the COVID rules at the time, will take place at events sponsored by ŠKODA. These include the Women’s Tour (June), the Tour de France (July) and the Tour of Britain (September). Another British Cycling Experience Day is planned for October.

Dame Sarah Storey said: “I am delighted to be able to recruit three new drivers to the ŠKODA Academy for the fourth year since its inception. The now annual program will allow ambitious young women to further develop their skills on and off the bike through a series of events.

“Whether you already race at regional or national level or have just started cycling, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a unique and inspiring programme, where you can not only travel and see some of the best riders in the world in action, but you will also learn more about how to maximize your opportunities alongside school, college, and other responsibilities in life.

“I’ve had so much fun supporting ŠKODA drivers over the past three years and I’m still incredibly proud to see them take the next step in their careers, as happened with four drivers in the 2021 programme.”

Application calendar

• January 31 – application window opens
• February 28 – application window closes
• Mid-March – shortlisted riders are invited to test day by mid-March
• March 28 – test day
• April 1 – selections made and runners contacted
• w/c April 4 – new runners announced

ŠKODA began life as a bicycle company in 1895 and the brand continues to honor its heritage. Alongside its mainline sponsorship of key events on the cycling calendar, ŠKODA adds that it champions gender equality in the professional circuit series.

www.skoda.co.uk/discover/cycling-academy-sign-up

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