State MTB academies set to be rolled out nationwide

AusCycling is pleased to announce the next round of Pathway opportunities for mountain biking by introducing state-based academies. 

The AusCycling Development Academies have been formed as a component to the pre-performance rider development pathway. 

These Academies seek to identify, develop, and support under-15, under-17, and selected under-19 riders, in their performance development and assist them to acquire the attributes to support them through the pathways. 

MTB Development Academies will include support for both gravity and endurance mountain bike athletes and may include any combination of structured training sessions, online education, camps, and where feasible travel and logistical support. 

Donna Dall has recently been appointed as the Interim Development Academy Manager | MTB whose role is to drive the implementation of the MTB Development Academies in each state to strengthen the education and knowledge of coaches and riders. 

“By having a state-based approach with the academies, we aim to reduce the cost for parents but at the same time provide the highest level of knowledge, information and support to the athletes at a local level,” she said. 

Tasmania was the first to introduce a state-based academy while the rest of the states will be progressively rolled out in the coming months 

Opportunities will still exist for travel to selected national series events where academy coach capacity exists, as well as international travel for selected under-17 athletes such as the development trip to Japan in September. 

“Previously we have struggled to find and retain interested Development Academy coaches, so my challenge is to nurture and develop the next generation of MTB Development Coaches who see this as an excellent opportunity to grow and be involved in an extremely rewarding pursuit and coach the next generation of elite mountain bike athletes,” Dall said. 

“We also want to be able to showcase to those existing coaches or interested and passionate individuals; who may not have even considered coaching before, that there is also a coach pathway too” 

Donna Rae-Szalinski, Director of Pathways said "as we look forward to Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games it is extremely important that we identify and assist in the development of those athletes in our MTB community". 

“We are fortunate to have Donna Dall onboard specifically targeting this development space,” Rae-Szalinski said. 

For more information regarding the MTB Development Academies, head to the link below: https://www.auscycling.org.au/page/auscycling-development-academies

Coaches interested in the MTB Development Academies can contact Donna Dall [email protected] or for Pathways Donna Rae-Szalinski [email protected]

Feature image: Matt Rousu Photography