º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Cycling Academy

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ offers a unique environment to develop and perform in cycling and para-cycling, whilst gaining a prestigious degree.

Our Aims and Objective

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Cycling Academy’s aim is to offer a new cycling pathway, facilitating talented riders to combine higher education with elite cycling. We provide student-athletes with an environment where those with cycling talent and pedigree to race professionally can find support, coaching and facilities to develop their sporting careers, alongside realising their full academic potential.

Our Philosophy

We use a performance-led, athlete-centred approach, surrounding each rider with an interdisciplinary team to provide an integrated performance support team. Our unique campus provides student-athletes with a team environment, to train and develop together. 

Coaching & Performance Support

We provide a unique training and performance support ecosystem, delivered by an expert interdisciplinary team under one roof. Our wide-ranging expertise are deeply integrated into our coaching to aid athlete’s progression. All of our performance support is provided as appropriate to the individual rider level and requirements, and discussed at weekly performance team meetings. 

Endurance Coaching

Coaching

Individualised coaching and mentorship, 1:1 training prescription through our cycling analytics package & group based road circuit and track sessions.

weights inside Powerbase gym

Strength & Conditioning

Individualised training prescription and group sessions in the state of the art Powerbase gym.

an athlete in a fitness testing lab with a mask over his nose and mouth

Physiology & Sport Science

Physiological profiling, heat and altitude preparation, and cutting-edge training interventions in our exercise laboratory.

a man with his arms raised and a physiotherapist standing behind looking at his back

Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine

Screening, pre-hab, and re-hab services in our physio suite.

a variety of food spread out on a table

Sport Nutrition

Sport nutrition to optimise health and performance for training and racing.

a group of graduating students in formal dress

Performance Lifestyle

Lifestyle and academic flexibility support to combine the demands of elite cycling with studying.

a man with his arms folded sitting at a desk

Sport Psychology

Sport psychology to support athlete wellbeing and performance.

BikeFit

Ensure you are preventing injury while riding with a bike fit from our bike fit and physio, Josh.

Development Squad and Athletic Union Club

Endurance Development Squad

The development squad provides a bridge between the athletic union student cycling club and the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Cycling Academy. The student-led squad provides coaching, group based S&C and provides a development pathway to the performance programme. Students excelling on this pathway may have opportunities to join LCA training sessions and progress into the LCA squad.

DH MTB Development Squad

The DH-MTB squad is a support development squad, with student-led group training rides and trips. Riders work with our S&C coach to deliver effective training programmes as appropriate to their individual needs.

Athletic Union Club

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Students' Cycling Club is made up of athletes of all abilities - from some of the best cyclists in the country to complete novices, and from track sprinters to muddy cross country mountain bike riders, LSCC offers opportunities for everyone. 

Join the AU cycling club Apply for the DH Development Squad
Dave Nichols

Dr Dave Nichols, PhD

Cycling Programme Manager

Dr Dave Nichols has formerly raced at international level, and has worked as a coach and sport scientist within the WorldTour. He has a PhD in environmental exercise physiology, specializing in the use of heat and altitude to enhance cycling performance.

How to apply

If you are thinking about studying at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and joining the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Cycling Academy, please register your interest.

If you have received an offer to study at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ at undergraduate, post-graduate or PhD level, or affiliated degree at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ College, or are re-applying, you can apply now.

Current or prospective students applying for the Lightning race team should do so through the LCA application form below.

Non-students applying for the Lightning race team should so directly through the Lightning website.

Register Expression of Interest Apply now

Scholarships

For our most exceptional performance cyclists, we offer sports scholarships to help with the costs of training and competition.

Scholars are expected to have proven ability at national and/or international level cycling. Scholarship requests should be made at the same time as applying for a place at the University, and are available at undergraduate, post-graduate or PhD level.

Additional fully funded Elite Athlete doctoral/PhD scholarships are available for high level athletes which cover tuition fees (~5k) and a stipend (~16k). If you are considering applying for the Elite Athlete PhD scholarship, contact the cycling programme manager for more information and assistance in finding a supervisor.

Performance scholarships Apply for a cycling scholarship Apply for an Elite Athlete PhD Scholarship

FAQ

Do I need gym membership to access the team sessions?

Yes - you will need to purchase Gold Lboro Sport membership to access the programme gym sessions in PowerBase. 

Can I be part of the women's endurance squad if I am not racing for Lightning?

Female riders are eligible for the women's endurance squad if they are racing at a higher level than the Lightning team (i.e. on a UCI team), or are not offered a place on the Lightning team. Riders recieving an offer to race for Lightning, but choose to ride for an alternative team at or below the same level (i.e EDT), are not eligible for a place on the academy.

Can I continue working with my current coach?

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Cycling Academy is a coach-led environment, and as such all riders must be coached by the academy to maximise the coaching and performance support integration. It is preffered that riders racing for Lightning are coached internally, but requests to continue working with personal coaches are considered.

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