The Skoda DSI Cycling Academy has opened its annual recruitment drive for three new female riders. The academy offers a comprehensive one-year program for cyclists aged 18-24 to maximize their potential in the sport, under the guidance of Dame Sarah Streay, the UK's most successful Paralympian.

"We are delighted to be able to recruit three new athletes to the Skoda Academy, now in its fourth year. This annual program allows motivated young women to further develop their skills on and off the bike through a series of events."

The application process begins with an online form (opens in a new tab), where prospective participants must provide details of their cycling experience, training schedule, and cycling motivation. A list of candidates will then be compiled and invited to a test day in mid-March, Monday, March 28, at Lee Valley Velo Park.

After a series of tests, including a peak power test, a 3-minute maximum load test, and a 12-minute steady state challenge, as well as an evaluation of the riders' bike handling skills, Story will add the best performing riders to the Academy.

Story encouraged anyone who met the criteria to apply." Whether you are already racing at the regional or national level or just getting started in cycling, this is a great opportunity to participate in a unique and exciting program, not only to travel and see the best riders in the world in action, but also to learn how to make the most of your learn how to make the most of their opportunities.

Successful applicants will have access to a tailor-made racing, training, and career advice program designed to complement each rider's existing club and team activities. Social media, media training, and sport psychology programs will also be offered, reflecting the multi-faceted expectations of cyclists. The core ride experiences of the program will take place in the Women's Tour, Tour de France, and Tour of Britain.

The three new riders will join existing riders Maddie Aldam-Gates, Gwyneth Parry, and Olivia French, who were selected for the program last year and will make up half of the Academy's total student body in 2022.

For these three young cyclists, the Academy has been integral to their development. French said, "I cannot stress enough how important the Skoda DSI Cycling Academy has been in improving my performance on the bike."

"The experience of riding behind the scenes at big events, as well as learning from cycling legend Sarah Strehley, was invaluable to me. If you are a young female cyclist with a passion for this sport, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a shot. Apply now