Skoda, Storey Launch All-female Cycling Academy
Automotive manufacturer Skoda UK has partnered with British Paralympic great Dame Sarah Storey to launch a cycling academy for female athletes aspiring to compete professionally.
The Skoda DSI Cycling Academy, which is open to female cyclists aged between 17 and 25, will seek to provide amateur cyclists with a pathway to the elite level. The academy will cover the performance, nutrition and media profile required to be a modern-day professional cyclist.
Those wishing to join the academy will be required to answer two questions about their cycling experience and link a Strava account for assessment by a Skoda panel that will include Storey. The deadline for applicants is 24th May.
Up to 50 successful applications will then be invited to a testing day on June 10th at the Lee Valley VeloPark, where they will receive mentoring from 33-time world champion Storey.
Cyclists will undertake a series of tests on the day, including a flying lap, a peak power test, a three-minute maximal test and a 12-minute steady state challenge. The best five applicants will then be picked to join the academy by Storey, who will serve as Principal of the academy.
Storey said: “Skoda is a strong advocate for gender equality in professional cycling and I am proud to support them on their latest initiative.
“The Skoda DSI Cycling Academy is about promoting women within our sport, creating opportunities and clearing a path to race on a professional level. I’d urge any woman who has a passion for the sport and a desire to succeed, to apply.”
The selected riders will be invited to race alongside the Donnons Des Elle Au Vélo J-1 team during this year’s Tour de France. The team has completed the Tour route within the same three weeks as the professional men, but a day ahead, for the past four years. This year they will be joined by the academy riders for the 215km Reims stage.
Additionally, the academy experience will act as an extended trial with Storey Racing, Storey’s professional race team. Each rider will be given a chance to secure a place in the team, although this is not guaranteed.
