AusCycling SA Downhill Development Academy

Program Outcomes

Riders will learn and develop skills related to state-level competition, including:

• Performance Pathway Progression
  • Helping riders meet the key performance targets needed to progress to national and professional teams
• Smooth Transitions
  • Ensuring a smooth transition for riders entering the elite cycling pathway
• Cross-Discipline Collaboration
  • Encouraging collaboration and fostering well-rounded cyclists who can excel in multiple disciplines
• Racecraft and strategy development
  • Learning to execute technical skills under pressure and plan effectively for different race scenarios
• Strength and conditioning foundations
  • Developing physical resilience and capacity to handle the demands of downhill racing
• Performance factors beyond the bike
  • Building mindset, organisation, preparation and self-management skills essential for long-term success in competition

Our coaches will tailor the program to the specific needs of the athletes, accounting for the group’s experience, goals and upcoming races to ensure every rider is challenged and supported appropriately.

More Information

Required Equipment

Ideally, athletes should have a downhill bike for competition, particularly at national events, and a trail bike for training. However, we understand that this might not be feasible for everybody. Generally, a downhill bike is not a necessity when racing in South Australia and a trail bike is far more versatile as it allows riders to utilise a broader range of trails while training and is still capable on the downhill race tracks. Interstate tracks are typically more demanding on equipment, due to the greater elevation and steepness of terrain, so a downhill bike is generally preferable during competition.

Which bike to choose is largely dependent on the goals and circumstances of the individual. We would tend to recommend that younger riders stick to trail bikes as they develop, whereas older juniors may require a downhill bike to execute at races and deliver outcomes that meet their goals.

Riders who do not own a trail bike may be required to borrow or hire one for training sessions where long rides without shuttles are planned.

Bikes must be in good working order at the beginning of each session.

Protective Equipment

There is no mandatory protective equipment beyond a helmet for this program. We encourage riders to carefully consider their choice of protective equipment in relation to the level of risk they intend to take on. Riders who choose to wear less protective equipment should ride within their known level of ability, while additional protection may allow them to push themselves more without significantly increasing their risk of injury. This is a very personal decision and riders are ultimately responsible for managing their own safety. We strongly encourage all participants to take the time to properly consider what level of protection is most appropriate for them.

During competition, riders will be required to meet the minimum criteria for all equipment as outlined in the AusCycling Technical Regulations.

Some basic items we recommend for training are:

• Gloves
• Knee Guards
• Open-faced helmet (for low-risk training)
• Full-Faced Helmet & Goggles (for high-risk training & competition)

Other items for high-risk activities include:

• Elbow guards
• Back & Chest protector
• Neck Brace

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