This year thirteen regular SDA riders were selected to be part of this seasons SDA/Green Power Academy. Now in its 8th year, some 96 riders have been through the training which is 100% funded and supported by GreenPower.
Coaching
The coaching for 2023 was led again by Frazer McCubbing from Ae Forest with Euan Thomson, both are in their second year of taking the Academy. Not only is the aim to raise overall skill levels within Downhill (DH) racing, but the Academy also supports the high level of coaching provided in Scotland. The first three years of Academy coaching were with former Junior Champion Ruaridh Cunningham and Dirt School, with the following three years provided by Scotland’s longest serving Elite rider, coach, media mogul father twice over Ben Cathro.
The Academy Riders
Drawn from Juvenile, Youth and Junior categories, both male and female. Not every rider is destined for stardom, and that is not the aim. Left to one’s own devices your riding development may be slow. The academy opens your eyes to what a small amount of good training and direction can do for you, and your bike skills.
Prior to the start of the race season, the Academy provides three full dedicated training days for the riders to hone their skills. This year the three sessions were held at Ae Forest. Frazer and Euan also took the team on a Friday track walk for the first event of the season, at Innerleithen.
Congratulations to Kyle Higgins a former Academy rider who stepped up to take 2nd at the first event of the year and his first podium in his riding career. We hope you wear your GreenPower jersey with pride.
Kyle Higgins summed up what the Academy training meant to him.
“I definitely benefited from the coaching as I honed my skills such as cornering and exit speed, I also benefited riding with others to push myself faster. The training benefited me a lot as I came second at the first round of the SDA at Innerleithen meaning that the three coaching sessions helped push me on to achieve that goal.”
Katy McGowan said,
“I thoroughly enjoyed my coaching days with Frazer and Euan. It made me more confident in attacking different lines and body position whereas before I was probably a bit more hesitant. Mega beneficial for me and can’t wait until the next round at Fort Bill.
Thanks to the coaches and sponsors 👍”