Royal Air Force Cycling Club Coaching Strategy

1. The purpose of this webpage is to outline the strategy for coaching within the RAFCC. In this context, the term 'coaching' encompasses all sub disciplines within the sport of cycling that has the objective of devleoping the knowledge, skills and physical ability of an individual towards preparing that individual to perform to the limit of their potential.

2. Coaching is at the heart of cycling performance at every level from teaching basic bike handling skills through to training athletes for the Olympic Games or Tour de France. Most club riders train haphazardly and often listen to other riders training and try to emulate them and wonder why they don't improve or even get worse. A coach can deliver a structured training program tailored to each individual and incorporating periodisation throughout the year.

3. The Head Coach of RAFCC mission is to produce regionalised training programs using reliable and proven methods to help cyclists achieve improvements in both their physical and mental well being. Regardless of the level at which you participate in cycling, riding is more enjoyable when you feel good on the bike.

4. Structured training sessions are held at key times of the racing season, educating riders on how to correctly structure their own training throughout the various seasons with an emphasis on becoming 'race fit'.  

Coaching Equipment

The RAMP test represents a gradual and continual increase in workload to maximal volitional exhaustion. RAMP tests are commonly used to establish three main physiological markers: VO2max, maximum heart rate and maximum minute power (MMP). MMP is defined as the average power output sustained for the final minute of exercise, and is closely correlated with shorter time trial performances. The information supplied from a RAMP test is invaluable to both coach and rider in order to factor in the correct levels of intesity to train at on any given day. The equipment required to complete a RAMP test is expensive, but RAFCC has a more viable method:

The Tacx Cosmos turbo trainer.

Due to the sheer membership size and multi discipline diversity combined with the geographical spread of RAFCC members necessitates the requirement of a well structured and sound coaching plan, when this plan has been augmented, only then will cyclists of the the Royal Air Force Cycling Club be able to 'Ride Above The Rest'.

For more advice and information, contact the RAFCC Head Coach: FS Green 95991 Ext 7401.