August 26, 2004 – August 31 marks the deadline for applications to the PacificSport National Cycling Centre’s 2004-05 Athlete Development program. Top young cycling prospects in the road, track, cyclo-cross, XC Mountain Bike and BMX sectors are eligible to train at the Centre.

The Athlete Development program will help aspiring cyclists to develop their physiological, technical, tactical and mental preparation for competition at the elite level. Athletes work together in a team atmosphere to push their limits and achieve new levels of performance.

New to the PacificSport National Cycling Centre in 2005, the BMX program will cater to riders 17 and over. The centre will fund a group of riders for the 2005 National Championships and provide some support for out-of-country UCI events such as NBL Nationals. See www.pacificsportcycling.ca program details and information or email Kevin O’Brien at bmx@cycling.bc.ca.

Other components of the Athlete Development program for Road, Track, Cyclo-cross and XC Mountain Bike athletes include funded race project opportunities to the 2005 National Championships and other high-profile events such as the Redlands Cycling Classic, and Sea Otter Cycling Festival.

Athletes selected to the program are required to live near the Centre in Victoria on a full-time basis. They will receive coaching and athlete testing services, specialised training sessions, group information seminars, personal development resources and funded support for race projects and travel.

For more information, selection criteria and application forms, visit the PacificSport National Cycling Centre website at www.pacificsportcycling.ca, or contact coaches Yury Kashirin at ykashirin@pacificsport.com or Houshang Amiri at hamiri@pacificsport.com.