The next steps for Coach Smith...

Way back in the mists of time: 2008 I guess, I did my first cycling coaching qualification, the UKCC Level 2 certificate in cycling coaching through British Cycling. Man, there's some proper work in that, ask anybody who has done it and they'll tell you. Truthfully, it doesn't allow you to do that much - you can't prescribed training plans to individuals or coach on anything other than a traffic free enviroment. You can however work on techniques and skills like group riding, cornering, etc which is really useful but to get your hands on individual riders you need to get a Level 3 qualification. So, logically, you've got L2, next it's L3 right? Wrong. You have to specialise first and do a Level 2 qualification in your specific discipline (MTB, Track, BMX, road and time trial) so, there's me in 2009 taking a sideways step to do L2 R&TT. Now it's on to Level 3 right? Yes, right. I did the 'core unit' all prospective L3 coaches have to do and I've just got confirmation from B.C that I've passed that so it's back up to Manchester in November to begin the home leg to full L3 qualification.

I love coaching, just love it. It's a real privledge and the courses have been great too - real quality stuff - we're unlocking the secrets of cycling here at Mamil Towers in part because B.C have let me look into their book of spells. I've also met some great guys, Dean Downing and Jeff Snodin to name but two - cycling aristocracy.

Tops for me was coaching the GB Transplant Games team for the past 2 years. We've just come back from the World Transplant Games Sweden with 10 medals from 8 riders and 15 rides in the TT and the road race. Not too shabby that.  I'm very proud of the guys and looking forward to South Africa in 2 years time.