AIGLE, Switzerland (BRAIN) — Ever wanted to work for a pro cycling team, helping top athletes prepare and recover, washing their clothes, making their food, and basically acting like a combination coach, physical therapist and mom?
Now the international cycling union, UCI, is offering a class that can help prepare you for the career of a soigneur.
The eight-week course will be held at UCI's World Cycling Centre in Aigle, March 4-April 26 this year. The first of its kind course will cover recovery techniques, first aid, nutrition and hydration, food preparation and hygiene. Other class segments will cover anti-doping, communication, and race specific skills such as navigation to race starts, feed zones, race finishes and hotels.
“Until now, there has been no formal training for soigneurs,” said Keith Flory, manager of the Cycling Centre's education and training department. “These people, traditionally team masseurs, now require a great many different skills and very often have to learn out on the field by trial and error.”
Graduates of the class, whcih will be taught in English, will receive an internationally-recognised certification.
Instructors includes Andrew Evans and Emma Wolstenholme. Both have decades of experience with professional cycling teams.
More information: email coaching@uci.ch.
