British Cycling has today announced a restructure of the support available to the Podium Men’s Sprint squad for Tokyo Olympic Games.
Performance Director Stephen Park explains: “Following extensive consultation with the men’s sprint riders and support team, we have restructured our sprint staffing line-up towards Tokyo. We did consider bringing in new staff from outside the programme however ultimately we determined that an in-house solution will best ensure we stay on track to achieve our ambitions for the men’s sprint squad at the forthcoming Olympic Games.
“Scott Pollock, EIS Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach working full time with British Cycling, will take overall responsibility for the leadership and direction of the men’s sprint programme and is now ‘Men’s Sprint Programme Lead’ as of 1st January 2021.
“Scott will be supported by Lewis Marsden, EIS Performance Analyst working full time with British Cycling, who has assumed the role of ‘Lead for Track Programming’ and taken responsibility for the development of individual rider ‘on-track’ training programme design and front-line delivery of each track session.
“Both Scott and Lewis have worked closely with the men’s sprint team throughout the Tokyo cycle to date, and during this time have developed the required skills to succeed in their respective new roles.
“Podium Women’s Sprint Coach Jan van Eijden and Academy Sprint Coach Andy Leveton will both remain in their current positions but will provide support to facilitate the delivery of the track sessions, with Jan also available to consult on tactical and technical aspects of the men’s training plans.
“This has been a difficult period for our men’s sprint team, riders and staff alike, following the departure of our lead mens sprint coach at the end of 2020, but I am proud of the way the whole team have pulled together and have been able to work with maturity, understanding and honesty to identify a solution in which we all have confidence.”
Dr Kevin Currell, Director of Science and Technical Development at the English Institute of Sport (EIS), said: “We’re delighted that Scott and Lewis can carry on their great work with the Great Britain Cycling Team’s men’s sprint squad and be part of a strong in-house solution for the leadership and direction of the programme.
“The EIS will continue to support Scott, Lewis and the Great Britain Cycling Team in preparation for the Tokyo Games.”
