SWINDON New College are looking to take ride the crest of the wave created by British Cycling in this country.

Aiming to use the success of 2012 Olympics, where Great Britain won eight gold medals, the College have annouced they are launching a Cycling Academy offering students the chance to develop their competitive cylcing ability.

The Academy, launching this September, is the first of its kind in the country and supplements the College’s academic programme.

The programme is aimed at current and prospective students with a keen interest in competitive cycling. Those who enrol on the course will be loaned a Giant TCR road bike by Swindon Cycles for the duration of the course and receive subsidised race and training kit. Students will get five hours a week of coaching, including strength and conditioning, as well as race performance advice.

Academy students will have to be committed to the sport, they will be required to compete at least four times a month during the racing season, as well as funding their own race entry and travel at those competitions.

The Academy is open to male and female students, including those with learning disabilities.