Cycling Coach

Typical Salary

£20,000 To £30,000

Typical Hours

36 to 38 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How To Become a Cycling Coach

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
getting specialist training from an industry body

College / University

There is no set entry route to become a professional cycle coach but getting a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a sports-related subject like sports science could give you an advantage.

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You can work towards this role by starting with an intermediate apprenticeship as a community activator coach.

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

Other Routes

You can do training through a professional body like British Cycling, who offer qualifications in coaching. For example:

Level 1 Award in Coaching Cycling - beginner's qualification
Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Cycling - if you have some coaching experience
Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Cycling - if you want to work with individual riders and plan detailed training programmes

Bursaries or grants may be available to help you train as a cycling coach.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

leadership skills
the ability to teach pupils how to do something
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
excellent verbal communication skills
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to use your initiative
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

If you're working with younger riders in schools and community groups, you could be:

planning fun, engaging coaching activities, sessions and programmes in a safe environment
helping riders to improve their riding technique
working with riders, schools, community groups and sports organisations to promote the sport

If you're working with riders involved in the competitive side of the sport, you could be:

working on developing more advanced riding techniques and tactics
designing training programmes
supporting riders at races and competitions
maintaining records of rider performance
advising on how lifestyle choices can affect performance
mentoring other coaches
working with experts including sports scientists, nutritionists, physiotherapists and programme managers
marketing and promoting your coaching services, if you're self-employed
combining your coaching with other work to earn money

Working Environment

You could work on a sports field, at a sports arena or at a race track.

Career Path & Progression

You could work for British Cycling as a development coach, introducing people to cycling, or working on talent programmes to support cyclists.

You could work as a coach for a local authority or organisation with an interest in sports development at places like BMX tracks, mountain bike trail centres or indoor cycling tracks.

You could become a self-employed coach and design training programmes for amateur riders.

You could also become a cycle trainer through the Bikeability scheme, teaching young people how to cycle safety on roads. If you work with young people, you could move into sports development or youth work.

With experience, you could transfer your skills and abilities to other areas of the sports industry.

Volunteering Opportunities

You can develop your coaching skills through volunteering.

British Cycling has details on how you can get involved with your local club, coaching and cycling events. There are opportunities in road and track racing, BMX and mountain biking.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a cycling coach and coaching qualifications from British Cycling and Cycling UK.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

have insurance
pass enhanced background checks
have a first aid certificate
be over 18 years of age