Manchester Cycling Academy To Welcome International Riders

Manchester Cycling Academy is to form partnerships with two leading international schools to bring riders from around the world to Manchester to assist them to improve their cycling performance. 

We will partner with leading international school, Abbey College, Manchester and British Council accredited language school, International House, Manchester in what is the first partnership of its kind in the UK and believed to be the first in Europe. 

Starting in spring 2023, the courses will see aspirational cyclists from around the globe combine high-quality sixth form and language education with daily professional cycling coaching sessions. Students on the pioneering programme will attend academic classes in the morning and then participate in cycling coaching at the National Cycling Centre or on the lanes of leafy Cheshire and the hilly, English Peak District in the afternoons alongside the Manchester Cycling Academy domestic programme.

Manchester Cycling Academy is a growing sports education provider which delivers high quality provision across the North West of England in partnership with Sports Governing Bodies, Local Authorities, Academic and Commercial Partners. We run a successful education programme which offers a BTEC Sport programme and we also have a partnership with British Cycling to run the Sport England funded, Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE).

We are also soon to announce a partnership with a local Manchester Further Education provider to offer A levels to British, domestic students. 

Abbey College Manchester, part of the Abbey DLD Colleges group of institutions, offer international football and basketball programmes in partnership with IHM Football Academy, a sister organisation of International House Manchester and Manchester Giants, where students pair GCSE, A-level, Combined Studies and International Foundation Programme qualifications with intensive training. 

Leading language school, International House, Manchester, already offers an international football programme where students pair the International Foundation Programme qualification with intensive professional football training alongside established language courses. 

Students with aspirations to progress onto a professional cycling career will be enrolled onto the elite cycling programme, which will see students on five days a week and a development programme will be available for those who have a talent for cycling but who also want to concentrate mainly on their academic studies. 

Stefan Hopewell, Director of Manchester Cycling Academy said: “We are very excited at the prospect of working with Abbey College and International House to welcome cyclists from around the world to Manchester.”

“Manchester Cycling Academy offers a wonderful experience for everyone who attends. Much of the activity will be based at the world class and newly renovated ‘Medal Factory’ which is the National Cycling Centre in the east of Manchester and on the same routes that Olympic medalists use every day. The young people who attend will be able to emulate the world’s best whenever they train.” He said. 

“Our expert coaches are used to working with elite young riders and will encourage the riders to be the best that they can be. They are experts in their fields and have a wealth of knowledge and experience meaning that they will get expert tuition, coaching and guidance throughout their time with us.” He commented. 

“Manchester has regularly been voted the UK’s best sporting city and is seen by many as being one of the world’s greatest sporting destinations and we look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful home”. He added. 

Chris Randell, Abbey College Manchester Principal, commented: “Our innovative Academic Studies with Football Training Programme has been hugely successful since launching a few years ago and cycling was a natural addition.”

“An increasing number of students are looking to benefit from the unique opportunities that we offer. Whether they are seeking to pursue their sporting ambitions while gaining the best possible education or are keen to reap the benefits offered by sport on providing a break from academic study, Abbey College is gaining a reputation for both innovation and excellence.” He said. 

Peter Hayes, Director of International House, Manchester, says: “Our innovative Football Training Programme has been hugely successful in recent years and cycling was a natural addition.”

“Students from around the globe are increasingly looking to benefit from the unique opportunities that we offer and this course gives them the opportunity to pursue their cycling ambitions while gaining the best possible education”. He said. 

“We are really excited to be working with Manchester Cycling Academy and developing a long and prosperous relationship. We have had interest already from Saudi Arabia, India and South Africa and we are looking forward to welcoming students from around the world to Manchester”. Hayes added. 

The course is set to start in spring 2023 and applications are being accepted now. For further details please complete the registration form below or contacts us via the WhatsApp chat option.

Online information seminars are set to begin in a few weeks time and you can register your interest HERE