National road cycling coach André Greipel wants to reduce the problems with young talent in German cycling by setting up his own academy.
By founding the program “the ride direction”, the 41-year-old road bike coach hopes to discover young talents in local clubs, support them together with partners and develop them further, as the Association of German Cyclists announced.
“We are leaving too many young talents undiscovered,” the eleven-time Tour de France stage winner was quoted as saying.
Like many other sports, cycling has to contend with problems with young talent. The reasons for this are diverse. According to Greipel, young drivers often lack the right environment and competitive material “to take the decisive step in their development.”
In addition to regular online meetings and workshops throughout the year, joint meetings and training trips are planned, according to the announcement. Joint races are also planned.