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Cycling coach
Cycling instructor
Cycling coaches help riders develop their cycling skills.
Average salary (a year)
£18000
Starter
£27000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
36.0 to 38.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
away from home
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; an apprenticeship; getting specialist training from an industry body
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.
If you're a competitive cyclist, you could do a foundation degree in cycling performance or cycling studies.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship
You can work towards this role by starting with an intermediate apprenticeship as a community activator coach.
This apprenticeship is recognised by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Volunteering
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.
Other Routes
You can do training through a professional body like British Cycling, who offer qualifications in coaching. For example
Level 1 Foundation Award in Coaching Cycling, Level 2 Certificate in Developing your Coaching, Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Cycling - for working with individual riders and planning detailed training programmes
Bursaries or grants may be available to help you train as a cycling coach.
More Information
Further Information
You can find out more about becoming a cycling coach and coaching qualifications from British CyclingandCycling UK.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Related Restrictions
have insurance
have a first aid certificate
be over 18 years of age
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
If you're working with younger riders in schools and community groups, you could
plan fun, safe and engaging coaching activities, help riders to improve their riding technique, work 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
work on developing more advanced riding techniques and tactics, design training programmes, support riders at races and competitions, maintain records of rider performance, advise on how lifestyle choices can affect performance, mentor other coaches, work with experts like sports scientists, nutritionists, physiotherapists and programme managers, market and promote your coaching services, if you're self-employed
Working environment
You could work on a sports field, at a sports arena or at a race track.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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 cycling instructor 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.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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