A lucky few go back to school
By TMX Archives on 13th Nov 08
BACK in 2007, the ACU Trials and Enduro Committee made a decision to change the emphasis for both the Trials and Enduro Under 23 squads more to the form of direct financial support for rider development. According to the ACU, this system has been a great success and will be continued for 2009.The support offered under the scheme will be available to a limited number of squad members rather than the method of home-based training for larger numbers adopted prior to 2007. While it is envisaged that some limited home-based training will still be in place, the intention is to try to help a small, dedicated squad in both disciplines to develop their potential with some direct funding.
The following criteria has been laid down for the Trials Squad:–
The effort will be aimed at the European Trials Championship.
Initial Support will be offered to:– four riders contesting the UEM European Championship and Junior Cup series, plus two riders contesting the UEM European Youth Trials Cup and two riders contesting the UEM European Ladies Trials Championship.
Applications are invited now from riders wishing to be considered for inclusion – the squads will be selected early in December 2008.
Mick Wren, the Trials Squad co-ordinator, tells us that a limited number of intense training sessions will be organised as early as possible in the year before the European series gets under way.
Rider performance will be constantly assessed to determine if support will be continued and, at periodical intervals, existing squad members may be replaced by others whose performances may justify re-selection.
It is very much intended that support will be performance related.
Riders who intend to contest the European Championship series should download an application form from the ACU website and forward a completed copy to Mick Wren, Levenside, Newby Bridge, Ulverston Cumbria LA12 8LZ.
Riders should include details of their past successes and may back up their applications with references from any sponsors they might have. The closing date for applications is December 6.