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High Performance Development Program

Various levels of sponsorship are available. To read more about the Program go to:

» Program Info

Team Saskatchewan High Performance (HP) Development Program

revised Dec. 2009

On this page you will find information about:

• Mandate of the HP Dev Program
• 4 Levels of Programming
• Benefits for members of the HP Development Program
• Requirements for HP development program cyclists, including -membership form in pdf ( in word) for athletes with SCA race licenses in the Under 17/ Junior/ Under 23/ Senior age categories
• Necessary forms for participation on HP-organized trips, including:
  -medical form
  -code of conduct
  -athlete agreement, including fundraising
  Athlete Assistance
• Factors in athlete evaluation for Tiering, Funding and Race Selection
• Tiering descriptions, and benefits
• Other athlete considerations
• CCA Long Term Athlete Development Model (LTAD)
• Spread Sheet Summary of the CCA Long Term Athlete Development Model (LTAD)
• The Canadian Cycling Association's Long Term Athlete Development Model - Volume 2
  

HP Development Program Mandate

The mandate of the SCA HP Development Program is to support the efforts of dedicated cyclists to gain the discipline, knowledge and skills to progress through the Western (WCG) and Canada Games (CG) Programs and achieve success at a National level of performance.

The High Performance program methodology is intended to include coaching, development camps, fitness testing, equipment and nutritional programs for Youth to Elite athletes.

To accomplish this aim, HP's primary focus is to develop both NCCP Level 3 or equivalent coaches, and cyclists in the U17 to Elite categories, as well as exceptional U15's, including para-cyclists training full-time to compete at National and International events.

HP offers 4 levels of Development Programming and Funding:

1) cyclists age-eligible for WCG 2011 (born 1993 or later)
All participants are expected to join a local club and obtain a minimum NCCP Level 1 or equivalent personal cycling coach registered with the SCA office; participate in the entire Sask Cup Race Series in Mountain Bike and Road; and attend all organized camps and training opportunities. Exceptional U17's and Jrs may be selected for subsidized out-of-province van trips, and Jrs may be selected for National level competitions. Subsidized cyclists must wear Team Sask jerseys when racing on specified Team Sask projects.

2) cyclists age-eligible for CG 2013 but not WCG 2011(born 1991 or later)
All participants that have completed the SCA Cup Series in both Road and Mtb and have a NCCP Level 3, or equivalent in-progress, cycling coach registered with the SCA office, are invited to participate in HP-subsidized, out-of-province van trips, and specified camps. High performing cyclists may be selected to National level competitions and will be considered for Athletes Assistance. Cyclists lacking experience in either road or mountain bike will be allowed to participate in van trips in their strong discipline while developing their weaker discipline in-province. This skill development is necessary because of CG 2013 requirements for teams in both disciplines as well as for building a strong foundation for Team Sask. Subsidized cyclists must wear Team Sask jerseys and shorts when racing on specified Team Sask projects.

3) U23 cyclists not age-eligible for CG 2013 (born 1990 or earlier) and Elite age athletes training and competing full-time to achieve National Team status
Development of this group of cyclists, particularly road athletes, is mostly beyond the resources of the SCA HP Dev program, as these cyclists will need to race and train outside the province to achieve a higher level of competence. HP will continue to fund high performing, full-time cyclists in this group who have a minimum NCCP Level 3, or equivalent, coach registered with the SCA office, and that race a minimum of 2 specified in-province races in their strong discipline, i.e., Road cyclists are expected to race at Bikes on Broadway and Provincial Rd Championships; Mtb cyclists are expected at an early season Sask Cup race and Provincial Mtb Championships. CX cycling specialists must also race either Rd or Mtb in-season, with the same expectations listed for Road or MTB, to be considered for funding. Some funding will be reserved for approved U23/Elite cyclists selected to race for Team Sask at National-level or other Team Sask events. Subsidized cyclists must wear Team Sask jerseys, shorts and Skinsuits when racing on specified 'Team Sask' projects.

4) NEW !!! HP Dev Program for Masters-age athletes (born 1980 or earlier) training to compete at National or International events
Athletes in this age-group are expected to be fully autonomous in their preparation for National-level events and are not a priority for inclusion in the HP Dev Program trips and camps. HP may offer other 'support' benefits including access to Sport Science counseling in areas including Mental Training, Nutrition, Strength and Conditioning, and other topics listed on their webpages; access to HP equipment available for loan; and other support in the PSO's power to provide. Partial funding could be provided to race at National Rd, MTB or CX Championships if supporting data indicating high potential to medal can be provided through out-of-province race results, approved testing, or by invitation from National CCA coaches.

As per Group 3, you must have a NCCP Level 3 or equivalent coach registered with the SCA office, and race a minimum of 2 specified in-province races in your discipline, i.e., road cyclists are expected to race at Bikes on Broadway and Provincial Rd Championships; mtb and/or cyclocross cyclists are expected at an early season Sask Cup race and Provincial Mtb and/or Cx Championships. Partial funding could be provided to race at National Rd, MTB or CX Championships if supporting data indicating high potential to medal can be provided through out-of-province race results, approved testing, or by invitation from National CCA coaches.

***Race and Camp fees, travel, equipment and clothing expenses are additional and at the athletes expense. Cyclists must find a family member or friend who will agree to provide volunteer services, take officials courses for local club events and participate in fundraising initiatives as requested by HP.

Benefits for HP Development Program cyclists:

General Benefits:
1) assistance in accessing certified cycling coaches
2) subsidized Easter training camp near Penticton, B.C.
3) selection-based access to partially-subsidized Dev camps and out-of-province race trips from May to October.
4) performance and age-based selection to 'Team Sask' projects including: Western Canada Games (2011); Canada Games (2013); annual selection to National Road, Mountain Bike, and Cyclo-Cross Championships; and Western Regional Team for Abitibi Stage Race, a UCI event for Jr Males.
5) priority-based loan of available cycle training equipment
6) subsidized 'Team Sask' cycle clothing
7) Tier-specific benefits including: Athletes Assistance (U25's and under); SCA webpage personal profiling; invitation to HP Dev trips; priority selection to National events; Sport Science counseling on Mental Training and Nutrition, Strength and Conditioning, etc..

Requirements for HP Development Program cyclists:

1) submit registration e-form by Jan. 31st to be considered for Athletes Assistance and HP Program planning. By the same date, all other forms requiring signatures should be mailed to the SCA office including: application form; medical form; code of conduct; parental consent form if applicable; and $100 fee for programs 1, 2 and 3 or $50 fee for program 4.
2) your personal coach must have a minimum NCCP Level 1 (U15, U17); or NCCP Level 3 or equivalent in progress (JR, U23); or provide full season training program for review (Elite)
3) purchase and wear Team Saskatchewan race gear, jersey minimum, when participating in HP organized out-of-province Dev race trips.
4) full kit including skin suit and shorts must be purchased and worn at National-level or special Team Sask race events.
5) have completed or progressing through the SCA Cup Series in both MTB and Rd (U15, U17) in 2009, or intending to beginning in 2010.
6) race a minimum of one race in the Sask Cup Race Series and Provincial Championships in your priority cycling discipline of Rd or Mtb (Jr/U23/Elite) in the previous season. CX specialists must also race either Rd or Mtb.
7) participate in the Sask Cup CX Race Series in your geographic area.

Athletes Assistance

Athletes Assistance (AA) is funded by Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation. The Sport funds are administered by Sasksport to provide direct financial assistance to Saskatchewan High Performance cyclists. The Sasksport-directed intent of AA is to provide funding to individual athletes based on their demonstrated commitment to the highest level of sport performance and development, allowing them to pursue athletic excellence at the highest levels of national and international competition.

How does it work?

The SCA is required to apportion a minimum of 10% of the 35% spending requirement on the HP or ‘Excellence’ budget towards AA. Those funds are to be spent at the sole discretion of the athlete, from a list of suitable expenditures. In most years, the minimum amount required, approximately $4500, will be directed to AA.

How is it determined who receives funding?

All interested and age-eligible (under 25) athletes will submit their application for AA at the conclusion of the race season and no later than Dec. 31st of that sameyear.  These applications include information on race histories and results, both in and out-of-province, personal goals, and training programs.  These interested athletes are then ranked or tiered in order to make a fair and equitable decision. 

Why is race season evaluation for ranking purposes difficult?

This process is very difficult given the unique Saskatchewan race scene.  Our specific concerns:
1)      due to the small number of racers in several age/skill categories, in-province race results are in many cases not overly significant in determining skill and potential to medal at National-level events.
2)      very few athletes race out-of-province to establish their own race credentials, or these results have not been reported to HP.
3)      the Saskatchewan terrain does not provide exposure to a wide range of racing experience necessary for developing riders.

What can HP do about this?

1)      Communicate to racers in all categories they should attempt to race out-of-province if necessary to establish their race credentials and improve their tiering.  This may be at their own expense, and/or the racer should participate in partially-funded, out-of-province dev trips.
2)       In MTB, only the U15, U17, and JR Exp Male category results are considered significant. ‘Elite’ athletes must hold an Elite license.
3)      In Road, JR M must race Cat 3 and U23/Sr M race Cat 1/2 to be considered Elite.
4)      Womens’ results suffer the most from low category numbers.  It is the intent of HP to assist in out-of-province dev trips and recruitment efforts for women, where possible.

The HP committee applied the following selection criteria for funding and tiering.

1)      must hold current SCA license
2)      can’t be nationally carded
3)      priority order of funding is category based: 1)Jr/Espoir 2) Sr Elite (U25) 3) outstanding Cadets (must race Sask Jr) and 4) Sr Elite (25+).
4)      30+ athletes racing Sr Elite with several years race experience may be eligible for SCA funding in the form of logistical support.
5)      Significant race results to be awarded HP Points include race categories with 5 or more racers and finishes within 5% of 1^st place. National events must have 3 provinces or territories present and 5 or more racers to be considered.
6)      Significant race results include: Provincial Road Race, Time Trial and MTB Championships; Provincial Road and MTB Series winners; and Top 10 National Race finishes, including Canada Summer Games. Out-of-province race results usually out-rank in-province race results.
7)      Injury cards can be provided to maintain a previous Tier level for 1 season only.

HP Tier Description and Benefits

Tier 4: Under 15/Under 17 - cyclists that may be ready for developmental camps in Road or mountain bike.

Tier 3: Under 17/ Junior/ Senior - cyclists that have established an in-province race history in Road or mountain bike and are ready for developmental race opportunities in Western Canada. These athletes are eligible for:
o Out-of-province dev trips and camps in Western Canada with partial-funding in order of priority ranking shown in chart.

Tier 2: Junior/ Under 23/ Senior Elite and exceptional Under 17 cyclists (must race Junior nationally) with a solid coaching plan and an established in-province race history; are top performers at Provincial Championships and Series and are ready for further development opportunities in Western Canada and likely National events. These athletes receive:
o Athletes Assistance, at a varying rate depending on ranking
o Opportunity to compete for Nationals events or if non-selected to participate on a self-funded basis with logistical support provided by the SCA (must pay own travel)
o Out-of-province dev trips and camps with partial-funding

Tier 1: Junior/ Under 23/ Senior Elite that are likely top Saskatchewan performers at the Provincial Championships and Cup Series; have established a successful out-of- province race history in Western Canada and at National-level events; and are considered to have the current or future potential to 'medal' at National events. These athletes receive:
o Priority-selection to National events at a maximum partial funding rate
o Athletes Assistance at the maximum rate (must be Under 25)
o Out-of-province dev trips and camps with minimum partial funding
o Personal profile and Rider Diary on the SCA-website 
o Access to Sport Science nutritionists, mental training, etc.

Other Athlete Considerations

• Many athletes are not fully using their primary grassroots development tool: the SCA Cup Series in mountain bike, road and cyclocross. These tools are there to help foster the spirit of cycling in Saskatchewan as well as develop the necessary race skills necessary to get to the next level, i.e. out-of-province racing in western Canada.
• Bike handling skills learned in mountain bike or Cyclocross are essential to higher-level cycling. Cyclocross is a late-season, shorter distance event that is ideal for developing bike handling skills not developed on the road and staying on the bike for fun: Cyclocross-specific bike not required. Serious Cyclocross'rs will need access to a Cyclocross-specific bike.
• High-calibre female racers have tremendous opportunity to succeed in the sport of cycling, despite low category numbers in Saskatchewan.
• Review the Long Term Athlete Development Plan (LTAD) in the process of being adopted by all Canadian Sport organizations, including the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) and the SCA-HP Committee. The intent of the LTAD is to provide guidance to sport organizations, athletes and parents as to what level of development and serious endeavor should be applied to athletes and at what age. Whatever your age, read the LTAD to understand where you, your child or your cyclist fits. An interesting fact you will find: 'The 10-year Rule' states that scientific research has concluded that it takes a minimum of 10 years and 10,000 hours of training for a talented athlete to reach elite levels. There are no shortcuts.

2010 Development Trips and Camps (TBA)

* primary focus group offered 1st deadline
** secondary focus group offered 2nd deadline

The SCA-HP committee reserves the right to cancel any scheduled trip subject to participant pre-registration payment deadlines and availability of coach/manager/mechanic (contact the SCA office if you are interested in offering your services in this position and to review the compensation schedule)

  2009 Team Sask HP Development Program Spring Newsletter (March 23, 2009)