The Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) is taking steps to secure a strong future for British riders on the international stage by launching an ACU High Performance Academy in 2026.
The Academy’s mission is to support the development of riders that are competing at the top of the domestic motorcycle sport scene, so they’re ready to win at international level.
Riders competing in the motocross, trials, enduro, road racing, and track racing disciplines will be eligible to join the ACU High Performance Academy. A set number of riders from each discipline will be handpicked by a selection panel. Participants will need to meet clear performance targets to remain on the programme.
The ACU will work with Loughborough Sport to support rider development across key fields that include fitness, nutrition, psychology, and communication skills.
Elite ACU coaches from across the disciplines will collaborate with Loughborough Sport’s high-performance coaches to deliver this rider development programme. The first cohort of participants will join in 2026.
ACU Chief Executive, Matthew Edwards-Wear, said: “Great Britain is the third most successful country in the history of international motorcycle sport and the ACU is the only national governing body that can provide a pathway for riders to graduate onto the international stage.
“To protect our legacy and build an even stronger future for Great Britain in motorcycle sport, we need the infrastructure in place to develop riders’ key skills and long-term potential in and out of the saddle.
“The launch of our High Performance Academy is an exciting development that we believe will deliver some excellent results and support our sport from grassroots level upwards.”
ACU President, Tim Lightfoot, said: “This isn’t about funding a rider’s international career. This is a sports science-based programme that will bring in expert coaches to develop a rider’s key skills in the classroom and at competitive events and help them to fulfil their long-term potential as a competitor that’s representing the ACU and Great Britain internationally.
“The ACU is proud to be investing in the future of the motorcycle sport it governs in Great Britain, and we’re excited to get the Academy programme underway and to support the outstanding talent we have within the ACU family.”
Words and Images by the ACU
