The ACU has launched a new Youth Enduro Academy on an initial three-year programme, aimed at developing the next generation of British enduro talent and helping young riders progress towards national and international competition.
Led by former EnduroGP racer Alex Snow as Chief Instructor, the Academy will primarily support riders aged 12 to 18, with support available up to the age of 21. The programme will cover everything from on-bike coaching and race preparation to fitness, nutrition and wider athlete development.
The first opportunity for young riders to stake their claim for a place will come at an open Selection Day at Ashby Moto Park on 17th September.
Here is the official word from the ACU:
The ACU is pleased to confirm that it’s Youth Enduro Academy has been confirmed for a three-year period.
The Academy, led by Chief Instructor Alex Snow, is aimed at riders aged 12-18 with support up to the age of 21 and will provide support including regular on-bike training, fitness programmes, nutrition advice, race preparation and athlete development. Athletes will be expected to be fully committed to their continuous development, with training and competition programmes put into place, tailored to their individual circumstances.
The Academy itself will work in partnership with EnduroGB, Youth EnduroGB, ExtremeGB and SprintGB, together with showcase events to support an ongoing programme of competition.
READ MORE: BRITISH ENDURO NEWS
An open ‘Selection Day’ will be held each year to allow all interested athletes to be assessed by the ACU team and have a chance to be selected to join the full academy. Prospective athletes are also advised to compete in Youth EnduroGB where performance from these events will be taken into account should places become avalaible mid-year.
The first Selection Day is due to be held on 17th September at Ashby Moto Park. Athletes and commercial partners should contact kirsty@acu.org.uk for more information.
Alex Snow said, “I’m delighted to have been appointed as Chief Instructor to the ACU Youth Enduro Academy. I look forward to helping our talented young riders across the country to grow and develop towards national and international success in our sport.”
ACU Enduro Commission Member Chris Edwards said: “We have some fantastic young riders across the country. This Academy will provide important support to help grow the EnduroGP and ISDE riders of the future.”
With the Academy working alongside EnduroGB, Youth EnduroGB, ExtremeGB and SprintGB, the initiative provides a clearer development pathway for promising young British enduro riders.
The annual open Selection Day should also give emerging riders the opportunity to put themselves in front of the Academy team, with performances in Youth EnduroGB also being considered should places become available during the year.
The ultimate aim is clear – to help develop the next generation of British riders capable of competing at the highest level in EnduroGP and the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE).
Images by the ACU
