Cycling: Jan Ullrich's tour victory, Tony Martin's time trial world title and John Degenkolb's successes at monuments - they are unforgettable. In order for Germany to remain successful in cycling, the promotion of young people must be optimized. This is exactly what the German Cycling Academy wants to take care of.
The German Cycling Academy scouts talents
Germany is a sports power. In numerous disciplines, the Federal Republic has been among the best in the world for decades. In cycling too, regular successes – whether on the road, on the track or off-road – ensure great entertainment for the fans. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm for cycling in our country was much greater overall. So that we can get there again, the German Cycling Academy brought to life. Supported by the Association of German Cyclists she tries to discover and promote talent with a digital indoor cycling program. Scouting is taken to a whole new level. Because anyone who is interested can take part in the competitions – and from the comfort of their own home. Responsible for this is head coach Tim Böhme, who himself was a mountain bike professional for 20 years.
Tim Boehme:
"We are looking for the Next German Cycling Star because we know how important sporting role models are for young people."
Zwift simplifies the search for talent
Youth work plays an important role in all sports. In order to become a professional soccer player in Germany, children have to join clubs at an early age and demonstrate their talent there. If they are discovered, it goes up step by step. American sports are all about high school and college. Scouts play an important role everywhere. The search for talent in cycling has been more difficult – until now. Because with the Indoor Cycling App Zwift children and young people can now present themselves to the public. So what YouTube is for aspiring music stars, Zwift could be for the upcoming professional cyclists in the future.
Tim Boehme:
“Anyone who has a Zwift account can participate in the GCA. We meet three times a week for joint trips and training workouts in the digital space. It's actually like normal driving outside, except that you're sitting on your roller or smart trainer and meeting up in a virtual world for cycling."
Digital cycling is a new sport
We saw at the Track Cycling World Championships in the Berlin Velodrome that indoor cycling is not only exciting for the participants. At the end of February, the six finalists competed against each other live on site. Numerous participants from home were also present on the digital race track. The race was broadcast live on the big screen in the Radstadion - and of course via live stream on the Internet. In parallel to talent scouting, indoor cycling also works as an independent eSport and thus as a completely new sport.
Tim Boehme:
“Indoor e-cycling is a completely new cycling discipline that we want to help shape with the GCA for the BDR. It's super exciting because nobody knows exactly where it's going. The indoor e-cycling has everything that could inspire spectators and fans: action, excitement, spectacular pictures. So there could be a similar effect as with e-sports. The fact is, it is just another cycling discipline and does not compete with other cycling disciplines such as road cycling or mountain biking.”