British Cycling enters new era with Wattbike
Everyday Cycling's parent organisation joins forces with revolutionary static bike manufacturer Wattbike - and offers Everyday Cycling members 10% off purchase price.
Posted: 31 Oct 2008
British Cycling is about to enter a new era, in which its athletes, coaches and members have the opportunity to exploit the potential of the revolutionary new Wattbike.
The Wattbike is an exercise bike, testing bike, competition bike and a rehabilitation bike all wrapped up in one. It is the first product of its kind to be endorsed by British Cycling, which has played a key role in its development.
It will create a new sport, of indoor cycling, and be a pivotal part of the extension of the successful Go Ride and Everyday Cycling programmes.
Wattbike prototypes are already being utilised in talent identification programmes, and the first batch of production Wattbikes is now available to the cycling public, with British Cycling members qualifying for discounts.
"We are completely sold on the Wattbike's capacity to provide a positive benefit to every level of the sport" said Ian Drake, British Cycling's Deputy Chief Executive. "It will support us in everything from increasing participation in the sport and recreational cycling through to underpinning our World Class Pathways and International success."
British Cycling's team of Go Ride coaches plan to introduce them into schools up to, and beyond, the 2012 Olympics. Wattbikes give them the chance, for the first time, to engage children throughout the winter months. New leadership qualifications for indoor instructors are also being developed.
A pilot Everyday Cycling project will initiate indoor cycling in five Universities from January 2009. It is envisaged that this programme will be expanded and rolled out nationally, through to March 2013. The development of a new sport which embraces new technology and social media is ideally placed to address the drop-off in participation from the age of 16.
"We believe there is an opportunity to link indoor cycling and gym activity together under the umbrella of Everyday Cycling "said Ian Drake. "This holistic approach should ensure that seasonal outdoor cyclists are still participating throughout the winter months. We will also have the opportunity to promote outdoor opportunities to indoor gym cyclists. "
The Wattbike's ground-breaking computer console delivers the quality of feedback that, until now, only the world's best cyclists have been privileged to receive. It reproduces the challenges of the open road with participants able to spin along lightly at a comfortable pace or push themselves to their limits.
It will measure every pedal turn from start to finish and offer scope to compete, online, or in an indoor arena, with the bikes linked together for racing. No other product of its type accurately measures power output i.e. watts. It is suitable for riders of all ages, and abilities.
Dan Hunt, coach to Olympic champion Rebecca Romero, has already been impressed by its potential to aid such talent identification programmes as the Girls4Gold initiative, which sees British Cycling working in unison with UK Sport and the English Institute of Sport.
He said : "I've seen some impressive scores on the Watt bike tests - with a few exceptional performances that are approaching world class standards already. Everyone at British Cycling is really excited about the athletes Girls4Gold might uncover and the opportunity to further enhance our chances towards London 2012."
How to claim your 10% discount
If you are interested in purchasing a Wattbike, call the Wattbike team on 0115 945 5454 not forgetting to quote your valid British Cycling membership number to gain a 10% discount! For more information go to www.wattbike.com
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