Queensland Track Squad (QTS)

Cycling Queensland’s (CQ) Queensland Track Squad (QTS) is a performance-based track cycling squad focused on developing Queensland's high performing U17, U19 and Elite track riders.

The QTS provides structured training opportunities and coaching support with the aim of fostering talent and enabling rider progression to the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) and Cycling Australia’s (CA) High Performance programs.

QTS athletes may have the opportunity to train alongside QAS athletes for certain training sessions. This combined training environment is designed to mutually benefit athletes in both programs.

1. How we work

The QTS is focused on rider development and progression. We want to work with talented riders in the early stages of their performance pathway and build strong foundations in the physical, technical, tactical, and psychological aspects of their cycling performance.

We do this in a number of ways:

Our coach led training sessions offer opportunities for physical development on the track through planned and structured sessions.
Our regular training sessions, camps and clinics deliver coaching advice and feedback to athletes on technical and tactical aspects of their cycling.
Our input through specialised workshops seeks to grow and develop athletes in wholistic performance through education in strength and conditioning, nutrition, planning, resilience and performance behaviours.
Our team culture supports discipline and hard work and in return we expect athletes to take ownership of their behaviours and their own performance.

How we select athletes
1. Selection framework

Performance and potential in the QTS program are assessed on the likelihood of achieving podium results at National Championship level and progressing to the QAS and CA High Performance programs.

For this reason, selection into QTS is based on a range of criteria including:

past performance of athletes including but not limited to past Australian National Track Championships, performance at Open events or International (UCI) events
evidence of a positive attitude, coachability and characteristics displayed in other performance-based environments such as Queensland state teams
ability and willingness to commit to QTS training sessions, camps and clinics.
clear aspirations to achieve selection into State and National teams (although participation in the QTS does not guarantee selection for the Queensland State Track Team, which is managed through a separate selection policy and process).
1. Eligibility

To be eligible for selection in the QTS riders must:

hold a current RACE licence issued by CA and be a member of a club affiliated to CQ
not be serving a racing licence suspension of any kind
commit to abide by all Technical Regulations, By-Laws and policies including Code of Conduct, Anti-Doping, Supplement and Member Protection policies of CQ and CA.
1. Selection criteria

Criteria 1 – Past performance

Athletes must achieve required times at State, National or Oceania Championships in the past 12 months. When there are significant gaps between these championships, the QTS program may provide opportunities for prospective athletes to undertake timed events under certain conditions to demonstrate their performance potential.

Sprint Events:

1^st Year Athletes

Event	U17W	U17M	U19W	U19M	Elite W	Elite M
Flying 200m	13.20	11.95	12.60	11.0	12.0	10.6
250m TT	22.00	19.75	21.25	19.25	20.75	18.8
500m TT	39.0	35.8	38.5	N/A	37.2	N/A
1000m TT	N/A	N/A	N/A	1.08.00	N/A	1.06.00

2^nd year athletes

Event	U17W	U17M	U19W	U19M	Elite W	Elite M
Flying 200m	13.0	11.85	12.2	10.7	11.9	10.5
250m TT	22.00	19.55	21.00	19.00	20.5	18.6
500m TT	39.0	35.2	38.2	N/A	36.9	N/A
1000m TT	N/A	N/A	N/A	1.07.00	N/A	1.05.5

Endurance events:

1^st year athletes

Event	U17W	U17M	U19W	U19M	Elite W	Elite M
Individual pursuit	2.48.00	2.34.00	2.35.00	3.35.00	3.51.00	4.33.00
Flying 1km TT	1.19.00	1.10.00	1.12.00	1.04.00	1.09.00	1.02.00

2^nd year athletes

Event	U17W	U17M	U19W	U19M	Elite W	Elite M
Individual pursuit	2.42.00	2.30.00	2.33.00	3.28.00	3.48.00	4.30.00
Flying 1km TT	1.15.00	1.07.00	1.10.00	1.03.00	1.08.00	1.01.00

Target qualifying times for all events have been categorised into 1^st and 2^nd year athletes, reflecting the importance of progression through the junior years of the program and into the Elite category. The Elite times do not necessarily reflect age, however if someone is not yet in the program and is already in the Elite category, then these times reflect the emphasis on progression from year one in the program to year two.

Criteria 2 – Performance Attributes

Athletes will self-rate and be assessed by coaches on a range of performance attributes, including physical, technical, tactical and psychological factors.

Attribute	Key components	Desired qualities
Physical	Strength and stability	Athletes must be able to effectively deploy core stability and power-generating muscles in order to perform, be less susceptible to fatigue and avoid injury.
	Speed	Athletes need to be able to generate and sustain speed metrics suitable for their discipline.
	Endurance	Athletes need to be able to generate and sustain endurance metrics suitable for their discipline.
	Power	Athletes can produce power outputs (as measured in watts per kilogram) suitable for their discipline.
Technical	Starting technique	Athletes can correctly start and accelerate from a gated and handheld start.
	Body position	Athletes can effectively ride in and out of the saddle, adapt position depending on events, hold an aerodynamic pursuit position (endurance), perform a track stand (sprint).
	Pacing	Athletes can feel and achieve a designated pacing strategy in the individual pursuit and team pursuit events (endurance).
	Bike handling skills	Athletes can build and maintain speed, ride all parts of the track, ride in close proximity and manoeuvre at slow speeds.
	Equipment knowledge and handling	Athletes demonstrate sufficient skills in changing gears, wheels and handlebars and perform basic bike maintenance.
	Madison	Athletes can efficiently ride Madison in a safe manner to the standard of being able to race. If an athlete cannot ride Madison, they must be willing to attend training clinics and ensure their skills are proficient in this throughout the season.
Tactical	Tactical awareness	Athletes can execute key tactics including attacking from front and back, attacking from height, closing down and holding opponents on the hip.
	Bunch presence	Athletes are able to ride in a bunch, drop onto a wheel, hold a wheel, lead out, control others and drive the pace.
	Race strategy	Athletes can execute a set strategy during a race and adapt as required.
Psychological and General	Motivation	Athletes demonstrate an enthusiasm to train and compete and are committed to achieving performance goals.
	Coachability	Athletes are receptive to, and follow through on, coaching direction.
	Resilience	Athletes have an ability to positively adapt to change, stress and adversity.
	Integrity	Athletes demonstrate a quality of being honest, have clear moral principles and are willing to be accountable.
	Interpersonal skills and teamwork	Athletes have positive working relationships with other athletes, coaches, and support staff. They are able to communicate as required with others.
	Representation	Athletes are willing to represent Cycling Queensland and the QTS at corporate and community events and committees/groups when requested.
	Lifestyle	Athletes appear to maintain a lifestyle conducive to high performance, including behaviour, sleep, recovery, diet and self-management.

4. Selection process

The 2020-21 Squad will be formed in October 2020. Athletes will be invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in Sept/Oct 2020 via the CQ website (refer section 4). All athletes wishing to participate in the QTS must submit an EOI for consideration.

All athletes who want to be considered for the initial intake of the QTS program must attend the Virtual Track National Challenge on 3-4 October 2020 at the AMV. Other non-event qualifying times listed above will be assessed throughout the weekend as well as behaviour, coachability and how athletes handle themselves around racing.

EOIs will be reviewed prior to the Virtual Track National Challenge weekend and an interview will be conducted throughout the weekend with the QTS coaches. Following this, final selection will be made by the Panel and will be subject to endorsement by the QAS Cycling Head Coach. The Selection Panel’s deliberations are strictly confidential.

All unsuccessful applicants will be offered feedback from a QTS coach on their EOI.

Athletes who do not submit an EOI or were unsuccessful but demonstrate exceptional performances throughout the 2020-21 season may be added to the QTS if they meet the selection criteria.

If an athlete's capacity to satisfy the selection criteria diminishes at any time throughout the season, then their continued status as a member of the QTS will be re-assessed by the Selection Panel. For example, if a squad member’s performance drops, they are non-committal to QTS activities or fail to demonstrate coachability, then their membership in the QTS will be reviewed.

Regional athletes who have been identified as suitable for the QTS but unable to attend weekly training sessions in Brisbane will be encouraged to liaise with the relevant QTS coach and look for opportunities to attend training sessions or camps where possible.

Selection Panel

Selectors will include:

Coaches of the weekly QTS sessions
State Team Track Coach
High Performance Head Coach

Selector discretion

The selection criteria represents the matters to be considered by the Selector Panel. From time to time, circumstances may require the Panel to exercise discretion. This is particularly relevant in 2020-21, when health regulations relating to the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on athletes’ ability to train and demonstrate performance in racing.

Selectors may take into account any information and draw on the advice of third parties, as considered appropriate. The Panel may decide, at its absolute discretion and for any reason, to select athletes who have not met the relevant criteria.

How we operate
1. Regular training

QTS athletes will attend weekly structured training sessions at the Anna Meares Velodrome (AMV).

Discipline	Day 1	Day 2
All U17 Athletes	JETS Monday 6.00pm – 8.00pm	Wednesday 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Sprinters	Wednesday: 4.30pm – 6.30pm	Saturday TBC
Endurance	Wednesday: 4.30pm – 6.30pm	Saturday TBC

It is intended that clinics will be scheduled periodically to provide focused training sessions which SEQ and regional athletes can plan to attend. The clinics may be held at the AMV or an outdoor velodrome.

Session structure:

Sessions will be pre-planned by coaches and where possible riders will be notified of the training efforts prior to the session. Athletes are required to be at the AMV at least 30 minutes prior to the beginning of each session to ensure they have the correct gearing on their bike and are ready to commence warm up immediately at the start of each session. Sessions will begin with dynamic off-the-bike warm up exercises followed by on-track or roller warm up.

Coaches will provide structured feedback to athletes during the sessions and athletes will also contribute to the feedback processes in individual and group environments. It is expected that all athletes exhibit a high level of coachability during training sessions, take ownership of their behaviour and performance, and demonstrate respect for other squad members.

1. Athlete Assessment and Reviews

Athletes will undergo baseline assessment for QTS – for the initial intake in 2020 this will be done at the National Track Challenge. The assessment will be reviewed periodically at intervals appropriate for the athlete and program schedule. The evaluation will take into account self-rated and coach-rated criteria, as well as time and data-based measures from training and competition. Athletes will be encouraged to set goals for progression in conjunction with the coaches. The QTS program will require access to individual athlete Training Peaks accounts to provide coaches with visibility of overall athlete training load.

1. Equipment

It is expected that all QTS athletes will supply their own bikes, chainrings, rear cogs and tools. It is essential that this equipment is in good working order and riders are able to change their gears and make basic adjustments to their bikes if required. On occasions riders may be able to access disc wheels, rollers, trainers and other equipment from the High Performance Unit. The availability of equipment will be at the discretion of CQ coaches. This equipment must be treated with respect and returned immediately after use.

1. Fees

QTS athletes will be required to pay a fee of $40 per week, that will be charged as a quarterly term fee. This fee helps meet cost of program delivery. Regional athletes may pay a portion of the fees based on attendance.

Expression of Interest
1. Invitation for Expressions of Interest Form

The Expression of Interest form is attached to these Guidelines.

Invitation for Expressions of Interest

Queensland Track Squad 2020/21

Cycling Queensland (CQ) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from athletes seeking to join the Queensland Track Squad (QTS) in 2020/21. Interested athletes must lodge an EOI to be considered for membership of the QTS.

What is the QTS?

The QTS is a performance-based track cycling squad which provides structured training opportunities and coaching support, with the aim of fostering talent and enabling rider progression to the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) and Cycling Australia’s (CA) High Performance programs. The QTS is based at the Anna Meares Velodrome (AMV) in Brisbane.

Who can apply?

The EOI process is open to residents of Queensland who are financial members of Cycling Australia and members of a registered CQ Club. Eligible age categories are second year Under 17, Under 19 and Elite.

How are athletes selected?

EOIs must be submitted by Thursday 1 October 2020. Late applications may not be considered.

EOIs will be reviewed by a Selection Panel in October 2020. Shortlisted athletes will be interviewed by a QTS coach. Final selections will be made by the Selection Panel and subject to endorsement by the QAS Cycling Head Coach. The Selection Panel’s deliberations are strictly confidential.

How will the QTS operate?

In deciding whether to submit an EOI, athletes should consider the following key operations of the QTS:

a baseline assessment of athletes on entry and periodic reviews will be conducted by a QTS coach
athletes in South East Queensland will attend structured training sessions at the Anna Meares Velodrome each week and periodic clinics
athletes will be expected to exhibit coachability, personal responsibility and respect for other squad members
athletes must supply their own bikes and equipment and pay fees of $250 per quarter.

Personal Details

	Name
	Date of birth
	Gender
	Phone No.
	Email
	Address
	Occupation / Study Details
	If athlete is <18 years Parent/Guardian Name Phone No. Email
	Any other relevant personal information ☐ Confidential

Track Cycling Details

Cycling Australia Member No.
Cycling Club
Years in Track Cycling
Coach Name
Athlete’s Focus Track Events (select all relevant)	☐ Sprint ☐ Team Sprint (Rider No: __) ☐ 500m TT ☐ 1000m TT	☐ Keirin ☐ 2000m IP ☐ 3000m IP ☐ Scratch	☐ Team Pursuit ☐ Points Race ☐ Madison ☐ Omnium
Any other relevant track cycling information ☐ Confidential (if relevant)

Performance History

Top three performances in the last 12 months? (include competition, event, placing and time)
	Performance 1
	Performance 2
	Performance 3
	Highest level of track cycling competition to date
	Any other relevant performance information ☐ Confidential

Skills and Attributes – Athlete to Complete

	Describe your current strength and conditioning program	Provide details of who manages your program, frequency, facility/equipment, goals and recent progress.
How do you rate your technical skills on the bike?		Weak	1	2	3	4	5	Strong
		Provide comments. Examples of technical skills: start in gate, track stand, pacing, hold an aerodynamic position, manoeuvre at slow speeds.
How do you rate your tactical skills in competition?		Weak	1	2	3	4	5		Strong
		Provide comments. Examples of tactical skills: attack from height, hold opponent on hip, move through bunch, execute a set race plan.
How do you rate your equipment knowledge and handling?		Weak	1	2	3	4	5		Strong
		Provide comments. Examples of skills: change gears, wheels and handlebars, basic maintenance.
		Motivation
How do you rate your personal attributes?		Weak	1	2	3	4	5		Strong
		Provide comments.
		Coachability
		Weak	1	2	3	4	5		Strong
		Provide comments.
		Resilience
		Weak	1	2	3	4	5		Strong
		Provide comments.
		Lifestyle management
		Weak	1	2	3	4	5		Strong
		Provide comments.
Any other relevant information ☐ Confidential

Please ask your coach to complete the form on the final page and submit the form with your EOI.

Your Aspirations and the QTS

How will the opportunity to participate in the QTS make a difference to you?

Referee

Personal Referee

Name

Phone No.

Conditions

Process – CQ will conduct the EOI process in a manner it considers suitable and reserves the right to adjust the EOI process; seek additional information from athletes; take into account any information from other sources; and change the terms or conditions applying to the EOI process.

Confidentiality – Information provided by an athlete, coach or referee which is identified as, and reasonably accepted to be, confidential information will be held in confidence, except to the extent that it needs be disclosed by the Selection Panel for the purpose of the EOI process. Athletes also agree to keep confidential any information or comments from the Selection Panel, QTS coaches or CQ which has been identified as confidential.

Privacy – Personal Information has the meaning given in the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld). Personal Information provided by athletes, coaches or referees may be disclosed to the Selection Panel members, QTS coaches and any CQ employees, advisors, contractors and agents, if required in connection with the EOI process.

In submitting an EOI, the athlete:

accepts the conditions of the EOI process; and
acknowledges that if he or she fails to provide the required information or comply with the conditions, CQ may, in its absolute discretion, exclude the athlete from the EOI process or the QTS.

Declaration

I declare that the information provided in this EOI is accurate and complete as at the date on which it is submitted and may be relied on by CQ and the Selection Panel in determining whether or not to offer me an opportunity to join the QTS. I will advise the Selection Panel if any information changes during the EOI process.

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Signature of Athlete

Signature of Guardian (if athlete is <18 years)

Expressions of Interest – Coach Feedback

Queensland Track Squad 2020/21

Your Details

	Athlete’s Name
	Your Name
	Phone No.
	Email
	Years as coach of athlete

Athlete’s Skills and Attributes

Athlete’s performance goals		Please describe the athlete’s performance goals.
Current training program		Please briefly outline the athlete’s current training program, including on and off bike components.
How do you rate the athlete’s technical skills on the bike?		Weak		1		2		3		4		5		Strong
		Provide comments. Examples of technical skills: start in gate, track stand, pacing, hold an aerodynamic position, manoeuvre at slow speeds.
How do you rate the athlete’s tactical skills in competition?		Weak		1		2		3		4		5			Strong
		Provide comments. Examples of tactical skills: attack from height, hold opponent on hip, move through bunch, execute a set race plan
How do you rate the athlete’s equipment knowledge and handling?		Weak		1		2		3		4		5			Strong
		Provide comments. Examples of skills: change gears, wheels and handlebars, basic maintenance.
	Motivation
How do you rate the athlete’s personal attributes?	Weak		1		2		3		4		5		Strong
	Provide comments.
	Coachability
	Weak		1		2		3		4		5		Strong
	Provide comments.
	Resilience
	Weak		1		2		3		4		5		Strong
	Provide comments.
	Lifestyle management
	Weak		1		2		3		4		5		Strong
	Provide comments.
Top three strengths		What would you suggest are the top three strengths of the athlete?
Top three skills/attributes for development		What would you suggest are the top three skills/attributes your athlete should focus on to progress in performance on the track?
Top three lifestyle management strengths?		What would you suggest are the top three non-bike related strengths of the athlete?
Top three lifestyle management skills for development		What would you suggest the top three non-bike, lifestyle management skills the athlete could focus on to help their overall cycling performance?
Is there any other information the QTS should consider? ☐ Confidential

I am supportive of the EOI and declare that this information is accurate, complete and may be relied on by CQ and the Selection Panel in considering whether or not to offer the athlete an opportunity to join the QTS in 2020/21.

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