Richard Shepherd who is in Freetown to train trainers to become level two coaches in cycling sports has disclosed to Awoko Sports that he has served as a coach for 15 years.
During the period he said he served as a national coach to the British Cycling team and Union Cycling International (UCI). He said that he has been a cyclist for 20 years, participating in regional competition with an admirable physical structure.
Cyclist Richard said that this is his first visit to Sierra Leone in an effort to train trainers to become coaches. He said he has also visited other countries in Africa and Europe on a conducted tour. After he would have returned home, he said, he will be working with the Scottish Cycling team and UCI to train more trainers to become coaches.
Richard Shepherd the course expert with one of the participate Arnold Bangura during the practical session
Richard Shepherd further noted that he is expecting high-level of participation of those who are undergoing the cycling course, and to pay more attention. Through that he will be able to impact new skills and techniques.
When asked about his perception about cycling sport in Sierra Leone, he said that cycling requires commitment and dedication which is mostly lacking in cyclists today. “This is the only means through which cyclists will be able to achieve their aims and objectives” he said.
Upon commencement of the training Richard started off with the basic of cycling grab the trainees understanding about the basics of cycling.
He also stated that one can be a good coach without being a super rider, and coaches need to have a good rapport with the cyclists in the period of training.
Moreover, he said, respect must be the bye-word among colleagues and even the coach and allow honesty to be part of you in all your days as cyclists.
He appealed to the coaches to exercise patience as “one cannot have a super star rider over night and it requires rigorous training and perseverance” he noted.
He urged the cyclists saying that “for one to be successful one needs to have confidence in the coach or coaches assign to you”
The president of the association Winston D C Crowther said that the 10 days coaching course will be divided into theory and practical sessions in which those who will be participating in the course will be tested at the end of the day before they are certified.