Media releases

Researchers will use this week’s Federation University Road National Championships to gain a better insight into coaching strategy and why coaches make certain decisions during major cycling events.

The researchers from Federation University’s School of Science, Psychology and Sport will interview coaches and riders during the five-day event, which brings some of the world’s elite athletes to Ballarat.

The project will look at how factors other than physical fitness determine the outcome of a race and will examine the communication between coach and rider as a race unfolds.

It’s hoped the research will help inform future coach and athlete education in cycling and other sports.

The Federation University Road National Championships will be held on 3-7 February and for the second year, Federation’s Mt Helen Campus will host the time trial on 3-4 February.

As Part of the Road National Championships, Federation University lecturers will take part in an online cycling-focused conference. Session times and more information can be found here.

Federation has a world-class reputation for sports science programs, with its Department of Sport Science last year jumping into the top 100 of the Global Ranking of Sport Science schools and departments as assessed by the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).

Federation’s extended collaboration with AusCycling will see the university host training camps for elite cyclists, run athlete testing and talent identification, and work with AusCycling to explore potential education programs with a focus on coaching.

The partnership will also provide work placement and internship opportunities with AusCycling for Federation’s students across many discipline areas.

Quotes attributable to Federation University senior lecturer, Dr Scott Talpey

“The Federation University Road National Championships provides great access to some of the best cyclists and coaches in the world of cycling.”

“We see this research project as a great way to gain further insight to the strategies and tactics used by cycling teams – something clearly understood by coaches and athletes but less so by many amateur athletes and cycling fans.”

Quotes attributable to Federation University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Professor Chris Hutchison

“As a regional University it is important that our research seeks to engage with a contribute to communities. The focus of this research does just that and will serve a sport in which Australia is world leading.”

“Federation University is currently ranked in the top 100 in the world for Sports and Exercise Sciences. This type of applied research will help to maintain this important ranking.”