The Oaklands Wolves Cycling Academy provides a comprehensive training and education programme tailored for aspiring competitive cyclists. Based at our St Albans Campus, the academy delivers the facilities, coaching, and support needed to develop both on and off the bike.
With strong partnerships in place and access to high-level resources, riders are prepared for elite competition and potential progression into professional cycling.
Holistic Training Approach: Weekly velodrome sessions, pump track access, dedicated physiotherapy support, tailored strength & conditioning programmes, and academic “Cycling Theory” sessions covering tactics, technique, guest speakers, and video analysis
Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE): An optional qualification delivered in partnership with British Cycling, supporting both performance and personal development
Performance Testing: Routine physiological assessments including VO2 Max and Lactate profiling to benchmark and improve performance
Residential Accommodation: Exclusive on-site living options available for riders based at our St Albans campus
Professional Pathway: Strong links with European and UK domestic teams provide clear routes to professional contracts and further progression within the sport
The Oaklands Wolves Cycling Academy brings together talented cyclists aged 16 to 18, developing their skills, fitness, and potential to become elite senior riders. It’s the only programme of its kind in the UK, attracting top junior cyclists and offering exposure to various cycling disciplines with opportunities to specialise.
The Endurance Academy combines full-time cycling training with further education, giving riders the chance to pursue a cycling career while gaining essential life skills and academic qualifications.
The academy helps riders develop their talents through a strong competitive programme, focusing on leadership, tactical, and physical skills.
The Freeride Academy, established in September 2020, accommodates over 20 riders who train full-time to pursue their passion for freeride mountain biking.
Oaklands College coaching covers fitness, race skills, and technical proficiency, with a focus on developing high-level riders for fun or competition. The programme supports individual ambitions, with access to excellent tracks and local forest trails to aid rider progression.
The weekly schedule for both sides of the academy follows the same structure:
Training takes place in the mornings, with academic study in the afternoons. Wednesdays are dedicated to full-day training, additional sessions, trips, and cycling-related activities such as talks, webinars, and masterclasses with professional riders.
Gym sessions are spread throughout the week, tailored to the needs of Freeriders, BMXers, and endurance riders. Track sprinters and specialists also receive dedicated attention from our strength and conditioning lead coach.
To join the Oaklands Wolves Cycling Academy, you simply need to be enrolled on one of our full-time courses. Once you're part of the programme, you’ll train, compete, and develop alongside like-minded student-athletes.
All academy players are also required to purchase official Oaklands Wolves kit, available through our supplier, KitKing.
Find out more about enrolling
Student accommodation at our St Albans Campus is available for those enrolled in the Oaklands Wolves sport academies. Our aim is to create a safe, supportive community that helps you transition smoothly away from home.
The success of Oaklands Wolves Cycling Academy is evident in our alumni's achievements at international levels. Former student Joe Blackmore shares, “The academy provided me with the tools to grow as a rider while also teaching essential life skills.”
This focus on athletic and personal development prepares our riders for future success both on and off the bike.
Her hard work paid off as she claimed double gold in the 500m Time Trial and Team Sprint at the U23 & Junior European Championships in Anadia, Portugal. In 2024, Parris-Smith secured her first national title by winning the Individual Time Trial at the British Cycling National Track Championships.
Stay up to date with all the latest Cycling news.
Matt Dennis
Endurance Lead Coach
Matthew.Dennis@oaklands.ac.uk
Will Raymond
Freeride Lead Coach
william.raymond@oaklands.ac.uk
If you’re passionate about taking your athletic performance to the next level, Oaklands Wolves Sport Academies are the perfect place to unlock your potential. Offering elite coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and tailored development pathways, we nurture talent across a wide range of sports.
Whether you’re aiming for professional competition or looking to sharpen your skills, our academies provide the guidance and support to help you excel.
Register your interest today and join the wolfpack.