British Cycling announce Helen Scott as men’s sprint podium potential coach

British Cycling has announced that Helen Scott has been appointed to the role of Men’s Sprint Podium Potential Coach for the Great Britain Cycling Team, replacing Justin Grace in the role.

Scott has been part of the GBCT coaching team since May 2022, following her retirement from the programme after over 10 years as a para-tandem pilot. Scott was herself on the GBCT Podium Potential programme for two years, before moving to the Paralympic programme in 2010.

Having initially gained her coaching qualifications while competing, Scott has since been instrumental in the development of future Paralympians and has coached breakout riders such as Archie Atkinson and Lizzi Jordan to their first world titles.

Great Britain Cycling Team Performance Director, Stephen Park CBE, said: “Since joining the coaching staff
as Paralympic Foundation Coach, Scottie has been a valued member of the team and has had an incredibly positive impact on her athletes, inspiring a supportive and highly-motivated culture and providing a platform for her riders to deliver exceptional performances.

“Helen’s move to Podium Potential coach is a positive reflection on the work we’ve done to transition riders into coaching roles, as well as supporting the next generation of female coaches and I am keen to see how she applies the skills and experience she has developed with the Paralympic Foundation Squad to the next step of her coaching career.”

On the new role, Helen Scott said: “I’m so excited to be taking on the role of Men’s Podium Potential Sprint Coach. This stage of the pathway is so important to me, and I hope I can deliver a highly motivating and progressive programme to give my riders the richest experience both on and off the bike.

“Though I’m sad that my time as Paralympic Foundation Coach has come to an end, I move forward with all of the joy and learnings that role and my athletes gave me, and I look forward to continuing my coaching journey with a new group of talented athletes.”

Scott will travel with the sprint team to Hong Kong for the UCI Tissot Track Nations Cup, before taking over the Men’s Sprint Podium Potential coach role full-time on 26th March.

Image credit: Will Palmer/SWpix.com – 02/08/2023 – Para Track Cycling – 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships – Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Glasgow, Scotland – Para Track Qualifying – Men C4 Individual Pursuit – Archie Atkinson of Great Britain