Performance Cycling

Loughborough University offers an exceptional opportunity for cyclists and para-cyclists to pursue elite performance while earning a prestigious degree.

Loughborough Cycling Academy (LCA)

The Loughborough Cycling Academy provides a dedicated pathway for talented riders to combine academic success with high-performance cycling. Whether your goal is to race professionally or push your limits, LCA offers the coaching, facilities, and support to help you succeed, on and off the bike.

With a performance-driven, athlete-focused approach, every rider is supported by a team of experts across disciplines, ensuring a fully integrated training and development experience. Our campus fosters a strong team culture, where athletes train and grow together in a high-performance environment.

Development Squads – Endurance and Sprint

Our Development Squads bridge the gap between the Athletic Union Cycling Club and the Loughborough Cycling Academy.

Led by students and supported with coaching and strength and conditioning sessions, these squads are designed to help you build the foundations for elite cycling. Riders who excel may be invited to LCA sessions and could progress into the Academy squad. 

Loughborough Lightning

Loughborough Lightning, our elite women’s development team is based here at the university. 

Competing at the top level of UK domestic cycling, including the National Road Series, Circuit Series, and selected UCI events, Lightning provides a high-level platform for riders aiming to break into the international scene.

A cyclist in a purple racing suit and white helmet rides a black track bike on an indoor velodrome.

Para-Cycling

Para cyclists are integrated into our Performance Programme across all of the cycling disciplines.  Coaching and performance benefits are delivered by our coach, Max Holgate, and athletes benefit from the expertise of our support staff as well as having access to our cycling performance centre for indoor training.

Benefits

15 – 25 hours during a typical week
2 weekly tailored strength and conditioning sessions at Powerbase Gym (endurance squad)
4-5 weekly tailored strength and conditioning sessions at Powerbase Gym (sprint squad)
Run sessions at Leicester Cycle Circuit and Derby Velodrome
Technical sessions
Group rides
BikeFit and aerodynamics
Comprehensive Performance Support, including access to physiotherapy, nutrition, psychology, physiology, and more
Performance Lifestyle support to help you balance elite sport with academic success
Scholarship opportunities for athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent and commitment
A photograph of Loughborough Sport cyclist Eva Callinan

The team at Loughborough truly is world class. I’ve never failed to feel supported on and off the bike and it’s not only made me a better cyclist but a better person all around.

Eva Callinan
BSc Computer and Management

Coaching staff

David Nichols

Dr Dave Nicholls

PhD Programme Manager and Lightning Team Manager

Dave has formerly raced at international level and has worked as a coach and sport scientist within the World Tour. He has a PhD in environmental exercise physiology, specialising in the use of heat and altitude to enhance cycling performance.

Paddy Harrison

Paddy Harrison

Track Coach

Paddy works across the endurance squad and Lightning race team. He is currently completing a PhD examining the physiological adaptations to training volume and intensity.

A photograph of Hayden Allen

Dr Hayden Allen

PhD Endurance Coach

An expert in exercise physiology and performance, having previously worked with the British Paralympic cycling team.

Prospective students

If you are thinking about studying at Loughborough University and joining the Loughborough Cycling Academy, please register your interest.

If you have received an offer to study at Loughborough University at undergraduate, post-graduate or PhD level, or affiliated degree at Loughborough College, or are re-applying, you can apply now.

Non-students applying for the Lightning race team should so directly through the Loughborough Lightning Application Form.

The application forms are regularly monitored and someone from the cycling programme will respond to you as soon as possible.