If the words ‘reality TV’ usually see you diving for the remote, perhaps this might change your mind.
The Coach UK Auditions Open from Henry Nixon on Vimeo.
The BIKE channel are importing a popular Italian format detailing the lifestyle and training regimes of the pro peloton. The fun bit? They are looking for a pair of typical club riders to be their guinea pigs, and are holding open auditions to find them.
After pairing with either Rob Hayles or Brian Smith, two contenders picked from the open auditions will train and eventually compete for the title of BIKE Channel’s first ever winner of The Coach, with the Final taking place in front of fans and thousands of participants at a prestigious sportive.
The winner will become BIKE Channel’s first UK Ambassador, receive full kit sponsorship including bike, and will have further opportunities to showcase their on-air personality at other sportives throughout the season. A lifelong career commentating the TDF after the show seems unlikely, but you never know.
The Coach will give viewers an insight into what it really takes to become a pro cyclist. The series follows the competitors through intense training, detailed nutrition plans and race-winning tactics. By the time they go head to head in the final sportive, fans will have had an intimate insight into the many highs and lows of professional training.
Details on how to enter haven’t been posted yet, but they are expected to come soon. Keep an eye on Twitter and Facebook if you think you might be up to it.
After attempting to win a KOM on my commute this morning, failing, and ultimately rolling in 15 minutes late, I’ll be ruling myself out this year.
Rob Hayles
Coach number one will be former British pro track and road racing cyclist Rob Hayles, who is central to British Cycling’s success and has played an integral role in the sport over two decades. With teammates including Sir Bradley Wiggins and Steve Cummings, Hayles was part of the team pursuit squads which won Silver at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and Gold at the 2005 World Championships in Los Angeles.
Brian Smith
Facing off against team Hayles will be two-time British road race champion and former Dimension Data team manager, Brian Smith, who brings insurmountable expertise and coaching experience to the fore. Smith knows the determination and sacrifice it takes to win at the highest level, having worked with champion riders including Mark Cavendish and Edvald Boasson-Hagen on the way to managing his team to WorldTour status.
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