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The coaching workshop with Damien Ethalon brought valuable experience

Article author

Martin Barabáš

Published

Feb. 14, 2025

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1 min.

Trenérský workshop s Damienem Ethalonem přinesl cenné zkušenosti
EN

On the weekend of January 25-26, 2025, a coaching workshop organized by the BMX Commission of the Czech Cycling Association took place in Prague. Led by French coach Damien Ethalon, Saturday's training focused on off-season preparation and analysis of starts, while Sunday's session was dedicated to coaches and team managers. It was discussed about the compilation of training plans, the development of technical skills and the mental preparation of riders. The next workshop will take place on February 23, 2025 and will focus on mental coaching and peak BMX training.

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On the weekend of January 25 and 26, 2025, the second coaching workshop organized by the BMX Commission of the Czech Cycling Association took place in Prague. The main guest was the French coach and former elite racer Damien Ethalon, who shared his rich experience in training riders. Saturday's program included two training sessions, each designed for a specific age group of selected riders. Due to the bad weather, training took place in the hall of the Czech Cycling Association in Motola, where the riders focused on preparation outside the main season, starts and their detailed analysis.

Sunday was devoted to a theoretical workshop for trainers and managers of BMX teams. Key topics were discussed, such as drawing up training plans, selecting riders for training groups, developing technical skills and mental preparation. Damien Ethalon emphasized the importance of technique development especially in childhood and the need for constant improvement of riding skills. He emphasized enough time spent on the bike and training in the form of play, both on and off the bicross track. You can watch the recording of Sunday's lecture and discussion on the official YouTube channel of the BMX Commission - here. This successful workshop was not the last of its kind.

Already on February 23, 2025, another meeting will take place, where mental coach Jakub Vopálka, specializing in the psychological preparation of young athletes, will share his experience. The second guest will be Lukáš Tamme, chairman of the BMX Commission, who will share his knowledge from top training. The workshops thus continue to contribute to the development of the coaching and racing level of Czech BMX. More detailed information about the third coaching workshop will be distributed through the managers of the individual teams.