Stretford Grammar School recently hosted a high-energy event as British Cycling coaches visited the school on November 26th, 2025, to conduct a Talent Identification Test with 52 enthusiastic Year 8 girls. The primary objective of the session was to specifically test the students' explosive power in the legs, identifying potential future stars for the national cycling programme.

The assessment was broken into two challenging parts. The initial test involved a standing two-footed jump to measure raw vertical and horizontal power, where some of the girls achieved impressive distances of over two metres! This was followed by the cycling phase, which included a rapid six-second cycling sprint to gauge acceleration, and a gruelling thirty-second race to measure sustained high-power output. The event made excellent use of technology; each girl could track her performance and position in real-time, viewing her race data on an iPad attached to her own bicycle and simultaneously on a connected TV screen.

The girls thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity, embracing the challenge and the unique nature of the professional testing environment. Those who successfully progress through this initial phase will receive a coveted invitation to complete an exciting 8–10-week development course at the prestigious Manchester Velodrome, under the guidance of British Cycling coaches.

“The level of enthusiasm and power displayed by our Year 8 cohort was truly exceptional,” commented Miss Worswick, PE Teacher. “It’s been a fantastic opportunity for the girls to experience professional-level talent identification. The integration of technology made the session incredibly engaging, and regardless of the outcome, the girls now know their true athletic potential. We are all eagerly awaiting the results!”