The Auto-Cycle Union’s High Performance Academy (HPA) motocross programme has moved into a new phase, with coaches now working alongside riders at races in the UK and Europe.
Following the initial selection process and an early assessment camp, the current focus of rider development activities has shifted towards hands-on support at championship rounds, where riders Drew Stock, Lucas Moncrieff and Hayden Statt are receiving guidance in the competitive environment.
ACU Motocross Performance Director Mark Chamberlain and Head Coach Stephen Sword have already attended EMX rounds in Spain, Switzerland and Italy with members of the HPA squad. They’ve also been to the opening rounds of the MXGB series where their work has been supported by five-time British champion, Tommy Searle.
The aim of the HPA programme is to help riders understand the demands of international competition and develop the habits required to compete consistently at a higher level.
“The programme is progressing well and this next phase is really important,” Mark explained. “We’re now spending time with the riders in the race environment, seeing how they operate across an event, and helping them understand the details that can improve performance.”
Rather than focusing purely on speed, the coaching team has concentrated on offering guidance around race preparation, decision-making and maintaining composure under pressure. That includes sharing expertise during track walks, as well as analysing qualifying strategy and helping riders manage their energy and concentration levels more effectively.
“These riders have lots of raw ability already. What we’re trying to do right now is help them understand how top-level racing works away from the track itself. Small details can make a big difference at this level,” Mark explained.
One of the key areas identified during the opening rounds has been qualifying strategy, where riders have been encouraged to approach sessions with greater structure and clarity.
“Sometimes riders end up chasing laps rather than building quality laps,” Mark pointed out. “We’ve been helping them recognise when to reset, regroup and make each effort count. Those are details riders learn over time, and the programme is helping speed up that process.”
The coaching support has also helped build stronger relationships between riders and staff, with Stephen Sword praising the attitude shown by the HPA group during the opening months of the programme.
He said: “They’ve been excellent to work with and are a nice group of lads. They’ve listened, taken information on board and applied it well. That’s exactly what you want to see from young riders who are serious about their sport and want to move up the ranks.”
Drew Stock, an HPA programme member, and one of the rising stars in the 125 class, said: “The knowledge that the coaches bring to the programme is massive because they’ve been around the sport for a while and achieved a lot. I’ve found their help and advice to be beneficial, and I feel like I’m already developing as a rider.
“I’m proud to be selected for the High Performance Academy and I’m grateful to the ACU for this opportunity. Other FIM-approved national federations are running successful rider development programmes and it’s great to be part of the British one.”
Alongside race support, riders have also continued to work individually with Stephen away from race weekends, with further training sessions planned in the coming months.
A big focus will be on rider preparation for Britain’s MXGP event at Foxhills on 18-19 July where the HPA riders will be hoping to perform strongly in front of the home fans.