Derby Accreditation.

After a very positive and engaging coach for my stage 1 accreditation at Derby, things were turned on their heads at last nights stage 2 session.
Basically he failed the entire group siting pacing issues across the board.
Better than that, his announcement came during a break half way through the session.
The individual feedback I'd experienced in stage 1 was none existent.

He then went on to invite us to attend more Stage 1 sessions (already passed).

I now have a 4 week wait until I can take it again (I had a six week wait for this last one!)

Just to add, there were no spills or near misses.

Disappointing.

But, was the pacing bad?

The pacing was as usual in a mixed abilities group, a little up and down.
One of the other coaches was out there pacing the session at times!!

The only guy who passed was done so on the basis that he'd failed a previous stage 2 session.
From the outset we were given the impression we'd probably not pass as the dangers of stage 3 were beyond our comprehension.

Just to add, I'm a tester so pacing is quite natural for me.

Its an accreditation. You shouldn't expect to pass.
I've found them nothing but respectful and proper.
After all- their job is not to pass you unless they feel confident that you are actually capable, and whatever they saw didn't meet the criteria.
Its not like they want to fail people- considering the cost- they want more use, but it can't be done without proper assessment.
That last comment is a joke right?
A time trial- being on your own, a track setting requiring a good understanding group dynamics, totally the same thing....

No, no joke. I know how to pace. As with these groups though, you're at the mercy of others so maintaining the right gaps is important. I get that. I've been in or around racing all my life. I do have some understanding.

I was never under the impression that just attending should warrant a pass. Far from it.
I just found it odd that the "group" failed in what is supposed to be an individual assessment (as per their tick box paperwork).

At HHV there are people who should never have passed accreditation. Maybe Derby is just more cautious.

There were definitely a couple who clearly needed more time on bikes in general. One guy admitted it was only his 2nd go on any bike with dropped handlebars!
I can understand their caution and as a new set up maybe they're being a little too stringent perhaps.

I think the problem is inherent in group accreditation to be honest. If you're competent, but surrounded by total numpties, then you come across as a total numpty as well. I failed level 2 at Lee Valley because two muppets at the head of the pack decided to try taking the banking at walking pace and caused a massive pile up, so we didn't finish doing everything we needed to in order to complete the accreditation process. Just one of those things you have to accept as part of life's rich tapestry and move on, I think.

Re-took stage 2 a coupe of weeks ago. much more engaging and positive coach and a really good group. It went like clockwork.