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 The launch coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week in Britain.
Nigel Jones, head of medical services for the British cycling team,
said in a statement that the strategy would focus "on the
development of resilient people through a more psychologically
informed environment."
He added there would be a shift "to a proactive approach of
educating our coaches and support staff to allow for better
understanding, toleration, containment and ultimately decreasing the
prevalence and impact of challenging behaviors and mental distress."
British Cycling was heavily criticized in a 2017 independent review
which identified failings in governance and leadership following
allegations of bullying and sexism.
Cycling is one of Britain’s most successful and heavily funded
sports, enjoying huge success at Olympics and Paralympics.
British Cycling now employs two full-time sports psychologists.
"New athletes joining the program will undergo a mental health
screening and existing program athletes will be screened on a
six-monthly basis, allowing us to identify athletes who are
struggling mentally but may not recognize this themselves," said
Jones.
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"Finally, we will be providing clearly signposted mental health
pathways which enable the athlete to feel comfortable when seeking
help and know the range of options available to them."
Team performance director Stephen Park said British Cycling was
committed to athlete welfare.
"It’s important that we create a culture and environment in which
our athletes feel supported, and one which they want to be a part
of. Psychology plays an integral part in that," he said.
"Our ambition is to top the medal tables once again in Tokyo 2020,
and we now have some solid foundations in place to support our
athletes in achieving our ambitions."
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
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