Our coaches Wilson Sandoval and Jhon Maldonado, certified in Level 3 UCI
With immense joy we celebrate the achievement of Wilson Sandoval, the Team FUN Technical Director and Coach and Jhon Fredy Maldonado, the Technical Assistant. They were licensed as Technical Directors Level 3 ICU. Congratulations!
This certification, granted by the National School of Cycling Trainers of Spain and the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation, was endorsed by the Colombian Cycling Federation. This certification is a very important achievement for the professional development of Wilson and Jhon Freddy and therefore is a source of pride for us at the Esteban Chaves Foundation as well. One of our objectives is to support the professional development of our staff, given that they are a critical factor in the personal and professional development of the young cyclists in the team.
Leadership and appetite for learning
Wilson Sandoval was born in Bogotá and has a degree in physical education from the National Pedagogical University. 5 years ago, Jairo Chaves, Esteban’s father, invited Wilson to be part of FUN and together, they started to shape the dream of the Chaves family to create a youth team based on the values and attributes represented by the «Chavito».
His career as a coach began in 1990, when the Colombia’s cycling was represented by ‘Los escarabajos’ and they conquered the world.
For Wilson, it’s enriching to be in constant learning, by confirming or adjusting current practices and acquiring new knowledge applicable to the sports group. «This achievement allows me to project myself in this beautiful sport and keep looking to accomplish my dreams,» said Wilson. He was a cyclist from 1983 to 1991 and participated in the Postobón regional program, the national track championships and multiple road races. Level 3 is the highest certification for cycling coaches and it is the first step to get into the big leagues. «I have always wanted to train and learn. My goal is to complete a series of courses and certifications offered by the ICU and being at the World Tour Group level”, expressed.
Present and future
With 22 years, Jhon Fredy Maldonado studies sports training at the Cenda University Corporation in Bogotá. As a child he fell in love with cycling and full of desire, began to ride. During his youth career he represented Club Monserrate. There, his coach was Wilson Sandoval, who would become his mentor. He was district youth road champion and district U-23 road champion.
Additionally, as an amateur, he participated in two Vueltas de la Juventud and three National Championships. Before he retired and joined FUN, he ran 2017 edition of Vuelta a Colombia.
Jhon is one of the youngest coaches to take the course and said: «I’m very happy. This certification is very important to me. During this journey I had the possibility to learn a lot about the management of athletes and their physical preparation, but especially about the administration of a cycling team.» Thanks to his experience as a cyclist and as a developing professional coach, this bogotanian was able to register and pass the Level 3. «Growing up, at the same time as FUN develops, makes me glad. Every day I want to keep growing and be better. My dream is to continue training and reach an international cycling team”, he concluded.
📷 Credits photos
Open article: @thebreakaway.co
Section article: @Rubio_Buitrago