Performance Analyst - Professional Cycling Team

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a Durban-based professional cycling team to recruit a Performance Analyst. The role emphasizes data-driven insights to optimize training and race strategies across all disciplines.

You will work with coaches and riders handling power, GPS, HR data, and visualization tools, delivering actionable recommendations. Travel to events is expected, supporting world-class athletes in a dynamic cycling ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a quantitative field (Sports Science, Biomechanics, Data Science)
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in performance analysis, preferably in cycling or endurance sports
• Proficiency with data analysis software (R, Python, MATLAB) and statistics; experience with cycling performance tools

Responsibilities

• Collect, manage, and analyze performance data from power meters, GPS, heart rate monitors, physiological testing, and video analysis
• Develop and maintain performance databases and reporting systems
• Interpret complex data sets to identify trends, KPIs and insights for cycling performance
• Provide real-time and post-race/training analysis and strategic recommendations to coaches and riders
• Collaborate with coaches to design, implement, and monitor personalized training plans based on data insights
• Utilize data visualization to present findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Stay current with research and technologies in sports performance analysis and assist in selecting new tracking tools
• Contribute to development of individualized performance improvement strategies for riders
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality across platforms

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Team collaboration

Willingness to travel

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Sports Science/Biometrics/Data Science

Tools

R

Python

MATLAB

Tableau

Power BI

Matplotlib

TrainingPeaks

WKO

Garmin Connect

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized professional cycling team based in Durban , is seeking a highly analytical and data-driven Performance Analyst. This role is crucial in leveraging cutting-edge technology and data to optimize athlete performance, race strategies, and training protocols. You will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting vast amounts of performance data from training and racing across all disciplines. The ideal candidate will have a profound understanding of cycling physiology, biomechanics, and data visualization tools, enabling them to provide actionable insights to coaches, riders, and management. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of sports science within a leading organization in the dynamic KwaZulu-Natal sporting sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, manage, and analyze performance data from various sources, including power meters, GPS, heart rate monitors, physiological testing, and video analysis.
• Develop and maintain performance databases and reporting systems.
• Interpret complex data sets to identify trends, patterns, and key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to cycling performance.
• Provide real-time and post-race/training analysis and strategic recommendations to coaches and riders.
• Collaborate with coaches to design, implement, and monitor personalized training plans based on data insights.
• Utilize data visualization techniques to present findings clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay current with the latest research, technologies, and methodologies in sports performance analysis.
• Assist in the selection and implementation of new performance tracking technologies and software.
• Contribute to the development of individualized performance improvement strategies for each rider.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality across all platforms.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Sports Science, Biomechanics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in performance analysis, preferably within a professional cycling or endurance sports context.
• Proficiency with data analysis software (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB) and statistical techniques.
• Experience with performance monitoring tools and technologies specific to cycling (e.g., TrainingPeaks, WKO, Garmin Connect).
• Strong understanding of cycling physiology, biomechanics, and training principles.
• Excellent data visualization skills (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib).
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to travel with the team for races and training camps as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exciting compensation package, including a competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• The role comes with comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including access to physiotherapy and nutritional support.
• Extensive opportunities for professional development, attending international sports science conferences, and working with world-class athletes are provided.
• This position offers the chance to travel globally with a leading professional team based out of Durban , contributing significantly to athletic success in the KwaZulu-Natal region.