Cycling Ireland 'junior development' riders and U23s meet for first event

*The Cycling Ireland athlete development group - made up of junior riders - and some of Ireland's top U23s were at the event at the Sport Ireland Institute at the weekend*

Cycling Ireland last month announced the riders - list below - that will make up its 'athlete development programme' this year and the group met for the first time, at the Sport Ireland Institute, over the weekend.

Cycling Ireland head coach, Neill Delahaye, said the event "gave us a chance to bring together a wider group of some of our most talented" young riders, with some of Ireland's top U23s also spending the day with the juniors who make up the 'athlete development programme'.

"It is very encouraging to see the level these young riders are already at and how positively they are engaging with the support structures being put in place for them," Delahaye said. "The opportunity for peer-to-peer learning on these days is very valuable.

"Combined with the professional support offered by Sport Ireland and Cycling Ireland, we believe the impact will be very beneficial in the continued development of the riders in the coming months and years. We'd like to thank the Sport Ireland Institute for their support in hosting the training day as well as all the coaches who took part and lent their expertise."

Related News

Lara Gillespie attacks Dolomite stage as Giro hits high mountains

Video - Ireland's Meehan climbs with best on brutal Alpine terrain

Cycling Ireland said the day was also used as an engagement opportunity for developing U23 riders and gave "both groups the opportunity to mix, train together and learn from each other with support from Cycling Ireland coaching staff and Sport Ireland support staff".

The development programme riders underwent off-bike testing and a strength and conditioning session with John Duggan at the Sport Ireland Institute on Sunday morning before going on a group ride.

The junior and U23 groups also attended an afternoon workshop by Sport Ireland Institute’s Jessie Barr and Eoin Rheinisch. That focused on aspects of sports psychology and dual career education.

The 10 riders on the development programme will receive a range of supports from the national governing body with a view to developing their abilities as they progress through the sport. It includes individual feedback and input on training programmes, physiological testing, educational workshops, consultations with experts in life skills, sports nutrition and sports psychology, in addition to training camps.