Two of Ireland’s best BMX riders have been added to Cycling Ireland's high performance set-up in what is an historic first for the BMX discipline on the island.
BMX racing was effectively relaunched and new life breathed into it just over 10 years ago, with the fruits if that labour now very much in evidence in a vibrant scene and one that now has a very real high performance pathway.
Irish elite champion, Matthew Malone, and junior
Champion, Calvin Dunne, have now joined the new Cycling Ireland BMX Performance
Squad. It will be fully integrated into Cycling Ireland’s high-performance
programme.
Both riders have already attended an induction session at
the Sport Ireland Institute, where they completed physiological and strength
and conditioning testing. The move to include the first two riders in these
high performance structures within cycling, and sport generally in Ireland, is
aimed at raising standards in BMX, which is now an Olympic sport.
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Cycling Ireland national performance Coach, Neill Delahaye, said a whole range of supports would now be available to Malone and Dunne.
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“We are putting a performance system in place that will
enable the athletes to race internationally and get support in the various
performance areas that might benefit them,” he said.
“The structures we put in place today will help develop
current and future generations and show young BMX riders there is a pathway to
European, World and Olympic level.”
Newly appointed BMX National Coach, Jeremy
Hayes, said the development was a “huge step forward” for BMX in
Ireland.
“When you get to that higher level and you’ve done all
the basics, this is when you need that extra support,” he said. “Having access
to the Sport Ireland Institute is fantastic and allows coaches and riders to
monitor their progress and get world-class strength and conditioning support.
This attention to detail will ensure the training program translates into more
power on the bike.
“The main objective for us now is to fill the gap of the
last two years, the riders haven’t been able to do much racing due to Covid-19.
Next year we have a target of getting Matthew to race the elite categories of
the World Championships, which will be held in Glasgow in 2023.
“This will be a huge event because it’s the first time a
series of World Championships across several disciplines will be held at the
same time. Calvin will target progression up to the under 23 categories. We
have every confidence these riders will forge the way ahead and inspire the
next generation of young aspiring riders.”
