Cycling Ireland has decided to send just two juniors to the Worlds. But both of them are proven and have done exceptionally well abroad already this year. Above, Xeno Young on his way to the pursuit silver at the Europeans last month.

Small Irish team for junior World Championships

Cycling Ireland has opted to send just two riders to the Junior World Track Championships.

The team has been announced this evening, just hours before the championships get underway in Italy.

However, while the Irish team may be small in number, it poses a serious threat.

Both riders selected to represent Ireland in Montichiari are proven at this level.

They have already won medals at the European Track Championships this year.

JB Murphy claimed a silver in the elimination race at the Europeans in Portugal last month.

And Xeno Young took silver in the individual pursuit at the same meeting.

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Ireland's JB Murphy receives his medal at the junior Europeans in Portugal.

For Murphy, the Europeans was the first time he had ever ridden on an indoor velodrome.

Since then Young has also finished 11^th in the junior TT at the European Road Championships.

While the Worlds begin tomorrow, the Irish are not in action until Thursday.

JB Murphy – a track, road and cyclocross international – is first into action; in the punishing 10km scratch race.

And on Friday Murphy goes again, this time in the 25km points race.

Also on Friday, Xeno Young goes in the 3km individual pursuit, his speciality discipline.

The Irish campaign concludes on Saturday when Xeno Young rides the omnium; a combination of four events in one day.

He just missed out on a medal in the omnium at the Europeans, placing 4^th.