Cycling Ireland
has launched a new programme aimed at helping young road and track cyclists to
develop into elite internationals.
The scheme is
being run on a pilot basis this year with a view to being continued and
expanded.
For this year the
programme is open to riders born in 2002 and 2003; that’s first-year and
second-year juniors.
However, if the pilot works well the upper end of the age profile will be increased, meaning riders up to 20 years could be part of the programme.
With that expansion it is also planned to open the project to the off-road disciplines.
Cycling Ireland is now inviting interested riders to apply for a place on the 'road and track athlete development programme'.
The central aim of the plan is to support talented and committed young riders to develop towards being elite internationals competing for Ireland on the biggest stages.
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“This
programme is focused on developing highly talented road and track cyclists who
have the potential to compete at the highest level of our sport, achieving medal success at world and
Olympic level,” Cycling Ireland said.
“Being piloted in 2020 the programme will prepare athletes for competition at the senior elite level.
"Supported riders will be guided in their training and preparations, partake in a series of educational seminars, testing and training workshops.
“The
programme is managed by Cycling
Ireland’s junior international coaches with riders receiving additional
guidance from relevant sports performance specialists.”
Stickybottle
understands former international rider Paul Doyle, who was very successful on
road and track during his racing days, has taken a role in the programme.
Doyle, who is
from Dublin and was a multiple Irish track and road champion at elite level,
will help guide the project in cooperation with the Cycling Ireland junior
international coaches.
The criteria
cyclists must meet are listed by Cycling Ireland as follows:
- Athletes born in the years 2002/2003
- Desire to work towards being an elite cyclist
- Male and Female athletes
- Road and track cyclists
- Previous competition experience is preferable
- In good physical health
- A commitment to continuously improve themselves
- Available for regular seminars and training workshops
The scheme is open to all track and road riders who will race as juniors this year and they are asked to register their expression of interest by following this link.
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