Irish junior team revealed; door open for others who think they’re good enough

Michael O'Loughlin looks like a clear leader of the Irish junior team this year, but there are other very good riders named on the panel and the door is open to more talented teenagers (Photo: Stephen McMahon-Sportsfile)

Cycling Ireland has named a 10-rider Irish junior squad for the 2015 season but has issued an invitation to others who think they are good enough to join the team.

The ten named so far – five male and five female – have already been abroad for a track and road training camp Majorca.

The male riders are: Declan Mulholland, Michael O’Loughlin, Cathal Clarke, Adam Stenson and Jake Gray.

The female riders are: Autumn Collins, Naoise Sheridan, Ciara Doogan, Shenna McGivergan and Amy Good.

One obvious omission from the female squad is Josie Knight, who won a silver medal in the individual pursuit at the European Track Championships last year.

She is now part of the elite track squad and while she will ride major junior championships, her level is so high that her training will be done with the elite women.

Naoise Sheridan has moved from the Neenan Travel 2020 Talent Team to the national junior squad.

Frank O’Leary returns to the fold as the national junior squad coach having enjoyed a very good spell in the job in 2012 and 2013.

He replaces Neil Delahaye, who combined the junior job with coaching the national paracycling squad last year.

Delahaye moves to work exclusively with the paracyclists now, while O'Leary assumes the now separate junior role.

Cycling Ireland said while the initial ten riders in the national junior squad have been selected based on their performances in 2014, it was not a definitive list.

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It will be subject to change following an application process to identify further talented riders.

Cathal Clarke has taken wins at home and abroad and is looking forward to what will hopefully be a very strong season as a second-year junior

Others interested in becoming part of the squad have until this Saturday, February 27th, to complete the application form and submit it to O’Leary.

All of the details required by those interested in applying can be found by clicking here.

Those with ambition and with a proven performance record are invited to apply.

Squad numbers will be very limited and final decisions will be made by a selection panel.

This year’s focus for the junior team will once again be on the track and road, with the goal being to have riders representing Ireland at the European Track and Road Championships, and the World Road Championships.

(This story has been amended to clarify the employment status of the Cycling Ireland staff mentioned. The roles stated in the original draft were incorrect.)