EvoPro Racing, the Irish Continental team with a base in Belgium, is set to launch a development academy with Cycling Ireland next year.
The very welcome project aims to create a pathway to European pro racing for young Irish riders who are showing potential.
Selected riders will effectively be placed into the EvoPro Racing set-up in Belgium, using it as a training and racing base and where they will enjoy all the supports the team has to offer.
The riders will also get the chance to be called up to the EvoPro Racing team for pro races in Europe and would also be available for national team selection. Another part of the deal will see national teams using EvoPro Racing's vehicles, service course and other resources when they are riding for Ireland.
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The move comes just months after stickybottle interviewed EvoPro Racing co-founder Morgan Fox, who was very critical of the lack of interest Cycling Ireland showed in the team.
In his interview - which you can read by following this link - Fox said he felt his team had a lot to offer the Irish cycling scene and yet it was being overlooked by Cycling Ireland. He also believed the Irish track high performance set-up would be better placing its endurance riders in UCI road teams rather than having a track base for training in Mallorca.
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Fox's remarks seem to have had the desired impact, with his team now set to embark on the first steps in a relationship with Cycling Ireland. For its part, the national governing body seems to have responded to the fact many experienced figures in Irish road racing supported Fox's comments.
Cycling Ireland said today the new "Rider Development Academy" would operate next year in partnership with EvoPro Racing.
"The academy will serve as a pathway for talented Irish riders to progress from top level domestic competition to European continental racing," it said in a statement.
"Selected academy riders, male and female, will be provided with extensive supports including accommodation at the EvoPro Racing base in Belgium, equipment, meals, training, and race support.
"Subject to meeting performance criteria academy riders may be called up to the EvoPro Racing team and will be available for Cycling Ireland national team selection.
"The agreement will also see greater collaboration between Cycling Ireland and EvoPro Racing with Irish riders and teams utilising the EvoPro Racing service course and support network where appropriate."
