With just one week completed in the New Year, Cycling Ireland has wasted no time in naming the first national team for 2025, with some new names also included in the mix.
That first Irish team of the tear will compete in the 'Next Generation' track competition in Apeldoorn this weekend; an opportunity to gauge their form, try and win, and also gain invaluable experience at international level.
A total of six riders have been selected, all juniors, including experienced international riders Aliyah Rafferty (Tofauti Everyone Active Majoco) and Rhiannon Dolan (TC Racing Team); the latter having been Ireland's sole representative at the UCI Junior World Track Championships in China last year.
And two of the other names on the team sheet - Max Fitzgerald (JEGG-DJR Academy U19) and Luca Holmes (Spellman Dublin Port) - also having represented Ireland on the track a number of times over the last six months.
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Fitzgerald also claimed a Junior Tour of Ireland stage win last year in the green of Ireland and will be looking to move up another level this year on both road and track.
The new riders in the mix are George Sevastopulo (Sundrive Track Team) and Elliott McKeegan (Madigan CC); two riders who competed very strongly at U16 level in 2024 and are now straight into the Irish junior squad at the first opportunity.
"Both McKeegan and Sevastopulo found success domestically on the road and track and will look to build on this as the head into the junior ranks," Cycling Ireland said.
"The Next Generation competition is one of the most prestigious track events for Junior riders globally, and will give the Irish representatives a chance to test themselves against some of the world’s best."
Racing gets underway on Friday morning and continues on Saturday and Sunday.
