Cycling Ireland Youth Programme Applications Open

Cycling Ireland’s international youth programme aims to be the first stepping stone in our development pathway, followed by the Junior Development, under 23 and elite programmes.

In October 2011, sixteen youth cyclists born in the years 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 were selected from 64 applicants to join the inaugural FBD Ireland Talent Team 2020. Cycling Ireland has endeavoured to ensure that all riders work with qualified coaches and CI coaches have given guidance to those without coaches.

Eight riders have progressed to the junior ranks. Retaining these eight promising juniors is itself a mini-victory as many of our top Under 16 riders failed to make the transition to the junior ranks in recent years. The 2012 domestic race results of these first year juniors who have embraced the programme show major improvements. The junior development programme is open-ended, with initial applicants Danny Bruton, Sean Hahessy and Jack Sadler being added to the squad.

A prerequisite of being selected for all Irish cycling teams and squads is a willingness to commit to Cycling Ireland’s development pathway. Any rider who cannot commit long-term will not be considered for selection for any team representing Cycling Ireland.

After our six month review, we are happy to announce that Matthew Teggart of Banbridge Cycling Club has been added to the FBD Ireland Talent Team 2020 following some excellent race results.

Applications are now being sought from male cyclists born in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 who did not apply in October 2011 for vacancies that may arise on the FBD Talent Team 2020 and the National Youth Squad. If an application has already been made, please do not reapply. The closing date for completed applications is Wednesday 4^th of July, 2012. The application form can be downloaded via the link at the top of this page:

The Youth Development Programme is a work in progress with the following occurring in the coming weeks and months:

• A coaching talk by world renowned coach American Andy Sparks (who has guided Martyn Irvine to the Olympic Games).
• Wattbike testing to monitor progress.
• A coaching and skills session (Corkagh Park)
• The Donegal International Youth Tour (2 teams).
• European racing/training camp including Vattenfall Cyclassic in Hamburg .
• An velodrome weekend (location TBC)
• A mountainbike and skills weekend (Tollymore).

Download application form by clicking the link below:

CI Youth Programme Application Form