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Building on the success of last year, this enhanced initiative seeks to identify, select, support, and transition Ireland’s most talented junior cyclists into elite senior training environments, equipping them with the tools they need to reach their full sporting potential. The Performance Pathway Programme serves as the overarching framework for talent development within Cycling Ireland. The Performance Pathway Plan will be launched in the coming weeks.
A crucial element of this programme is the Performance Pathway Squad. The squad is comprised of a select group of riders who will be identified and chosen through a rigorous selection process.
While the programme encompasses a wide range of support, education, and development opportunities for all athletes, the Performance Pathway Squad represents the pinnacle of this pathway, consisting of the most promising riders who are primed for high-performance success. This select group will receive intensive support and tailored development, ensuring they have the tools to become Ireland’s next generation of elite cyclists.
Ambition for the Future of Irish Cycling
Our Performance Pathway Programme is grounded in a comprehensive and targeted approach to talent identification and development. It is designed to uncover Ireland’s brightest cycling prospects and provide them with the resources and expertise to excel on the international stage. We are committed to building a world-class performance pathway that not only identifies high-potential athletes but also ensures their continued development through structured support and expert guidance.
This programme is a critical step in Ireland’s ambition to nurture future Olympic competitors and world-class cyclists. It will enable junior athletes to seamlessly transition into senior-level environments, where they can continue to grow and thrive in their sporting careers.
Transition to Elite Senior Levels
The transition from junior to elite senior levels is pivotal in the career of any athlete. The Performance Pathway Programme has been specifically designed to guide athletes through this challenging phase, providing them with the necessary skills, support structures, and opportunities to succeed at the highest levels. By fostering an environment of excellence, the programme will ensure that our athletes are technically, physically, and mentally prepared to compete on the global stage.
The Performance Pathway Squad will be a select group of riders chosen through this application process, with the goal of shaping them into Ireland's next Olympic cyclists. The Squad will form a short list of riders with a key focus on developing the skills, race tactics and the physiological and physiological attributes required to manage the high demands of racing.
What We’re Looking For
Cycling Ireland is seeking talented athletes with the following qualities:
1. Skilful Riders Across Multiple Disciplines: Athletes must demonstrate proficiency across cycling disciplines and possess a strong willingness to learn and master the fundamentals.
2. Proven Top Competitors: Applicants should have excelled at the national level and represented their region, club, or team internationally.
3. Team Players with Strong Work Ethic: We are looking for riders who thrive in team environments and are committed to hard work.
4. Open to Coaching and Development: Athletes must be receptive to advice from Cycling Ireland coaches and support staff, demonstrating a desire for continuous improvement.
What the Programme Will Provide
The Performance Pathway Programme offers a robust, athlete-centred development framework designed to nurture talent from the junior ranks to elite competition. Key elements of the programme include:
1. A Comprehensive Talent Development System: Delivered consistently, this system focuses on meeting the athlete’s needs at every stage of their development, ensuring technical, physical, and mental readiness for global competition.
2. Support Structures and Opportunities: We provide a network of support to maximize athletic potential and guide athletes toward elite-level performance.
3. Skills and Race Tactics: Training and development will focus on honing the skills and race tactics needed to succeed at international competitions.
4. Off-Bike Fundamentals: The programme will also emphasize the importance of off-bike activities, including nutrition, strength and conditioning, and sports psychology.
5. Expert Coaching and Sports Medicine: Athletes will receive coaching from a highly experienced team, along with access to sports medicine support, including strength and conditioning, nutrition, and physiology.
6. Structured Race Plan: Athletes will follow a race plan designed to maximize their exposure to international competition and big-bunch racing environments.
Programme Structure
The Performance Pathway Programme will officially commence in late November 2024 and run through 2025. It will include a blend of remote coaching, online educational workshops, and in-person camps, all managed by experienced coaches and support staff from Cycling Ireland and Sport Ireland Institute. This programme will provide athletes with a balanced, structured environment in which they can grow, learn, and compete at the highest level.
How to Apply
Athletes who meet the criteria and are eager to be part of Ireland’s next generation of high-performance cyclists are encouraged to apply through the following SurveyMonkey link. Applications will be open until 5th November at 4pm with successful applicants notified in the following two weeks.
Join the Journey to Olympic Glory!
The Performance Pathway Programme is the first step in shaping the future of Irish cycling. We invite all talented and ambitious cyclists to apply and be part of a world-class programme designed to develop Olympic-calibre athletes.
Applications are welcome from male and female cyclists across disciplines. While considerable resources of the programme will consist of concentrated work with a small core group of athletes, other educational inputs will be available to all applicants.
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Please note that this programme is in no way related to Irish national team selections, which have their own set criteria. Participation in the programme will not prejudice national team selection.