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Cycling Ireland confirmed nine junior riders selected for the 2023-24 Athlete Development Programme (ADP).
Now in its fifth year, the programme is an evidence-based framework delivered by Cycling Ireland’s High-Performance coaches and performance experts from multiple disciplines.
The benefits from the programme include individual feedback and input on training programmes, physiological testing, educational workshops, consultations with experts in life skills, sports nutrition and sports psychology, in addition to training camps.
After high interest in the programme, a shortlist of applicants took part in an assessment day at the Sport Ireland Institute in Dublin on October 28th, leading to the final selection being confirmed this week.
The ADP is in no way related to Irish national team selections, which have their own set criteria. Participation in the programme will have no bearing or influence on selection for future Irish teams.
Michael Black, Cycling Ireland High Performance Development Coach, said, “This year there has been a significant increase in the volume and quality of the applicants. This is no surprise, as Junior racing across all cycling disciplines has been as competitive as it has ever been. As a result, it’s very difficult to select a small cohort of riders to take forward to the ADP. As part of the overall Junior Development Programme, we want to ensure we can identify, develop and transition potential High-Performance cyclists into the Cycling Ireland’s High-Performance Programme. To achieve this, we need to consistently support a talent development environment underpinned by clear understanding of the needs of the athlete at each stage of the performance pathway.
“This looks different for every athlete and is a long term commitment, where athletes need time to improve and grow. The programme will try to create as many opportunities as possible for riders to develop, support their individual needs, and prepare young athletes to better transition to elite U23 and senior competition.”
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