Cycling Ireland has announced the establishment of a new High Performance Sub-Committee. This committee will act in an advisory capacity to the Cycling Ireland High Performance Programme, ensuring that it remains aligned to the Cycling Ireland Strategy which was launched at the end of 2014.

Representatives from each of the disciplines will make up the committee, which also includes a member of the Board of Cycling Ireland, John Horgan.

The Cycling Ireland High Performance system has evolved and expanded in the past four year cycle and has delivered success at the highest level across Paracycling, Track and Road disciplines and at every level from youth to elite in both men and women’s cycling.

With that success, Cycling Ireland feel it is now time to consolidate the established programmes and expand into more disciplines, particularly BMX and Off-road cycling, with a focus on transitioning into the next Olympic cycle.

Cycling Ireland Technical Director Brian Nugent welcomes the development. “This is a much needed development as the rate of growth has been tremendous over the past four year cycle,” says Nugent. “This will bring our NGB into line with all the other successful NGBs worldwide and here in Ireland.”

“It’s very important to bring together an independent group that each have extensive expertise in their own area. This will only strengthen our system going forward and push it to new levels.”

John Horgan will be the representative from the Cycling Ireland Board of Directors. Horgan believes this is a positive move forward: “It’s great to have the assistance of such experienced and knowledgeable people. With their input Cycling Ireland can continue to progress across all disciplines enabling our athletes to fulfil their potential.”

Olympian Robin Seymour will be assisting in the development of the off-road programme to include Cross Country and Downhill Mountain Biking, along with Cyclo-cross.

Former international road cyclist Aidan Duff will be assisting with the development of a road programme for junior and U23 athletes, along with offering assistance to senior road racers where required.

Former international track cyclist Stephen Barrett will also be on the committee, offering his expertise as a Sports Scientist. Barrett holds an MSc in Exercise Physiology and is a lecturer and researcher at Waterford Institute of Technology. Further names may be included on this committee over the coming months.

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