The Emerald Cycling Fund have announced the names of the four young Irish riders it will support in 2018. The selected riders are:
James Curry – VC la Pomme Marseille
Jake Gray – VC Toucy
Ben Walsh – Vitus Pro Cycling Team
Adam Stenson – Speeder Cycling Team
The fund was launched back in 2015 with the aim of helping the next generation of Irish riders become professionals.
In a statement from the Emerald Cycling Fund, they said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Jake, Ben and Adam for the first time and this will be the third year that we support James. We’d like to thank our corporate sponsor Quanta Capital and also Aqua Blue Sport for their support for this year. We wish all those who applied the very best for 2018.”
Last season, James Curry was based in Besancon in France racing in the colours of AC Bisontine. This year, he has made the move to VC la Pomme Marseille where numerous Irish riders have raced including Nicolas Roche, Dan Martin, Philip Deignan and Sam Bennett.
Jake Gray returns to VC Toucy where he raced last season. Gray took numerous top tens in both France and Belgium last season including 3rd at the Critérium de l’Auxois and 4th at Staden.
Adam Stenson also performed very well in Belgium last season, finishing 2nd at Haasdonk and winning at Putte. He has signed for Swiss squad Speeder Cycling Team for 2018.
Ben Walsh rode for NRPT-Titan last season and amongst his best results were 2nd in the Youth Classification at the Trophée Morbihan Juniors where he finished 8th overall.
