Easter weekend will be a busy one for the Irish Junior and U23 National Teams with Cycling Ireland fielding entries in Gent Wevelgem U23 and Junior Nations Cup, and the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan in Co. Kerry.
The teams all feature a mix of new names and seasoned young international riders. While Rás Mumhan is a four-day stage race in Ireland running from 25-28 March, the one-day Gent Wevelgem takes place on Easter Sunday, the 27th March.
Speaking ahead of the Nations Cup in Belgium National Junior Coach Frank O’Leary is very encouraged by the depth of talent in the Junior Ranks this season, saying “We have a very talented panel of juniors on the squad this year, and this year’s team is a mix of first and second years, with a good mix of international experience.”
“Each year the junior performances go up another level and exposure at this level is an important step for the development of the squad. This was one of the most difficult selections we have made; the talent of the riders at home is very strong.”
Ireland is fielding a strong U23 team in the Gent Wevelgem Nations Cup, which includes talented youngster Eddie Dunbar alongside Michael O’Loughlin, Sean McKenna, Matthew Teggart, David Montgomery and Angus Fyffe. Rás Mumhan will feature a young team made up of mostly U23 riders along with senior rider Ian Richardson.
Brian Nugent, Technical Director with Cycling Ireland said “It is encouraging to see 17 riders represent Ireland over the Easter period and get a valuable opportunity to develop as riders and gain international experience.”
“Each of the teams have differing goals and are at different stages in their development. The U23 Nations Cup Team will start their campaign for World Championship qualification and this period marks an intense three weeks of racing for them.”
“Rás Mumhan will see a development team where our youngest U23 riders can gain valuable experience under an experienced tutor like David McCann.”
The racing takes place over the Easter Weekend, from the 25-28 March.
GENT WEVELGEM NATIONS CUP 27TH MARCH
Junior Team:
Jake Gray
Luke Smith
Marc Heaney
Robert O’Leary
Tom Knight
Xeno Young
Manager – Frank O’Leary
U23 Team:
Eddie Dunbar
Michael O’Loughlin
Sean McKenna
Matthew Teggart
David Montgomery
Angus Fyffe
Manager – Neil Martin
Rás Mumhan Team:
Ian Richardson
Fintan Ryan
Craig McAuley
Darragh O’Mahony
Chris McGlinchey
Manager – David McCann
