Talent Team Announced At Training Camp In Kilmessan

Cycling Ireland's Talent Team 2016 has been announced with an eight person team named. This initial team will have an initial focus on the Youth Tour of Scotland which takes place in March. The Talent Team was established in 2012 with the aim of educating and developing young riders, with a long term goal of having competitive riders in future Olympic Games.

The five male and three female riders attended a training camp in Kilmessan, Meath on the 23rd January, where they attended an anti-doping presentation hosted by Declan Byrne before participating in a 50km group training spin. Coaches Martin O'Loughlin and Nicola McKeverigan will once again be managing the team, and new Cycling Ireland President Ciaran McKenna was also present for the team launch.

While this team will be focusing on the Scotland stage race, it is anticipated that new riders could join the team later in the season, following recommendations from the various coaches responsible for youth cycling around the country in the Youth Academy. The Youth Academy was set up in 2014 with a focus on developing youth cycling regionally. The first training camp for the Talent Team was hosted by Skane Wheelers with assistance from Dunboyne CC's Norman Shine.

TEAM:

Male Riders:
Aaron Doherty
Adam Ward
Conor Gallagher
Conor Halvey
Mark Smith

Female Riders:
Amanda Gallagher
Maeve Gallagher
Orla Desmond

Coaches:
Martin O'Loughlin
Nicola McKeverigan