Talent ID Testing Update

This summer Cycling Ireland launched a Talent Transfer programme which was run in conjunction with both sports councils. This programme is aimed at identifying and developing talented male and female riders in preparation for high performance competition and potentially the 2012 Olympic Games. The successful launch attracted more than 70 applications within a few weeks from a variety of different sporting backgrounds. These applications were screened down to 35 people who were tested in regional centers during late September. From these 35 people 15 were selected based on their test results to move on to the second stage. They will now follow a six week training programme after which they will be re-tested to monitor their progress.

The Cycling Ireland Talent Identification programme for its own members is going to run in union with the Talent Transfer programme with a view to producing one a single elite high performance squad. The Cycling Ireland Talent Identification programme will be rolled out in a similar manner with regional test centers following the same test protocol using BT units. The Cycling Ireland members who come through the talent testing screening will join up with the successful people from the talent transfer programme in the New Year. This single group will then follow a high performance plan based on training camps and competitive events.

Applications forms for Cycling Ireland members who wish to be tested can be found under the general section within the key download area of the Cycling Ireland website. Applications will be accepted up till November 5th with testing planned for the weekend of Nov 15/16th in three regional locations. It is not expected that all applicants will be tested at this stage. An initial screening will take place so as to ensure that manageable numbers of riders are tested over the one weekend. A separate testing cycle will be conducted in 2009 with a view to identifying people for developmental squads.

Tommy Evans
Cycling Ireland.
 
Form can be downloaded from Cycling ireland website or by following link below.

Click here