Expressions of Interest open for European Youth Olympic Festival


Cycling Ireland is now accepting expressions of interest from athletes keen to represent Ireland at the European Youth Olympic Festival, taking place from July 20th-25th in Skopje, North Macedonia, with the Olympic Federation of Ireland expected to publish all sports’ nomination policies in early February.


Cycling Ireland’s role is to nominate athletes to the Olympic Federation of Ireland who in turn select athletes to represent Team Ireland at the Festival, in both road and cross-country mountain bike events.


Team Ireland will take a maximum of three girls and three boys in total for both the road events (three quota places) and mountain bike events (one quota place) subject to the nomination criteria being met. Road events will include both a road race and an individual time trial.


2023 saw three male and three female cyclists represent Team Ireland at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Maribor, Slovenia.


Philip O’Connor, David Gaffney and Conor Murphy all raced for Ireland on the road. Murphy managed to earn a silver medal in the time trial before riding in the cross-country mountain bike event.


Greta Lawless, Kate Murphy and Aliyah Rafferty all took part in the road race and time trial, while Lawless also achieved a top 10 in the cross-country mountain bike event.


Performance Pathway Lead, Michael Black said:

"The publication of the EYOF nomination policy is a key milestone in our preparation for this summer’s European Youth Olympic Festival. This policy provides a clear and structured framework for athletes, coaches, and all stakeholders, outlining the nomination process, selection criteria, and key timelines. Our aim is to ensure transparency and fairness while identifying and supporting the most promising young riders as they take this important step in their development.
Competing at the EYOF is a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to gain invaluable international experience in a multi-sport environment, and we want to ensure that those selected are as prepared as possible to perform at their best. We strongly encourage all eligible athletes to familiarize themselves with the policy, engage fully in the process, and continue striving for excellence as they work towards potential selection for this prestigious event."


CI is keen to stress to all parents of candidate athletes, that they must be on the OFI longlist to be considered for nomination later in the year. To achieve that, it’s imperative that this expression of interest form is completed. CI are unable to consider any athlete for nomination that has not been accepted on the OFI longlist.


Any candidate athletes or parents seeking more information can contact Michael Black – michael.black@cyclingireland.ie


The Expression of Interest form is available here


This expression is open until midnight of Weds 12th February, and regretfully is unable to accept late submissions.