Performance Pathway Programme Applications for 2026 Open
Cycling Ireland is pleased to announce the launch of the 2025/26 Performance Pathway Programme (PPP), now entering its seventh year. This initiative continues to build on the foundations laid by the Athlete Development Programme (ADP), evolving into a nationally recognised system for identifying and developing Ireland’s most promising young cyclists.
The PPP has helped shape the careers of riders who have gone on to represent Ireland at international level, offering a structured and supportive environment for junior athletes to grow in their chosen discipline.
This year’s programme also marks a key step in aligning with Cycling Ireland’s High Performance Pathway Strategy 2025 - 2028, which sets out a long-term vision to build a sustainable, world-class system that nurtures talent and supports athletes on their journey to elite competition. The PPP plays a central role in delivering Cycling Ireland’s High Performance Pathway Strategy by focusing on athlete-centred development. It provides the coaching, education, and experiences needed to build a system that supports riders in their long-term progression toward elite-level sport.
A New Phase of Integration and Coaching
For 2025/26, the PPP introduces a fully in-house coaching model, with all riders coached directly by Cycling Ireland staff. This change ensures greater alignment across:
· Race calendars
· Training plans
· PPP workshops
· Educational commitments
By centralising coaching, the programme can better coordinate athlete preparation, ensuring riders arrive at key events in peak condition and with the support of a unified coaching team.
Developing Stronger Cyclists and Capable Individuals
The Performance Pathway Programme is designed to help riders become faster, stronger, and more prepared for the demands of high-performance cycling. But it also goes further, educating athletes on what it takes to build a career in the sport and supporting their growth as well-rounded individuals.
Working closely with the Sport Ireland Institute, the PPP delivers expert-led education in areas like physiology, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and
psychology. These sessions are designed not just to improve performance, but to help riders understand their bodies, manage their training, and prepare mentally for competition.
Beyond physical development, the programme places strong emphasis on independence, discipline, communication, and personal responsibility. Skills that benefit riders both in sport and in life. Whether aiming for international competition or simply striving to be the best version of themselves, every rider in the PPP is given the opportunity to grow as an athlete and as a person.
Who Can Apply
The Performance Pathway Programme is open to riders born in 2008–2009, across all cycling disciplines—including road, track, mountain bike, and BMX.
Selection is based on a holistic review of each rider’s development, performance, and potential. This includes consideration of physiological data, race results, training history, and alignment with the long-term demands of high-performance cycling.
All applicants will begin by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI). Shortlisted riders may be invited to an Assessment Day at the Sport Ireland Institute, where further testing and review will take place.
The full selection criteria and process are outlined in the PPP Policy Document, which all riders and parents must read carefully before applying. Familiarity with this document is essential to understand how applications will be assessed and what is expected throughout the programme.
Application Process
To apply, riders must complete the Expression of Interest Form and ensure they have read the following documents:
These documents outline the expectations, responsibilities, and standards required throughout the programme.
· Expression of Interest Form.
Applications close on November 2nd.
Contact
For any queries regarding the programme, please contact:
· Stuart Balfour (High Performance Pathway Lead) – stuart.balfour@cyclingireland.ie · Martyn Irvine (High Performance Coach) – martyn.irvine@cyclingireland.ie