Performance Pathway Workshops Driving Education and Development Across Irish Cycling


Cycling Ireland’s High Performance Pathway continues to invest in the education and development of athletes, coaches, and parents through its ongoing Performance Pathway Workshop Series. The most recent sessions have provided valuable insights into key areas that impact athlete growth and wellbeing, reinforcing our commitment to building a more informed and supportive performance environment.


The first workshop, “Understanding Talent Development – Long-Term Athlete Development Models (LTAD)”, offered a deep dive into the frameworks that underpin sustainable athlete progression. The session explored how coaches and stakeholders can align their approach with athlete needs at various stages of development.


This was followed by “Psychosocial Factors in Pathways: The Impact of Stress, Pressure & Transitions on Athletes, Coaches, and Parents,” which addressed the mental and emotional demands often faced within performance pathways. The discussion highlighted the importance of communication, resilience, and support systems in navigating the complex journey of talent development.


“These workshops are a crucial part of our strategy,” said Michael Black, High Performance Pathway Lead at Cycling Ireland. “They allow us to bring everyone involved in athlete development—coaches, parents, and support teams—into the conversation. By providing education and insight into the dynamic and sometimes challenging environments we work in, we’re aiming to raise standards and improve long-term outcomes for our athletes.”


The next workshop in the series, titled “Coaching for Talent Development vs. Talent Identification,” will take place on June 23rd. This session will explore the key distinctions between identifying talent and developing it, offering practical strategies for coaches to create nurturing environments that support long-term success.


If you haven’t already registered and are interested in attending, please do so at the following link: https://eventmaster.ie/event/9vzysw5HWJ


Stay connected with Cycling Ireland’s High Performance Pathway for more opportunities to learn, engage, and grow. If you would like to know more please contact Michael Black at michael.black@cyclingireland.ie