I know Xeno for a few years now, seeing him developing from underage categories to the Espoir ranks, winning European level and national level medals on the track, a top tester and a road winner. A lad with dedication and ambition who wants to prove his enormous talent, but need resources and support to further his already impressive career. Team GB recognised such needs and can offer such help, so why not go this route…Off course, Team Ireland loses a great asset, but they just don’t have these resources available for such talented riders. Due to living in N-Ireland he is eligible to follow that route and we should be happy for the lad, as I have seen some negative remarks on social media and feel this is wrong…remember he done his part for Team Ireland. This lad wants to” Live the Dream” so go for it Xeno, as such opportunities don’t grow on trees.
It is described by British Cycling as a “full-time residential programme and involves significant periods of overseas training and racing exposure”.
Those accepted into the programme are provided with an apartment, fully catered national and international training camps and racing opportunities and access to a 20-strong performance support team as well as coaching and medical services. A grant of up to £5,000 is also available to each rider on the programme, which focuses on all Olympic disciplines.
