Cycling Ireland formalise BMX Performance Squad



Matthew Malone (left), Calvin Dunne (right)


Elite BMX National Champion, Matthew Malone and Junior BMX National Champion, Calvin Dunne are set to join a newly established Cycling Ireland BMX Performance Squad. The BMX Performance Squad will be fully integrated into Cycling Ireland’s high-performance programme allowing athletes benefit from world class support structures.


Athletes attended an induction session at the Sport Ireland Institute, completing physiological and S&C testing under the guidance of Cycling Ireland and Sport Ireland Institute staff.


The development of a BMX Performance Pathway is identified in the Cycling Ireland Strategic Plan 2020-2024 and is intended to raise performance standards within the Olympic discipline of BMX.




Cycling Ireland National Performance Coach, Neill Delahaye commented:


“We are putting a performance system in place that will enable the athletes to race internationally and get support in the various performance areas that might benefit them. The structures we put in place today will help develop current and future generations and show young BMX riders there is a pathway to European, World and Olympic level.”


Newly appointed BMX National Coach, Jeremy Hayes commented:


“The is a huge step forward for the sport in Ireland. When you get to that higher level and you’ve done all the basics, this is when you need that extra support. Having access to the Sport Ireland Institute is fantastic and allows coaches and riders to monitor their progress and get world-class strength and conditioning support. This attention to detail will ensure the training program translates into more power on the bike."


“The main objective for us now is to fill the gap of the last two years, the riders haven’t been able to do much racing due to Covid-19. Next year we have a target of getting Matthew to race the elite categories of the World Championships, which will be held in Glasgow in 2023. This will be a huge event because it’s the first time a series of World Championships across several disciplines will be held at the same time. Calvin will target progression up to the under 23 categories. We have every confidence these riders will forge the way ahead and inspire the next generation of young aspiring riders.”


Team Ireland Athlete Profiles


Aspiring BMX racers can get started by joining a local club or registering for the 2022 BMX National Series. Find out more about BMX here