High-performance cycling appears to depend on a multitude of factors such as genetics, training, the environment in which the athlete is positioned, encouragement and social support and the effect that these have on the individual athlete`s physical and psychological capabilities. However, the mechanisms of these interactions are not clear and further research is required to optimise the talent ID process. What is clear is that without the optimal environment in which the rider has the opportunity to learn and develop, they will never reach the pinnacle of the sport. Therefore, following identification, talented riders must be supported by an effective talent development programme which nurtures and supports them in the correct environment to assist them in achieving their full potential. However, unfortunately to date there are no long-term prospective studies that aid the understanding of how elite performance is affected by interventions at a junior level.
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