MCUI Launches Major Youth Development Initiative to Build Future Motocross Elite
November 7th, 2025 – The Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (MCUI) Motocross Commission is delighted to announce the formation of a significant Youth Development Programme. This strategic initiative, launched in conjunction with the Irish Motocross Championship and the MCI and MRA Centres, marks a long-term investment in the future of Irish motocross.
The programme’s primary mission is to systematically build the capacity of talented young riders, guiding them through successive seasons of focused training and competitive growth. The ultimate aim is to create a structured pathway capable of elevating participants from the domestic circuit to the level of competence required for Elite international events.
This is not a short-term project, but a robust, long-term strategic plan designed to provide a consistent base for the country’s top youth riders, ensuring Ireland remains competitive on the global stage for years to come.
A spokesperson for the MCUI Motocross Commission commented on the launch:
“This programme represents a vital, long-term investment in our grassroots talent. By formally linking the MCUI, the National Championship, and our regional Centres (MCI and MRA), we are creating a clear, structured pathway for young riders to reach their full potential on the national and international stage. We are excited to begin this journey and look forward to seeing our athletes thrive.”
Next Steps
Detailed information regarding the programme curriculum, selection criteria, and calendar will be formally released in the coming weeks. Interested families and riders are advised to monitor the official channels for these updates.
The rules and selection process are detailed below.
For 2025 the criteria was agreed as per the rules that all youth riders who represented Ireland at either the Coupe de l’Avenir or FIM Youth Worlds would be selected. As there was no representation on the teams of the small wheel class three wildcard riders will be selected by the commission appointed delegates. 2025 was an exceptional anomaly with no Irish Championship we feel this is the fairest way to select riders. Going forward the Irish Championship will be the foundation for the selection process.
Qualification for the Academy
1. At the end of the Irish Championship, the top three riders in the five youth classes are automatically qualified. Classes include 65cc, SW85cc, BW85cc, 125cc and 250f.
2. The Subcommittee will select another three wildcard riders from any above class.
3. There will also be three selected for a women’s class. This will not be position / class dependent but will only apply to females competing in the youth Irish Championship classes .
4. If an Irish Championship is not held, riders from the current year’s Coupe de l’Avenir and FIM Youth Worlds will be selected by the Subcommittee plus three wildcards.
5. The names of riders qualified to the EMXDP will be announced in November each year.
Academy Training
1. Training will take place for 10 weeks from November through March of the following year
2. Riders will undergo fitness tests starting in November to establish a baseline and ongoing fitness testing will be carried out through the training period to monitor progress.
3. There will be three physical fitness days and seven riding days during the training schedule.
4. Riders will be expected to attend a minimum of seven out of ten days to graduate.
5. At the conclusion of the training period, all graduates will be invited to a graduation ceremony where three riders will be selected to be awarded gold, silver and bronze graduation certificates. These certificates will be awarded on the rider’s attendance, progress and overall development during the course. All other graduates will receive graduation certificates.
6. The top three riders will be eligible to attend further events to be decided by the subcommittee.