The selected riders represent seven nations, and have been chosen from a pool of 26 candidates representing 16 countries. The selection panel – including Jens Fredricson, Thierry Pomel, and Jeroen Dubbeldam – assessed the 26 candidates over a two-day period. The entire process was supervised by Sven Holmberg – YRA Sport Director – who also contributed to the evaluation of the riders’ sports knowledge and their overall compatibility with the programme.

Commenting on this year’s selection, Eleonora Ottaviani – President of Athenaeum and YRA – said: “Once again, this year’s selection confirms the Young Riders Academy as a programme of excellence. The level continues to rise, with increasingly strong candidates being nominated by their federations, clearly reflecting the bright future of our sport. Our role is not only to identify these talents, but to support them throughout their journey. We aim to help them grow into complete athletes, both inside and outside the arena, providing them with the tools, the knowledge, and a long-term support system that accompanies them during the Academy and beyond.”