On 19 August at 7 pm, the first stage of the ‘Energus Talent Academy Cycling Cup 2026’ will take place in Pilaitė. All children who love cycling are invited to take part in this free children’s cycling competition – from those taking their first tentative steps to young cyclists who are already actively involved in the sport.
The race will take place on a specially prepared course approximately 2 kilometres long, featuring technical elements. Participants will face a varying number of laps – the older the age group, the more laps they will have to complete.
Competitors will be divided into four age groups: children born in 2018 and younger, those born in 2016 and younger, those born in 2014 and younger, and those born in 2012 and younger. Boys and girls will compete in separate categories, so every participant will have the opportunity to compete against peers of their own age.
According to Tatjana Petrauskienė, head of the Energus Talent Academy, the main aim of this initiative is to create a safe environment for children, suited to their age and abilities, where they can compete, get to know the sport of cycling and take part in a sporting event where the focus is entirely on the children.
“We very much hope that this cycling cup will become a wonderful tradition that children will look forward to returning to every year. We want them not only to compete here, but also to experience the joy of their first races, learn to overcome their nerves, make friends and grow to love cycling even more. For us, what matters most is not the finishing time or the place achieved, but the smiles, self-confidence and the desire to get back on a bike. Cycling fosters discipline, endurance and team spirit, and teaches children to pursue their goals; we therefore believe that these lessons will stand children in good stead not only in sport but also in life,” says T. Petrauskienė.
The organisers emphasise that the ‘Energus Talent Academy Cycling Cup’ is not focused solely on results or speed. The main aim is to encourage children’s physical activity, build a sense of community and foster a love of cycling. It is hoped that the event will become a place where children can gain more self-confidence and where families can spend quality time together.
Not only participants and their families are invited to the competition, but also all cycling enthusiasts and the Pilaitė community. First races are always nerve-wracking for children, so the support of spectators is particularly important to them. Every round of applause, every word of encouragement, or simply being there can provide extra motivation to reach the finish line and grow to love the sport even more.
The fastest riders will receive prizes, medals and awards provided by the sponsors, but the organisers have no doubt that the greatest reward of this competition will be the children’s smiles, the new friendships they make and their desire to return for the next stages.
The first stage of the ‘Energus Talent Academy Cycling Cup 2026’ will take place on 19 August at 7 pm in Pilaitė, whilst the second stage is scheduled for 16 September in Vingis Park.
Registration for the competition is free: https://dbsportas.lt/lt/varz/2026143
About the ‘Energus Talent Academy’
The ‘Energus Talent Academy’ trains young cyclists in Vilnius, aiming to encourage as many children as possible to discover cycling, an active lifestyle and a sense of community. The Academy organises training sessions, educational events, social rides and competitions, which help children to grow not only as athletes but also as confident individuals.
