A Muff cyclist is preparing to represent Ireland in the European cycling championships in Medjugorje, Italy, next month.Ronan McLaughlin, who now lives in Belgium, is one of four Irishmen selected to represent their country in the road race event, but is the only one selected for the timetrial. And as part of the An Post Sean Kelly cycling team, based in Belgium, Mr McLaughlin is eagerly anticipating taking part in such a huge European event.He said: “I have been showing good form all year and I am really looking forward to getting the experience from this event.“Every European country will be sending a team to take part in it, so it will be fantastic to be in that atmosphere.“Obviously as this is my first time taking part in such a large scale race I would be happy to be in the top 50 out of around 200 cyclists.“But next year, with more experience under my belt, I would be hoping to be in the top 15.“For the next two years I will be in the under 23 category and working under the guidance of Daniel Martyn, my trainer.“But after that I would like to be going out on my own and be a team leader myself.”Ronan was chosen from a group of 10 to 15 cyclists to represent Ireland. He will take part in the time trial on Thursday 3 July and the road race on Saturday 5 July.