The Sangalhos Velodrome in Anadia is hosting the event with 383 athletes representing 25 countries registered for the competition that is scheduled to finish on Sunday (July 23).

In total, 44 golds will be on offer to the riders.

Action starts tomorrow with the men’s and women’s elimination races and individual pursuit under-23 titles set to be decided first.

David Lappartient, President of the European Cycling Union, said the competition promises to be exciting with many potential future Olympic and world champions participating.

The Frenchman, who is standing against Brian Cookson in the International Cycling Union Presidency race, added he was pleased to see the Championships back in the same venue it was hosted each year between 2011 and 2014.

“We are very pleased to be returning to the Sangalhos Velodrome in Anadia after the positive experiences of 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 for one of our most important events,” Lappartient said.

“For six days, cycling fans will be able to watch high-level races, but above all get to know who will be the main contenders on the international scene over the next few years.

“We must not forget that in the past the European Juniors and Under-23 Championships have been a springboard for many athletes who have then gone on to win Olympic and world champion titles.

“For this reason, this will be an event that everyone will follow with interest and as always attract huge crowds of passionate Portuguese fans.”

Among the riders heading to Anadia include Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky, who won the women’s under-23 omnium and points race titles at last year’s event in Montichiari, Italy.

Kopecky heads into the Championship as the reigning madison world champion, having claimed the title at the event in Hong Kong in April with Jolien D'Hoore.

Other winners from the 2016 edition of the competition due to appear in Portugal include Italy’s Filippo Ganna, who won the men’s under-23 individual pursuit title on home soil last year.

His team-mate Rachele Barbieri, the under-23 scratch champion from 2016, will also be heading to Anadia.