Delighted to have finished the Ulster 3 Day International Youth Tour which began on Saturday and finished yesterday (Monday). I was riding for the Cycling Ulster team at this event which was a massive privilege, The event took place in Derry/Londonderry for the 1st 2 stages (Saturday) and then for stage 3 and 4 we headed to County Donegal just over the Northern Irish border.

Stage 1 began on Saturday morning which was a 1.6 mile Time Trail. As TTs aren’t my strong point i was happy to take 19th on the stage and 3rd young rider. I felt that i rode a descent TT hitting a fast average speed and good power numbers.

Stage 2 was a short circuit road race a bit similar to a kermesse. The race was taking place on the same course as the TT, it was a pan flat course which ment for a very fast race and that was the case. As the race was so fast there wasn’t many attacks because the pace was  too fast for anyone to get away into a breakaway. I sat in the bunch trying to save my legs but it was really hard even just sitting in the bunch as the pace was so high. There were 2 primes turning the race to score points for the green jersey but I didn’t score any points. At the finish I rolled in towards the back of the bunch to stay 3rd in the young rider classification.

Stage 3 was a road race on Sunday morning. The circuit had one small hill which ad KOH points at the top of it. The race stayed together on the 1st lap then a group of 7 went off the front which was really strong. I was back in the bunch helping with the chase but they stayede away for the stage win. I rolled in again in the bunch after a race with a 24.3 mph average speed and stayed 3rd young rider.

Stage 4 was the last stage of the race and this was the hilliest stage so far. We began with a fast start the tactics came into play around the back of the course and that slowed the pace down. The riders in contention for GC and other jerseys started to ride hard the they lit up the pace. I was still in the bunch and stayed in the bunch but didn’t have any legs to sprint at the end.

I’m Delighted to finish 3rd Young Rider and 15th in the overall GC. I would like to thank Cycling Ulster Youth Acdemay for their support over the weekend and Foyle Cycling Club for running the event.