Ollie just misses out on podium position on Emerald Isle

Cycling

Ollie Kelly competed in the Errigal International Youth Tour of Ireland last weekend.

This is the premier youth event on the Irish cycling calendar and attracts youngsters from all over Europe.

Ollie having just returned from the French southern Alps, where he climbed the mighty Alpe de Huez was in good form to take on the top youth racing cyclists.

Ollie, a member of Ayr Roads/ Harry Fairbairn Cycling Club, rode all four stages in the under 12 category.

These included two Road Races in Stage 1 and 3.

A Hilly Time Trial in Stage 2 and a Criterium Circuit in the town of Letterkenny in Donegal.

Ollie was part of a Scottish contingent that included youngsters from Edinburgh Road Club and Deeside Thistle.

The Scots boys and girls were up against strong opposition, particularly from the Isle of Man, one of the strongest British teams and of course, Ireland’s own talented youngsters.

Ollie missed out in a podium position but finished fifth overall in a field of fifty five competitors.

Meanwhile on Sunday, the Ayr Roads Team were in action on the fast Eglinton course at Irvine, where seven clubmen competed in the 10 mile Time Trial promoted by GTR Racing Club.

The Roads team held their own against other Ayrshire clubs and were the fastest on the day.

The fastest Roads rider was Calum MacDonald in a fine time of 22 minutes, 3 seconds for the distance.

Other Ayr Roads times were: Alex McAllister 22.43; Michael Curran 22.50; Harry Brawley 23.09; Ross Milvenan 23.37; Craig Allison 24.20; John Gemmell 26.07.

On the weekend of September 1 and 2 the Eglinton Course will stage the British National 10 mile time trial championships for Men, Women and Juniors.