TEGGART’S OUT TO RAS STANDARD

MATTHEW TEGGART is hoping he can continue his hot streak in this week’s Ras Tailteann.

The Banbridge man (above) is one of the leading contenders for the overall prize after a succession of impressive displays this season.

And last weekend he showed his class again by taking an emotional win in the Noel Teggart Memorial — the race named after his late grandfather.

“If I could only win one race in my career it would’ve been that one, so I was delighted,” said Teggart.

“It was the first time I ever rode it, the first time I had the chance to ride it with my schedule. And I thought this might be my only chance again for a few years.

“So I was delighted to get it ticked off, first go.”

In 2017 Teggart (inset) won a stage of the Ras into Bundoran and he would love something similar again as the race returns after a four year gap.

He’s riding in the Ulster colours this week and is quietly confident of the team’s chances.

“As a team, I think we’re one of the strongest, if not the strongest,” he said.

“All the lads are going well, I think we’ve got plenty of options.

“The course itself doesn’t look too technical. There are no days that are too hilly or anything. I think it’ll make it very aggressive and open racing for the week.

“Obviously if the opportunity is there (to win the Ras), I’ll definitely grab it.

“But I’m not expecting it to be that simple. It’s too unpredictable a race. We’ll just have to take it day by day.

“I would at least like to come away with a stage win and be up there with the team.”

After that Teggart is set to follow in the footsteps of his father Neil and uncle David Gardiner after being selected to represent Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games.

“With the family connection, having that beside the name will be special,” he said.

“I think it’s a pretty flat course for the Commonwealth, but the level is pretty high. You’ll be looking at the likes of Caleb Ewan and Mark Cavendish in there.

“So to get a medal will be difficult task, but that’s what I would be aiming for and on my day I’m capable of it.”