Irish Team Dominates International Youth Tour of Scotland

In what was one of the most successful weekends for Youth cyclists in Ireland, the FBD and Neenan Travel 2020 Talent Teams Dominated the International Youth Tour of Scotland last weekend. Winning the overall General Classification (GC) in both the girls and boys categories, the Irish stamped their authority on the three day, four stage race that included teams from the UK and Ireland.

In the girl's race Emily Birchall raced strongly throughout the weekend, establishing her lead from the undulated Road Race in stage one over Isle of Man's Eleanor Dickinson. Birchall extended the lead throughout the weekend, claiming overall victory along with the Points and Mountain's jersey after the four stages. Ireland's Ciara Doogan was also outstanding in Scotland, unfortunately only losing time in the criterium due to a crash when she was in the lead group.

The boy's race unfolded slightly differently, with Ireland snatching the GC on the final stage after a powerful performance from Jake Gray who attacked early in the race, establishing a substantial lead over the yellow jersey. Michael O'Loughlin bridged across to the group ensuring that the gap could be maintained. Dion McCarthy raced impressively throughout the four stages, picking up the Points jersey. The strength and depth of the Irish team was evident and rewarded by them winning the team prize. Gray also won the young rider prize.

Speaking after the event Team Manager for the Female Team Orla Hendron said "this was a really special weekend for youth racing in Ireland. The performances from all eight riders demonstrate the massive potential we have. Many of these riders are still racing in the youth category next year, which is really exciting."

The Talent Team 2020, sponsored by FBD (male) and Neenan Travel (female), is part of a long range development programme to smooth the transition through to the Junior and Senior ranks for talented and ambitious riders, with the goal of having a competitive team at the Olympics in 2020.