With cycling making a return to the Commonwealth Youth Games for the first time in six years the Isle of Man Cycling Association has selected three outstanding riders to represent Team Isle of Man in the Bahamas.

Following a rigorous selection process Tara Ferguson, Jimmy Bostock and Will Draper have been chosen to compete in an individual 5.8 mile time trial, followed by what will surely be a fast and furious 40-mile road race.

The athletes leave the Island on Saturday ahead of the opening ceremony on 18th July. 

Head of Performance at the Isle of Man Cycling Association, Graeme Hatcher said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for our young Manx riders to experience this multi-sport competition at an international level. I’d like to thank the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association and its partners for helping Tara, Jimmy and Will get to the Games.

‘These riders show a lot of promise for the Games as well as for representing the Island in the future, and we wish them all the best in the Bahamas.’

The riders will face the cream of Commonwealth talent and, after a successful period of racing at the Island Games and in Europe, the Manx riders look well-placed to challenge for medals. 

Tara gave an impressive performance in Gotland winning Gold in the Individual Road Race and a collection of team medals which should give her confidence in the Bahamas. 

Jimmy returned from the Island Games with Silver and Bronze team medals to add to his consistent results in the 2017 British Junior Series.

Will has recently competed in several international events including the Junior Tour of the Basque Country and has been the leading rider in all of the recent local time trials, giving an exceptional performance in the Mountain Time Trial event.
 
The team will be managed by Tim Kennaugh who is the Performance Manager for British team JLT Condor. Tim also runs a bespoke cycling training company, Tim Kennaugh Coaching, and has an impressive range of clients including multiple Olympic Gold medallist Ed Clancy OBE as well as his brother Peter Kennaugh of Team Sky.

Up to 1,300 athletes will compete at the Games.

The Commonwealth Youth Games gives young athletes the experience to compete at a high level, with many often going on to become professional sportspeople. Renowned International cyclists including Elinor Barker MBE, Lucy Garner, Owen Doull MBE and Caleb Ewan competed at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games, which was held here on the Island, and have all gone on to become Olympic and International elite stars.

For more information about the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association including ways to support Team Isle of Man visit www.cga.im.