Horton keeps on improving

HAVING spent three weeks racing in Belgium, Tobyn Horton is already showing great potential. The 18-year-old Island Games selection shook off the disappointment of a crash in France, which caused damage to his bicycle frame and wheels, to finish his first completed race in 35th position out of 130 riders.

Since then, the ambitious Guernseyman has continued to progress, finishing 26th and, most recently, 10th.

Often he is the youngest rider in the peleton.

Horton will be racing four to five times a week now the season is in full flow and he has learnt very quickly how to ride in a peleton with 100-200 riders racing handlebar to handlebar.

At the same time he is managing to stay out of trouble at the front of the pack.

The average speed is high at around 42kph average for races of circa 125km.

The 2004 Guernsey senior criterium champion has competed in two such races so far and done well.

'I've been able to gain places in the criterium races by using the inside of the corners and coming through with greater speed than riders with less technical ability,' he said.

Horton's coach, Ann Bowditch, is happy with his progress.

'Many riders don't even manage to complete a single race in their first season

in Belgium, but Tobyn has shown great determination.

'He has grown in confidence with each race and this has shown in his improving results.'

He will spend a further month in the country, competing and training, before returning home to make final preparations for the Games where he will compete against a quality field in the road events.