McLaughlin hits top 20 on roads

JAMES McLAUGHLIN underlined his emergence as a cyclist of huge potential with a superb 20th place finish in yesterday's gruelling 168 kilometre road race.

The youngster collected some notable scalps as he headed the Channel Islands contingent in a field of 130, just 52 of which finished under fierce temperatures of 34C.

McLaughlin had been in the saddle almost four hours when he crossed the line just four minutes 23 seconds behind the gold medallist from Australia and 3min. 24sec. behind the great Mark Cavendish, who was seventh for the Isle of Man.

Tobyn Horton was 27th and Josh Gosselin 47th as the Sarnians dominated the Jersey riders on the course.

Earlier in the day, Ann Bowditch had also dug in and was last of the 38 finishers from an initial field of 58. She covered the 112 kilometres in 3hr. 8min. 44sec., 19min. 14sec. behind the Australian winner.

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