McLaughlin makes top 6 at Currumbin

But ultimately James McLaughlin had to settle for sixth place in yesterday’s men’s 40k individual time-trial, still the best ever performance by a Guernseyman on two wheels in the history of the Games.

Tenth in Glasgow four years ago, McLaughlin, 27, again finished ahead of some classy riders from the Home Nations to clock 49min. 54.12sec., a minute 41sec. adrift of the gold medallist, Australia’s celebrated Cameron Meyer.

On another hot day at the Currumbin Beachfront, McLaughlin went off in the middle of the 56-strong field and after coming in with a particularly fast final section was ushered into the gold-medal seat until bettered.

His average speed in the closing stages was just short of 50kph and it was another performance to underline his potential, particularly in events against the clock.

Behind him fellow Sarnians Games debutants, Seb Tremlett, 23, and Jack English, 21, enjoyed their own great rides.

Tremlett finished 12th, English 17th and the two were a good way ahead on the clock over both Caesareans, Jack Rebours (23rd) and Dan Halksworth (26th).

In the women’s event Karina Jackson was 17th of 19 starters, sandwiched between two Jersey riders, Kim Ashton (15th) and Helen Ralston (18th).

Guernsey Velo Club president said the combined performances were worth a sleepless night watching on television.

‘Impressive from all of them and outstanding from James’s point of view against top quality world competition,’ he said.

‘But Seb and Jack really held their own against some pros... fantastic debuts from both and we couldn’t have asked for more.

‘It looked like a challenging course with a couple of big hills.’