The 17-year-old Hautlieu student was one of several Jersey riders to take part, although he was the only junior.
‘I’m going to the Junior Commonwealths in Melbourne, which is really exciting, but as I’ve only ever competed against junior English cyclists I have no idea what to expect.
I’ve cycled in France and the French are very quick!’ Tanguy took up competitive cycling four years ago and races regularly against senior cyclists – with his name cropping up in the top five on many occasions..
Before last weekend’s event he had competed in two Junior Premier road race events.
‘I got dropped out of the back in the first one – the others were so fast – but I finished in the top 20 in the second race.
I was well chuffed to finish second in the South Divisional race.
The standard is high, though not quite as high as in the Premier races.
Parts of the course were tough with some steep hills, but I enjoyed it.
The marshals had it very well organised.’ Tanguy was racing against 15 British junior riders in a field of 60 in a combined race for veterans, ladies and juniors over four laps of an undulating course.
On the final climb before the finish line on the first circuit seven riders, including Tanguy, broke away, putting together a commanding lead.
Two riders were dropped at the same place on the second lap, and then Tanguy made a strong breakaway on the third circuit with just one other junior rider, Ian Legge, managing to stay with him.
These two stayed together all the way to the finish, with Tanguy making a number of unsuccessful attempts to shake off his shadow.
The sprint was very close but the Jersey rider had to settle for second place, both in the juniors and in the overall section.
Richard Tanguy is supported by XL Contracts.
