McLaughlin finished sixth in the time trial

Guernsey's James McLaughlin finished ninth in last weekend's Isle of Man Youth Tour.

Held over three days, the event involved a 1km prologue time trial, a 100km road race and a criterium race.

After the road race, the 17-year-old, who was the island's only competitor, said: "That was the hardest race I have ever done."

Coach Ann Bowditch said: "He could improve tactically and will gain experience from races of this calibre."

McLaughlin finished only two seconds back from the winner of the time trial in sixth place.

During the road race McLaughlin rode tactically but was unable stay with the leaders over the final six mile lap.

The hill climb specialist used his strength to pull away from the group he had been with during the last lap to finish in 11th out of 52 finishers.

The one hour criterium race saw the riders compete on a wet and slippery circuit which saw McLaughlin crash on lap one but he fought his way back to finish in 14th place.