YOUNG local cyclist Bayley Woodger, a Mid Devon Cycling Club alumni, recently competed in the prestigious National Youth Tour Isle of Man, experiencing mixed fortunes and demonstrating great team spirit.

This marked his debut race with his new team Shibden Apex Road Team with the three-stage event presenting both challenges and opportunities for the promising rider.

Stage one saw Bayley demonstrating his power early on. However, an excess of energy output unfortunately led to a mechanical issue, forcing an early end to his race and impacting his overall General Classification (GC) standings.

Thanks to the swift and invaluable assistance of a local bike shop, Bayley's bike was successfully repaired on Saturday morning, allowing him to continue in the competition.

Despite the setback, Bayley showed resilience in stage two. Facing the added pressure of the previous day's difficulties, he rode strategically and finished the stage in 32nd position, beginning a gradual climb up the GC rankings.

Stage three highlighted Bayley's strong team ethic. With his legs feeling fresh, he committed to riding in support of his teammates on the flat 62-kilometer stage. The team executed a well-coordinated plan from the first lap, launching numerous attacks to fatigue the peloton.

Bayley then transitioned into a lead-out role, first for an intermediate sprint and subsequently contributing to efforts to reel in a breakaway.

In the final kilometres, he played a key part in forming a six-man lead-out, successfully guiding his team to within the final kilometre before easing off and finishing with the main group.

Bayley expressed his enjoyment in fulfilling the team's strategy and contributing to their overall performance. His experience at the National Youth Tour Isle of Man showcased both his individual potential and his commitment to teamwork in a competitive environment.