Scott remains positive

Reporter: BEN BAKER
Date published: 04 August 2011


CYCLING:

OLDHAM cyclist Jacob Scott has vowed to come back stronger after seeing luck desert him at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Turkey.

The 16-year-old took to the Trabzon roads in high spirits after collecting bronze from the National Youth Circuit Race Championships just days before.

But he couldn’t relive past glories as he endured an up and down week, finishing 37th in the time trial, sixth in the criterium and 24th in the road race.

However, there was no dampening Scott’s mood with the teenager insisting he loved every second on the Black Sea’s coast, with the trip only leaving him hungry for more.

“Although my results weren’t quite what I was hoping for I still really enjoyed myself out there and it was a fun circuit,” said Scott, who benefits from being on the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes Initiative.

“I really did think I could have won a medal, but it wasn’t to be for one reason or another, although I am really proud of my sixth in the criterium.

“The conditions were so hot in Turkey and that made things harder than usual, but it is a good experience and hopefully it shouldn’t be such a shock next time I do it.

“And while it is disappointing to go home empty handed I have still really enjoyed my time in Turkey and if anything it has made me want it more.

“After missing out I will go away and work harder than before and hopefully I can have success the next time I do something like this.”

Lloyds TSB, in partnership with SportsAid, is providing awards of £1,000 to 344 emerging athletes on their journey to London 2012 and beyond.

Follow your Lloyds TSB Local Hero at:www.facebook.com/lloydstsblocalheroes