Hackney cyclist endures tough week in Turkey

Hackney cyclist Tao Geoghegan Hart has vowed to come back stronger after seeing Lady Luck desert him last week at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Turkey.

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

But the Cycling Club Hackney ace couldn’t relive past glories as he endured a tough week on the Black Sea’s coast, finishing fourth in the time trial, 40th in the criterium and 26th in the road race.

However, despite his Turkish trip not quite going according to plan Hart insists all is not lost in his search for international success.

“If I am being honest then the week in Turkey really didn’t go as well as I had hoped and I am pretty disappointed,” said Hart, who just finished at Stoke Newington School.

“I really thought that I could have some success in Turkey, but that just didn’t happen and maybe it was the heat as sometimes it was like cycling through custard.

“I was pleased with my first race in the time trial because I was close to medalling despite my legs feeling really fatigued after racing in Bradford.

Struggled

“But after that it just didn’t go to plan and we struggled but it was still a good experience and I learnt a lot that should help me in the future.

“So I will take the positives and work on the things that didn’t go too well and put this disappointment behind me as soon as possible.”

Despite leaving Turkey without a medal around his neck, Hart doesn’t go home completely with nothing as he, Jacob Scott and Christopher Lawless formed a strong team during the week.

And it is this new-found bond between the trio that gives Hart the confidence that the future is bright with British cycling in their hands.

“The best part about the whole week is how well we have worked together as a three both in preparation and during the races,” he added.

“My most pleasing part of the week was helping Jacob finish sixth in the criterium because it was a great team effort and that is what cycling is all about.

“So this bodes well for the future and with us set to be together for a long time I am sure we can take this away with us and build on it for future success.”

Lloyds TSB is a Proud Partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Official Supporter of Team GB at the European Youth Olympic Festival. Visit: www.lloydstsb.com/london2012