Jay powers way to Italian glory | Fraser Coast Cycling | Cycling and Mountain Biking in Fraser Coast

Jay McCarthy was in terrific form during the Tour of Bergamo in Italy, winning four titles.

NAT BROMHEAD

MARYBOROUGH’S Jay McCarthy could very well find himself having to pay for some excess baggage before he arrives home from overseas.

That’s if his form on two wheels is anything to go by as the 17-year-old former Aldridge State High School student has been in red-hot form on his bike in Europe.

A member of the Fraser Coast Cycling Club, McCarthy, who is based in Brisbane to allow him to train with the Queensland Academy of Sport, now has four new jerseys in his suitcase after he won almost everything on offer in the under-19 division of the Tour of Bergamo in Italy.

McCarthy won the four-day event and received the yellow champion’s jersey for his efforts.

He also won the King of the Mountain and sprint champion’s jerseys and finished off in style by winning the one awarded to the first non-European rider home.

Although he cleaned up in Italy, McCarthy has no intention of slowing down yet.

He’ll race in Belgium this weekend before heading to Singapore to take on the world.

McCarthy will represent Australia in the Youth Olympic Games from August 14-26.

He’ll ride in the time trial and the road race.

The Youth Olympics will be contested by 3600 of the world’s talented young athletes aged between 14 and 18.

Wearing green and gold won’t be a new experience for McCarthy – he was a member of the Australian team in the Junior World Road Championships in Moscow last year.

He finished an impressive seventh out of the 160 cyclists in the 140km road race.

McCarthy, the current Queensland and Australian under-19 road race champion, said he was feeling pretty good about life right now.

“I am really very happy and proud of my success in Italy,” he said.

“Sure I won, but it was a real team effort – I wouldn’t have won without having such a great team.

“We all worked well together throughout the tour.”

As for taking on the world, McCarthy said he couldn’t wait.

“The legs feel great,” he said.

“Bring it on.”