Mark Farrugia and Andrea Lucia from Mosta AF Sign Studio Cycling Club Road Cyclists, part of the MOC Youth Elite Scheme, together with Erika Spiteri Bailey, a Mosta AF Sign Studio Cycling Academy athlete, took part in the third Errigal International Youth Tour.

The tour is considered to be the top youth race on the Irish calendar and one that attracts the best youth cyclists from the UK and Europe. Endorsed by Cycling Ireland and Cycling Ulster, with each body represented by hand-picked teams, the event brings together the cream of Irish talent and the best from the British Isles.

Over 250 young riders took part in this year’s event. Stage 1 of the event, the hardest of the four stages, saw the youths battling their way up the Keelogues Category One climb into Churchill.

“Racing with top UK, Irish, Scottish and Isle of Man athletes was an opportunity to put to the test my skills, countless hours dedicated to training and make my commitment to cycling worthwhile,” said Farrugia.

“Participating has opened up a gateway of opportunities, thanks to the Maltese Olympic Commitee, Mosta AF Sign Studio Cycling Club and my coach Rachel Pullicino. I’m eager more than ever to step up to new challenges,” Lucia said.

“The Malta Cycling Federation and the MOC have been very supportive in helping us develop the academy,” said Mosta AF Sign Studio Cycling Club secretary Edward Enriquez. “This is very positive and we will keep working hard to produce athletes who can represent Malta abroad.”