on 24th July 2011
Team Jewson not only win British Championships on a regular basis, but also perform with success on the International stage.
Whilst the toughest and largest free sporting event in the world takes place—“the Tour de France”—Team Jewson sent one of its top Junior riders as part of a composite team to compete in the 6 day International “ Junior Tour of Ireland” race
17 yr old Hugh Carthy, the youngest of the teams junior squad, produced the ride of his life, and was one of the stars of the 6 day race.
In the Prologue Time Trial, Hugh finished a brilliant 9th fastest from the 60 riders, just 15 secs. behind the winner
Stage 2 was a disaster for him, due to a very bad bout of stomach ache which resulted him in not eating and drinking throughout the stage , with the net result, that he lost almost 5 minutes to the leaders.
Stage 3 was much better, and he had started to feel much better in him self, with the stage ending in a huge bunch finish, he ended outside the top 20.—but was satisfied in his riding.
On stage 4 the much expected rain and wind, made it a very tough day for everyone, but this is where Hugh showed his class, after 30 km there was a group of 3 riders , 2 mins ahead of the main pack, , Hugh attacked and in the space of 10 mins he had joined the leaders, then on a 3rtd Cat Climb, he attacked again , getting rid of 2 of the riders, one of them, the South African National Champion, Hugh was left with just one rider—the American National Junior Champion., and between them they put over 3 mins into the main pack, there were several big climbs on this stage , with Hugh picking up max points towards the King of the Mountains classification and Jersey.
Stage 5 saw Hugh in the Polka Dot- King of the Mts. Jersey, which was well deserved following his brave and aggressive ride in terrible conditions the day before., a group of 10 riders got clear nearing the stage finish when riders were fighting for shelter in strong cross winds, gaining just 10 secs.
Stage 6 just a short 65 km long, one Irish rider sneaked clear some 30km from the finish, and crossed a level crossing, only for the main field being delayed some 5 mins with the crossing closed, unfortunately officials let the Irish rider get away with this ( normally they would not ), despite a big chase, the gap was still some 3 mins at the finish, on the uphill finish Hugh attacked a brilliant 4th on the stage.
A great performance, from a rider who surly has a great future in the sport—further International events are planed for Hugh
But to wear the King of the Mts Jersey in such a high profile International event, riding against some of the top Juniors in the world, will give the 17yr old great confidence for the future.
Team Director –Mick Ives—said “ When Hugh made inquires about being in Team Jewson , his C.V. was so impressive, I knew we had a star in the making, I really think we shall hear a lot more of Hugh Carthy.”