Destined to ‘Tour’

Tuesday 12th April 2011, 2:30PM BST.

Guernsey’s James McLaughlin (all blue) sprints for the line to take fourth place overall in the third stage of the Tour of Mallorca. Ian Bibby of Great Britain was the narrow winner. (1121259)

GUERNSEY could one day have a Tour de France rider in the shape of James McLaughlin, according to his local coach.

The 20-year-old Sarnian produced the performance of his life at the weekend, finishing fifth overall in the Cinturion Internaciona a Mallorca, a four-day stage tour race featuring some of the world’s best riders.

It continues a stunning few months for McLaughlin, who is riding for Pendragon Le Col Colnago, with coach Ann Bowditch tipping him to reach the very top.

‘After that performance, I think he could potentially make it to the Tour de France,’ she said.