JAMES MCLAUGHLIN has put himself in the shop window with a superb ride at one of France’s biggest and most prestigious amateur races.

The 20-year-old (pictured) finished third in the 3 Jours de Plouay held in the heart of Brittany.

Competing for Hennebont Cyclisme, a team in which he will be riding for the rest of the season, McLaughlin took part in the elite amateur race held over a 19.1km lap and as usual, the selection was made progressively over the 114.6km with the ascents of the three ‘monstrosities’ [McLaughlin’s description] of the circuit-Jean-Yves Perron, the Lezot, Ty Kerihuel and the Marrec being the make or break points for most riders.

‘I rode the race last year and was taken aback by the professionalism of the event even though it was the amateur race,’ said the young Sarnian.

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