Potters Bar cyclist Joe Fry declared himself more than satisfied with his efforts at the European Youth Olympic Festival after sacrificing himself for the Team GB cause in the Netherlands.
Fry was the top British performer in the time trial on day two, completing the course in Utrecht in a time of 12.31.16, good enough for 11th overall.
But Fry, who attends Chancellor’s School, was not done there as he then teamed up with fellow Brits Joe Holt and Ellis Kirkbride for the road race on day four.
With Holt the team captain and the best chance of a medal, Fry and Kirkbride’s job was to do their best to set up their leader for a sprint finish.
And Fry admitted afterwards that he had buried himself on the bike to give Holt, who ended up eighth, the best chance of a medal.
“The road race started off pretty well, we were chasing down any moves that were made and we felt good,” said Fry, who finished 60th in the road race.
“There was a big split though about halfway through the race and I took it upon myself to chase them down and bridge the gap.
“That took a lot of out me, I was pretty much wasted by the time the two groups came back together but in the last lap I went up to check back on Joe and do the best that I could to help him.
“I did my job, got on the front and tried to chase down the breakaway but we could not quite manage it.
“With 400m to go I dropped off with nothing left but I’m pleased with how I did my job, some things could have gone a bit better and maybe been in a few more moves.”
Fry was part of a 44-strong British team in the Netherlands that competed across five different sports – gymnastics, swimming, tennis and judo in addition to cycling.
And, after his first taste of an Olympic experience and pulling on the Team GB kit, Fry admitted his experiences in Utrecht had just made him hungrier for the real thing.
“I could not have asked for a better experience, this is actually what it is like at a real Olympics and it has all gone well,” he added.
“I got a decent result in the time trial which is always nice and makes the week feel that little bit better. I will take a lot away in terms of the improvements I have made and what I need to work hard on.”
The British Olympic Association prepares and leads British athletes at the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games.
It works in partnership with sport national governing bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic values. www.teamgb.com.
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