18-YEAR-OLD, Josh Sandman, from Ross-on-Wye, saw success in France at the Chrono De Nations, Les Herbiers on Sunday, October 14th.

Josh, who is a national 10-mile Champion and National Record holder for his age, was competing in the 26km time trial event against 47 other riders from all over the world, including Australia, Portugal, Italy, Cyprus, and France.

Josh was racing against the world’s best, and most of them had just come from the World Championships in Austria in September. The world champion Remco Evenepoel was also at the event and was the last rider to compete.

It was a very windy course, but dry, and Josh had the fastest time until the final three came across the line and unfortunately Josh was beaten by two of those three riders.

It meant that Josh came third in a 37 year old competition which is seen as such a high calibre race, that all the top riders compete.

Josh will move up from the junior category into senior racing and the under 23 age category next season.

Josh told the Ross Gazette: “To finish third in such a well recognised event, behind the world champion as well, was a really good result and one I’m proud of.

“I gave it everything I had, and for my first world class time-trial I’m pleased to have come away with a podium. I’m already looking forward to going back next year!

“This result should also help me get a good team signing for next year as I move up into the U23 category racing against continental professionals, so it would be great to have a decent team that can support me in my first year racing against the adults.”See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.