The Isle of Man’s cyclists get their Commonwealth Youth Games campaign underway this afternoon (Wednesday) when 17-year-old Tara Ferguson rolls out from the start ramp in the women’s time trial.

Just three weeks on from her gold medal-winning performance in the road race at the Island Games, the teenager is understandably unwilling to make any predictions.

However, before heading out on her final training ride with team-mates Will Draper and Jimmy Bostock, Tara admitted that, on paper at least, the five-mile time trial could suit her.

’I’m a sprinter but with a bit of endurance, so the short distance and flat terrain should be good for me. I’m apprehensive, but really excited to start competing’.

So far there has been very little information available regarding entries for the cycling events, but the women’s fields are expected to be relatively small.

’There is no form to go on at all - I have no idea of how good my rivals might be. Mind you, it makes no difference in the time trial - I’ll just be going as hard as I can.’

Cycling team manager Tim Kennaugh says that the time trial will be the best indicator of form going into the road races on Sunday.

’We will look at the time trial results and then be using that to work out how the road races might pan out’.

While more is known of the riders contesting the men’s time trial, 17-year-olds Jimmy Bostock and Will Draper know that this event above all others is down to them.

’It’s just ’head down’ and full gas the whole way’, explained Will. ’It’s only five miles so it’s like a prologue, but it will be really tough - they always are’.

Jimmy agreed: ’Usually on a time trial, it’s so important to gauge your effort - but this one might be over in 10 or 11 minutes, so we need to go straight from the gun. It’s been hot and really windy today, so that is probably going to add to the fun’.