JB Murphy finishes 15th in Scratch at world finals

Kilcullen Cycling Club's JB Murphy ended 15th in the Scratch Race final this evening in Italy, after having earlier lapped the field to win his heat at the 2017 Junior Track Cycling World Championship, writes Brian Byrne.

He rode a 'very aggressive' race in the 10km race, according to Liam Walker, against competitors from 23 other countries which included several European nations as well as South Africa, Iran, Russian Federation, Canada and Japan.

"The race was like surfing, and he missed the last wave," Liam reported to the Diary.

The event is taking place in Fassa Bortolo’s Velodrome, the only indoor velodrome in Italy, with nearly 300 athletes and 42 national teams from five continents.

Several members of Kilcullen Cycling Club are in Italy to cheer on JB, who will also compete in the Points race tomorrow. He won a Silver medal in the European Championships in Portugal in July.

JB is pictured earlier this evening, warming up for the final.

NOTE: This was updated to change 16th to 15th to correct earlier information.