City cyclist Young looks to bloom in Belgium

Capital cyclist Finlay Young was due back in the saddle 
today for a gruelling second stage at the Tour de la Province de Liege in Belgium.

He had his introduction to Belgian stage racing in yesterday’s opening stage, finishing in a large bunch around 15 minutes down on stage winner Kess Heytens. Today’s stage includes an ascent of the daunting Mur de Huy, a steep and spectacular 420ft climb. The race finishes on Saturday in Seraing.

Young, who rides for the Edinburgh-based Velo Ecosse team, is spending his summer racing in the colours of the Asfra squad in Flanders, 
having recently completed the second year of a degree course in 
chemical engineering at Heriot-Watt University.

After a tough introduction through a series of one-day events, which are contested by hundreds of up-and-coming riders seeking a professional contract, Young has settled into regular competition. He recently won his first prize money and earned a place in the squad for this week’s race.