Rhona Callander claimed Scotland’s first ever Youth Games Cycling gold medal as she powered away from the pack in the final sprint to win the Road Race on the final day of Bahamas 2017.

An early break by two riders was quickly covered by the main pack and from there Rhona rode a great tactical race, looking in control of proceedings at all times.

As the finish approached, several riders were still in contention and the medal positions came down to a last dash for the line. Rhona put in a stunning final surge, to win in a time of 1.57.15, punching the air as she crossed the line just clear of the chasing pack.

“It was just brilliant,” she said. “I was a bit nervous coming into the finish because I’ve never really done a sprint finish and I’ve definitely never won one before!  I didn’t know the other girls too well so I didn’t know what to expect, especially after the time trial because some of them were a lot faster than me. It was just amazing to win the race.

“I’d love to go to a senior Commonwealth Games one day, Gold Coast seems a bit close for me, but perhaps the next one.”

In the men’s race Dylan Hughes and Stephen Dent were looking to add to the medal tally, but found themselves adrift of the leaders in the oppressive late morning heat. Stephen stayed with the main pack to finish 11th but Dylan was forced to withdraw on the last lap of the race.

Before these Games began Scotland had never taken a Cycling medal at any Youth Games, Grant Ferguson coming closest in 2011 with a 5th place finish in the Criterium. With Dylan Hughes taking silver in Wednesday’s Time Trial, this has been a truly historic Youth Games for Scottish Cycling.