BURY Clarion rider Jake Wright made a big impression in his first serious race for Italian under-23s team Zappi, claiming fourth place in Spanish national race Del Circuito Gaudiana.

The 18-year-old joined up with the team, which is based in Italy but run by Brits, during the half-term break.

After a week of training in the Spanish hills in Calpe, he helped the team to sweep the board of major honours.

His team-mates finished first, third, fifth and sixth to claim the team title, as well as the winners' jersey and points title.

Wright said: "I think we did around 22 hours and 640km and I was happy with how I performed.

"I was able to keep up with their stronger riders in training, and then played my part in what was a great team performance in the Del Circuito Gaudiana, which was the first Spanish national race of the season and had a field of 198 riders.

"The race included two laps of a 40km rolling road circuit, each with a steep four-minute climb that was similar to the Ramsbottom Rake!

"I managed to get fourth, which I was really pleased with.

"I also got on really well with my team-mates. It's a great set-up and I am looking forward to what the rest of the season has to offer."

Wright hopes to claim a full-time spot on the team after finishing A Levels at Holy Cross College in Bury this summer.

After returning from the trip, the teenager starred for Bury Clarion in the North Lancs Time Trials Association's combined clubs' 10-mile time trial, which was held near Garstang on Saturday.

Wright won the event, claiming the fastest time of 114 riders after completing the course in 20mins 51secs in blustery conditions.

The Clarion’s Charlotte Gorman won the women's event in 25:07.

Francis Woodcock was second in the juvenile's race in a time of 25:26, while Nick Hall and Lindsey Hall were second in the tandem (29:18).

Jason McDonald, Bury Clarion's racing secretary, said: “As a club we are looking forward to a strong 2017 season.

"It doesn’t matter how good you are or what age you are as long as you are enthusiastic, and if any local cyclists fancy a go at racing then please get in touch through the Bury Clarion’s Facebook page."