HALESOWEN Athletics and Cycling Club starlet Jamieson Blain put in a fine performance at the European Under-17s Championships in Holland the Netherlands.

The 14-year-old travelled to Assen for the event that comprised of six stages over six days of racing.

The events included two time trials and four stage races, three of which were held on classic cobble road sections.

The longest stage was a Paris-Roubaix style classic over a distance of 81km.

The week’s racing was fast and furious with the fastest stage showing an average speed of over 28mph.

Blain was the youngest rider in the under-17 category and in the event’s largest field of 149 competitors from across Europe. He finished the tour in a respectable 27th position.

Having trained very hard throughout the summer towards the event as one of his key goals for the year, he is delighted with his result.

He said: “I have finished in 27th position on general classification and managed to move up because I had a great time trial and the last two days.

“It definitely pays to stay near the front of the bunch as I didn’t get caught up in any crashes as a lot of other riders did.

“I really enjoyed the tour and already have plans for next year, when I won’t be the youngest in the race.”

Blain was also joined by his sister Isla and teammates Luke and Ella Harris at this prestigious event, all of whom also delivered some excellent results and doing their club proud across the under-12 and under-10 age groups.

Halesowen Cycling Club chairman Dave Viner said: “For a 14-year-old to achieve 27th position from 140 plus other riders in the hot-bed of European racing indicates just how talented Jamieson is. If he keeps developing at the same rate as he has done over the past two years he could be in a position to win the race next year.”