VELO Sport Jersey cyclist Richard Tanguy is hoping his superb showing in the Easter Stage Challenge will propel him to the Island Games in Rhodes this summer.

The 20-year-old Exeter University student romped to victory in three of the five races organised by the Caesarean Cycling Club over five days, topping the leaderboard by five points from CCC’s seasoned campaigner and former Commonwealth Games rider Chris Spence.

With riders’ best four races of the series counting, Tanguy was victorious in the 3 km time trial prologue, the individual 16-mile time trial and the handicap 40-mile road race while finishing second in the circuit race.

He discounted Friday’s 50 km handicap road race when he finished 32nd.

Tanguy, who is studying sport and exercise, said: ‘I did not expect to do so well and in the end I was really pleased with my performance overall.

‘Last year I won the round-the-bays race but this is my first major success.

‘I was delighted to win the prologue because in the past I’ve been so close to winning one.

Saturday’s time trial was excellent too, I felt so, so strong when I finished.’ The Hautlian was pipped on the line by Ali Cann in the circuit race at Les Quennevais on Sunday morning before crossing the line first after 18 laps of the tough Corbière circuit in the handicap 40 mile time trial.

‘The final race was tough,’ admitted Tanguy.

‘Chris Spence and I pulled back the handicap and junior Chris Seviour stayed with for a good while capping a fine weekend for him.

‘Chris and I put the hammer down and we managed to open up a 15-metre gap.

We rode hard between us and eventually I pulled away to win on the final hill.’ Tanguy is now hoping he has done enough to secure a place in Jersey’s cycling team for the NatWest Island Games in late June and early July.

‘I’ve only raced once while I’ve been away; although I have competed in a several mountain bike races and I thoroughly enjoyed them.

‘The Easter Stage Race competition was good and I hope I’ve done enough to be included in Jersey’s team for Rhodes in the summer.’