HOLMFIRTH cyclist Jacob Scott has vowed to come back stronger after Lady Luck deserted him for the third time at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Turkey.

The 16-year-old had endured a mixed time on Trabzon’s roads before the final race, finishing Tuesday’s time trial in 37th before improving just 24 hours later to be sixth in the criterium.

But the former Holmfirth High School pupil’s final bid for a medal ultimately ended in disappointment as he finished 24th, just over a minute behind winning rider Ziga Rucigaj from Slovenia.

However, there was no dampening Scott’s mood with the teenager insisting he loved every second on the Black Sea coast, with the trip only leaving him hungry for more.

“Although my result wasn’t quite what I was hoping for I still really enjoyed myself out there and it was a fun circuit,” said Scott, who benefits from being on the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes Initiative.

“It was my final chance of a medal so I went out there trying to do just that and pushed as hard as I could in the hope of finishing high up the rankings.

“But it was a really tough race and there were a lot of good riders and some good breakaways and in the end I just couldn’t quite manage it.

“While it is disappointing to go home without a medal, I have still really enjoyed my time in Turkey and if anything, it has made me want it more.

“After missing out I will go away and work harder than before and hopefully I can have success the next time I do something like this.”

Despite leaving without a medal, Scott heads home with optimism.

He, Tao Geoghegan Hart and Christopher Lawless formed a strong team during the week.

And this new-found bond between the trio gives Scott the confidence that the future is bright with British cycling.

“The best part about the whole week is how well we have worked together as a three both in preparation and during the races,” he explained.

“Whenever there was a time I could help out Tao or Chris then I did just that and they did the same for me so that side of things worked really well and was very pleasing.

“This bodes well for the future and with us set to be together for a long time I am sure we can build on it.”

Lloyds TSB, in partnership with SportsAid, is providing awards of £1,000 to 344 emerging athletes on their journey to London 2012 and beyond. Follow your Lloyds TSB Local Hero athletes to watch at: www.facebook.com/lloydstsblocalheroesŠ