Co Tyrone cyclist following in brother's slipstream with French debut

A County Tyrone teenager is set to follow in his older brother's slipstream when he competes in France next month. Adam Rafferty is preparing to compete at the Tour du Valromey which is held over five days from July 13-17.

The 16-year-old will make his race debut in France with the Team 31 Jolly Cycles outfit. It will see Adam take on five mountainous stages covering approximately 500km.

Adam's brother Darren (18) took part in the event last year and currently rides for Hagens Berman in the Pro Continental series. Now it's the turn of the younger sibling to take on mountainous climbs including the Saint Germain Les Paroisses and Col de la Rochette.

"Darren and I both share the same coach and he used to race in France when he was younger. So he is well respected within French cycling," Adam, from Dungannon, said.

"I was riding well and managed to get into this year's team. We have a team of about 15 boys but only five of us are going to Valromey. That will be my first race in France.

"Every year the team takes an international rider. Two years ago it was a Japanese rider, and last year it was my brother. It is a proud moment for the family having both of us compete at the Valromey.

"Darren is doing really well, he has a pro contract and it worked well for him last year, so hopefully it works well for me, too. Darren is currently riding Pro Continental with an Under 23 American team., which is one level before the very top.

"That is potentially the next step for me, after I finish with junior level. That's the aim."

The 35th Ain Bugey Valromey Tour takes place over five days from July 13-17 and will feature 28 teams. There will be five mountainous stages every day, covering about 500km.

"This will be something completely