WILTSHIRE cyclist Pete Kibble is looking forward to a successful racing season after the best experience of his fledgling career at the Commonwealth Games.

The 20-year-old, from the hamlet of New Zealand, near Calne, was out on the Gold Coast earlier this month as the youngest member of Team Wales’ road racing team.

And he has now returned home with a wealth of experience, and two encouraging performances to his name, after finishing 15th in the individual time trial and 41st in the road race.

Writing on his blog, Kibble said: “The Gold Coast has been the best few weeks I’ve ever had and the most incredible first Games experience.

“First of all, I’d like to thank all the people who have helped make it possible along the way, especially Welsh Cycling and Sport Wales who gave me this fantastic opportunity.

“Being one of the youngest on the team, I was pretty nervous and apprehensive of what to expect, racing such a stacked field, especially this early on in the year.

“All in all, it was just a great experience to be away with such a great bunch of people with such a good team atmosphere, having a real good laugh in the run up to the race and some celebrations post-race.

“Now I am very much looking forward to getting stuck into racing for the rest of the season.”

Kibble kicked off his Games campaign in the individual time trial, where he went out as Wales’ sole representative and recorded an impressive 15th place.

Australian Cameron Meyer took gold in front of a home crowd ahead of England’s Harry Tanfield and New Zealander Hamish Bond.

“I didn’t have the highest expectations going in as I’m not the most suited rider to a TT, being small and light,” said Kibble.

“However, after seeing the course and how lumpy it was, I was pleasantly surprised. It suited my strengths quite well.

“Pinning my number on and setting off down the start ramp in the national kit for the first time was such a fantastic feeling and filled me with pride. There was so much welsh support along the way which just motivated me even more.

“I just gave everything I had and emptied the tank. I was so happy to come away with 15th as this far exceeded my personal expectations.”

Kibble followed that up with a 41st place finish in the road race, where again there was a home victory for Australia as Steele von Hoff took gold.

Kibble’s Wales team-mate Jonathan Mould claimed silver, ahead of South African Clint Hendricks.

“The road race was always going to make for an unpredictable and very tough race, so our job was to cover all breakaways and make sure a Welsh rider was always represented up the road and look after our medal hopes in Luke Rowe and Jon Mould,” said Kibble.

“Australia controlled the race until the finish, trying to keep it together for a sprint. After covering little moves and getting into breakaways, I was spent coming into the last lap.

“My day was done with half a lap to go and I felt pretty satisfied that I’d given it my all for the role I’d been given.

“Coming into the finale, there was a very depleted group but in the dash for the line, Jon Mould managed to bag himself a silver medal. I was over the moon to hear this when I crossed the line.

“I am so pleased for him and it was a super special feeling to be part of such a great team. This was also great after Dani (Rowe) got a bronze medal in the ladies road race.”