JOE NALLY enjoyed a European track cycling debut to remember by winning a silver medal for Great Britain.

The Charlestown rider, who turned 18 last week, was selected by British Cycling as part of the junior squad that is taking part in the UEC (European Cycling Union) Track Junior and Under-23 European Championships.

The competition, which runs until Sunday, has been taking place at the Sangalhos Velodrome in Anadia, Portugal, and the Hardie Bikes star was one of 16 riders chosen from British Cycling's Junior Academy.

Nally teamed-up with European junior team pursuit champion Fred Wright, junior Madison champion Rhys Britton and Jake Stewart for the junior men's team pursuit competition and the GB quartet posted the fourth-fastest time in qualifying.

Their effort of 1:02.004 put them behind Poland, Switzerland and Russia ahead of their first round heat with the Swiss.

Their time of 4:09.056 saw them safely through to the gold medal ride with Russia - who clocked 4:03.035 in their heat - and the GB four set a time of 4:08.652.

However, their opponents stopped the clock in 4:04.023 for victory but left Nally celebrating an impressive silver medal.